The lead singer of the classic rock band REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin, has reunited with his former bandmates following a turbulent breakup. This significant event took place over the weekend in their hometown, where Cronin joined Bruce Hall (former bassist), Neal Doughty (keyboardist), and Alan Gratzer (drummer) during the University of Illinois homecoming parade.
This reunion marks a notable occasion, particularly for Cronin and Hall, who disbanded the group last year due to “irreconcilable differences.” It was the first time all four musicians shared a stage since December 31, 1988. The gathering included a performance during halftime at a college football game against USC, where they played beloved REO Speedwagon hits like “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll With the Changes,” and “157 Riverside Avenue.”
Cronin, who spent the previous summer touring solo with Styx, had missed an earlier REO Speedwagon reunion event in June. At that time, he expressed feeling “deeply disturbed and hurt” by the scheduling conflict of the farewell concert. In a recent interview, however, he conveyed a more positive outlook on the band’s future.
“The fans all around the country know that we’re going to be together for the first time in a long time,” Cronin stated. He emphasized the enduring spirit of the band, saying, “REO Speedwagon has always stood for…we ride the storm out. We roll with the changes. We keep pushing.” He added that their presence together in Champaign, where the band originated, sends a strong message about overcoming challenges for the sake of their fans.
Speculation about future reunion events and potential tours lingered in the air following the performance. Doughty remarked, “One never knows,” while Gratzer humorously noted, “We can’t read the future, the magic ball.”
Gratzer, who co-founded REO Speedwagon in 1967 with Doughty, contributed to the band’s early songwriting and performed on numerous hits. He co-produced the band’s acclaimed 1980 album, “Hi Infidelity,” which achieved diamond certification, signifying over ten million sales.
Cronin joined REO Speedwagon shortly after the release of their debut album in 1972 and has led the band for more than five decades. He is known for his lead vocals on iconic tracks such as “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Roll with the Changes,” and “Keep the Fire Burnin’.”
The recent reunion not only rekindled past connections but also reignited hope among fans for future collaborations and performances from this legendary rock group.