On June 14, 2025, rock fans in Champaign, Illinois witnessed a rare and emotional reunion as REO Speedwagon returned to their roots for a one-night-only performance at the State Farm Center.
The show brought together past and present members — including Bruce Hall, Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, Steve Scorfina and others — for what many described as a celebration of the band’s long legacy. Notably absent was frontman Kevin Cronin, who said prior commitments prevented him from attending.
The evening carried both nostalgia and poignancy. For the first time in 37 years, drummer Alan Gratzer played REO songs live, while the band paid tribute to late members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. Richrath’s son, Eric, was flown in from Scotland to receive a plaque honoring his father’s contributions.
“As hard as it’s all been for everybody … I think these songs belong to all of us,” bassist Bruce Hall told the crowd. “In order to be here together in Champaign, where the band started.”
The performance doubled as a farewell, with proceeds supporting the REO Speedwagon Foundation for cancer research. Fans were treated to some of the band’s most beloved songs, including:
Set List (Champaign, Illinois – June 14, 2025):
- Ridin’ the Storm Out
- Roll With the Changes
- 157 Riverside Avenue
Though brief, the set carried the energy and passion that made REO one of America’s most enduring rock bands. The night was less about closure and more about honoring a shared history — a reminder of the bond between a band and the town where it all began.
