The iconic members of REO Speedwagon reunited in their beloved hometown of Champaign, Illinois, for a spectacular concert retrospective on Saturday night, June 14, celebrating their impressive, decades-long career in the music industry. This nostalgic event was not just a performance; it was a heartfelt homage to their journey, filled with memories that resonated with both the band and their loyal fans.
Attending the concert at the University of Illinois campus felt akin to being “Lost in a Dream,” as the musicians delivered a setlist that highlighted lesser-known tracks and deep cuts from the extensive REO Speedwagon catalog, including the titular song from their groundbreaking 1974 album. Below, you can find a complete setlist along with live video footage that captures the essence of that unforgettable night.
The evening at the State Farm Center also showcased many of the band’s timeless fan favorites, featuring massive hits like “Keep on Loving You” and several standout tracks from their iconic 1980 No. 1 album, Hi Infidelity. Other memorable songs included “Roll With the Changes” and “Time for Me to Fly.” For both REO Speedwagon enthusiasts and the band members, it was a euphoric experience. As bassist Bruce Hall remarked to UCR prior to the concert, it served as a bittersweet farewell, especially considering the band’s complicated decision to cease touring at the end of 2024.
Notably absent from the celebration was lead vocalist Kevin Cronin, who was engaged in the summer’s Brotherhood of Rock Tour alongside Styx and Don Felder. This absence raised questions among fans about how the remaining band members would fill that significant void. However, they had a remarkable surprise in store. The talented country-infused trio Levon joined in, bringing their exceptional three-part harmonies and impressive vocal prowess. This Nashville-based group, which has toured extensively with REO Speedwagon in the past, contributed to the familial atmosphere that permeated the night and delivered a powerful three-guitar sound.
Former vocalist Terry Luttrell, who played a pivotal role in the band’s self-titled debut album in 1971, opened the night with a captivating performance of four tracks alongside his REO Classics band, carefully selected from the band’s initial three albums. He was joined by early guitarist Steve Scorfina for a rendition of “Gypsy Woman’s Passion” from the debut album. As Luttrell shared with the audience, REO Speedwagon experienced numerous lineup changes in its formative years, particularly with guitarists. Scorfina entered the fold after being recommended by Michael McDonald, a St. Louis native who urged the group to consider his exceptional guitar skills.
The songs that would eventually make their way onto their debut album reflected the civil unrest and global turmoil that marked the era. “We became the poster boys for students of the democratic society right here on campus,” Luttrell recounted, introducing the poignant track “Anti-Establishment Man” from the group’s first record. “We played at rallies, atop rallies, out on the Quad. If there was a gathering, we were there, which inspired us to write protest songs during that tumultuous time.”
The concert was infused with storytelling that provided fresh context to the beloved songs from the band’s extensive catalog. They also paid tribute to two of their late members, guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath and bassist Gregg Philbin, with a formal plaque presentation to Richrath’s son, Eric, who flew in from Edinburgh, Scotland to join the REO alumni that very evening. “I’m not going to sit up here and talk too much,” he said with a smile. “We have a lot of music to perform. I think in this moment, my dad would likely say, ‘Let’s get back to the rock,’ so let’s do that.”
As the stage darkened, ominous sounds filled the arena, setting the scene for Richrath to take the spotlight and perform the REO Speedwagon classic “Ridin’ the Storm Out.” Hall, beaming with pride alongside fellow band members, keyboardist and co-founder Neal Doughty, co-founding drummer Alan Gratzer, and early vocalist Mike Murphy, radiated a sense of joy throughout the event. Remarkably, it was Gratzer’s first time performing songs from his former band’s catalog on stage in 37 years, and he showed no signs of rust or hesitation.
“I’ve been very happily retired,” Gratzer shared with the crowd following a performance of the band’s 1984 single “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” their second and final No. 1 hit. “Neal and I founded this band back in 1967, which many of you are aware of, over at Townsend Hall on the second floor. After our freshman year, we returned home for the summer, and I proposed that we form a band when we came back in the fall.” He tasked Doughty with learning the first Doors album. Initially, Gratzer filled in on vocals and bass while Doughty played drums, which sparked the creation of a “little cover band” that evolved through many lineup changes. Once Richrath joined, the band’s trajectory became legendary.
While Doughty humorously threatened to play drums, Gratzer took a page from Phil Collins‘ playbook for the concert, singing and drumming on a cover of “Twentieth Century Fox” to offer the audience a glimpse of what their journey could have been had they remained solely a cover band. The performance was impressive, but thankfully, they aspired to greater heights that eventually led to their chart-topping hits.
The ongoing conflict with Cronin that led to REO Speedwagon’s unexpected conclusion at the end of 2024 cast a shadow of melancholy over the evening. Nevertheless, Hall aimed to focus on the positive aspects of their journey, even as he grappled with his own emotions. “I want to share something with you. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, including me, remember that love has the power to heal,” he expressed. “I’m counting on that to make a difference for someone you know, as I miss you all too. These songs belong to all of us, and playing them brings joy.” However, he candidly acknowledged after performing “Keep on Loving You,” which followed his heartfelt message, “In reality, this is REO Speedwagon’s last show.”
If this truly marks the end, they departed with a dream setlist and a breathtaking performance. The guest appearances by Eric Richrath and Hall’s children, Sara and Timmy, added to the magic of the night. Together with the support of Levon and the remarkable assembly of past REO members, it felt like a genuine family reunion, filled with hope that this would not be the last chapter.
Watch Terry Luttrell and the REO Classics Band Perform ‘Golden Country’
Celebrating the Musical Legacy of REO Speedwagon, June 14, 2025, Champaign, Illinois: Complete Setlist
1. “Son of a Poor Man“
2. “Gypsy Woman’s Passion“
3. “Anti-Establishment Man“
4. “Golden Country“
5. “Ridin’ the Storm Out“
6. “Sing to Me“
7. “Let’s Be-Bop“
8. “Only the Strong Survive“
9. “Time for Me to Fly“
10. “Lost in a Dream“
11. “Can’t Fight This Feeling“
12. “Twentieth Century Fox” (Cover of Doors)
13. “Take it on the Run“
14. “Back on the Road Again“
15. “Keep on Loving You“
16. “Keep Pushin’“
17. “Don’t Let Him Go“
18. “Roll With the Changes“
19. “157 Riverside Avenue“
Ranking the Essential Albums of REO Speedwagon
The discography of REO Speedwagon is filled with remarkable highs and significant challenges. Here’s a ranked retrospective of their storied career.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
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