Four members of REO Speedwagon came back together for a special performance in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois on Sept 27. It was a joyous event, although all involved admit they’re uncertain if it will lead to more work together.
It’s now been a year since the band announced they would stop touring at the end of 2024 due to “irreconcilable differences” between the band’s frontman, Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. The pair were back together alongside keyboardist Neal Doughty (who retired from the group in 2023) and drummer Alan Gratzer, who stepped away from REO in late 1988.
All of this made their reunion for the University of Illinois a memorable milestone, as it was the first time the four members had all been together in a musical capacity since Dec. 31, 1988 according to Setlist.FM.
What Did REO Speedwagon Play During Their Reunion?
It was certainly an REO Speedwagon show that no one — not even the members of the band themselves — had ever witnessed. Tapped as grand marshals for the Illinois Homecoming Parade the previous day, Cronin, Hall, Gratzer and Doughty took the field with over 400 members of the university’s marching band, the Fighting Illini during halftime for the Homecoming Game…