Members of the classic rock band REO Speedwagon reunited with longtime frontman Kevin Cronin for a special one-night performance on March 7, 2026, in Peoria, Illinois.
The emotional reunion took place during an event celebrating the opening of a museum exhibit dedicated to the band’s late guitarist Gary Richrath, honoring his lasting influence on the group and classic rock history.
A Rare Reunion After Years of Tension
The concert was particularly meaningful because it brought together members who had experienced significant disagreements in recent years.
REO Speedwagon officially stopped touring in 2025 after internal conflicts between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall made continuing as a touring band impossible.
Despite those tensions, the musicians set aside their differences to come together for this tribute performance, emphasizing the importance of honoring Richrath’s legacy and the band’s shared history.
A Tribute to Gary Richrath
Richrath was one of the most important figures in REO Speedwagon’s success. As the band’s lead guitarist and a key songwriter, he helped shape their signature sound during the group’s most successful era.
Songs such as “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Take It on the Run” became staples of classic rock radio and cemented the band’s place in rock history.
The Peoria event marked the opening of a Gary Richrath exhibit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, which celebrates his life, career, and influence as a guitarist.
Who Took Part in the Performance
The reunion brought together several notable members and former members of the band, including:
- Kevin Cronin – vocals and guitar
- Bruce Hall – bass
- Neal Doughty – keyboards
- Alan Gratzer – drums
- Mike Murphy – former vocalist
- Eric Richrath – Gary Richrath’s son
Together they performed classic REO Speedwagon songs in tribute to the late guitarist and to the band’s decades-long legacy.
Another Step in REO’s Recent Reunions
This performance followed another emotional moment in September 2025, when several classic members reunited during a University of Illinois homecoming celebration, performing songs such as “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll With the Changes,” and “157 Riverside Avenue.”
That event marked the first time key members had shared a stage together since 1988, making the Peoria show another rare chapter in the band’s history.
The Legacy of REO Speedwagon
Formed in the late 1960s, REO Speedwagon became one of the biggest arena rock bands of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their 1980 album Hi Infidelity sold more than 10 million copies and produced hit singles such as “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It on the Run.”
Though the band may no longer tour regularly, moments like the Peoria reunion show demonstrate how deeply their music still resonates with fans.
A Night of Nostalgia and Respect
The March 2026 performance wasn’t about launching a full reunion tour. Instead, it served as a heartfelt celebration of the musicians who built REO Speedwagon’s legacy—and a tribute to Gary Richrath, whose guitar playing helped define the band’s golden era.
For fans in attendance, it was a rare chance to witness the band’s classic lineup share the stage once again and relive the songs that made REO Speedwagon a cornerstone of classic rock.
