REO Speedwagon’s Classic Lineup Reunites After 37 Years

After decades apart, the surviving members of REO Speedwagon’s classic late-’70s to mid-’80s lineup reunited publicly for the first time in 36 years.

Frontman Kevin Cronin, keyboardist Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, and drummer Alan Gratzer came together over the weekend during halftime at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s football game against the USC Trojans. The moment marked their first joint appearance since Gratzer stepped away from the band in 1988.

“A Springboard for Our Music”

Standing on the field, Cronin addressed the crowd with heartfelt appreciation.

“Hi, everybody. I’m Kevin,” he began. “On behalf of Alan, Neal, Bruce, and the entire REO Speedwagon family, I want to thank the people of Illinois, the city of Champaign-Urbana, and this great university for providing a springboard for our music that launched us on a mind-blowing musical experience. Thanks, you guys.”

The crowd was then treated to a coordinated halftime performance alongside the university’s massive 400-piece Marching Illini band. Together, they delivered a medley of REO classics, including Ridin’ the Storm Out—written by the band’s late guitarist Gary Richrath—along with Roll With the Changes and 157 Riverside Avenue.

Grand Marshals and Possible Reconciliation?

In addition to the halftime show, the reunited quartet also served as Grand Marshals in the university’s homecoming parade the previous Friday, making the weekend a full-circle moment for both the band and the Champaign-Urbana community where their journey first took off.

The reunion is especially notable given recent tensions within the group. In 2023, Cronin announced he would no longer tour under the REO Speedwagon name due to “irreconcilable differences” with longtime bandmate Bruce Hall. Cronin has since performed solo, though he’s admitted the venture hasn’t gained the traction he hoped for.

Whether this appearance signals a thaw in those long-standing differences remains to be seen—but it certainly raised eyebrows among fans hoping for a full-scale reunion.

Music and Football Magic

If nothing else, the band’s presence seemed to bring some luck to the home team. The Illinois Fighting Illini edged out a narrow 34-32 victory over USC, thanks in part to a standout performance from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns.

Whether the weekend’s reunion was a one-off celebration or the first step toward a full reconciliation, fans were reminded of the enduring chemistry that once powered REO Speedwagon through arena tours, chart-topping albums, and decades of American rock history.