Four members of REO Speedwagon reunited for a special performance in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, on September 27. It was a joyous event, although all involved admit they’re uncertain if it will lead to more collaborations.

It has 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 joined by keyboardist Neal Doughty (who retired from the group in 2023) and drummer Alan Gratzer, who stepped away from REO in late 1988.

This reunion for the University of Illinois marked a memorable milestone, as it was the first time the four members had all performed together since December 31, 1988, according to Setlist.FM.

READ MORE: REO Speedwagon Plays Final Show

What Did REO Speedwagon Play During Their Reunion?

This was certainly an REO Speedwagon show that no one — not even the band members themselves — had ever experienced. 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.

The large ensemble helped the group deliver epic and choreographed versions of three fan favorites from their catalog: “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll With the Changes,” and “157 Riverside Avenue.” You can watch the performance below.

REO Speedwagon Performs With the Marching Illini in Champaign, Illinois

What’s Next For REO Speedwagon?

In a new interview leading up to that weekend’s events, Cronin referenced the band’s past work when discussing what the reunion meant. “The fans all around the country know that we’re going to be together for the first time in a long time,” he shared. “You know, REO Speedwagon has always stood for…we ride the storm out. We roll with the changes. We keep pushing. We’re a positive energy source, and that’s what the institution of REO Speedwagon has always stood for. So for the four of us to be here together sends a message to the fans that you overcome whatever you have to overcome in service of them, and [also in order] to be here together in Champaign, where the band started.”

All members smiled as they spoke about the weekend ahead and later what might follow. “You never know,” Doughty said when asked if this would be their last time together. “One never knows,” Gratzer added. “We don’t know. We can’t read the future; it’s like a magic ball,” he chuckled.

The reunion in Champaign marked the second time in recent months that Hall, Doughty, and Gratzer have been back in the area. They reunited with other former members of the group in June to play a special retrospective concert that at that time seemed like it might be their final swan song.

Although Cronin was unable to participate in that gig due to his commitment to the Brotherhood of Rock tour with Styx and Don Felder, he admitted in an August conversation with UCR that touring as the Kevin Cronin Band had been difficult.

“I don’t know what I want to do next,” he said at that time, acknowledging that he made the “heartbreaking” decision to dismantle his touring crew that had been with him for decades dating back to his REO days.

For now, there was visible unity. The singer stood with his former bandmates as a check for $50,000 was presented to the Moffitt Cancer Center. This donation resulted from funds raised during their previous concert in June.

REO Speedwagon, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, Set List:
1. “Ridin’ the Storm Out”
2. “Roll With the Changes”
3. “157 Riverside Avenue”