REO Speedwagon's Classic Lineup Reunites with University of Illinois Marching Band: A Heartwarming Tribute to Their Roots
REO Speedwagon's classic lineup from 1977 to 1988, consisting of Kevin Cronin, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, and Alan Gratzer, reunited for the first time in over three decades to perform with the University of Illinois marching band during the Illini's homecoming halftime show in Champaign. The band, joined by the 400-piece Marching Illini, delighted fans with a medley of their popular hits, including "Ridin' the Storm Out," "Roll with the Changes," and "157 Riverside Avenue." This reunion was a significant moment, considering past tensions between Cronin and Hall that led to Cronin's exclusion from a previous reunion concert and the band's decision to take a touring hiatus after 2024. The performance not only celebrated REO Speedwagon's ties to the University of Illinois, where Doughty and Gratzer first formed the band as students, but also marked a memorable weekend where the band members served as Grand Marshals for the homecoming parade.
In a heartwarming reunion, the iconic members of REO Speedwagon's classic lineup came together once again to share their music with fans and pay tribute to their roots at the University of Illinois. The performance, which featured a collaboration with the talented Marching Illini, showcased the band's timeless hits and brought back cherished memories for both the musicians and the audience. Despite past conflicts and challenges, the band members put aside their differences to create a magical moment that will be remembered for years to come. The reunion not only highlighted the enduring legacy of REO Speedwagon but also served as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting connections.