Video and setlist of the first REO Speedwagon reunion in 37 years

It seemed that REO Speedwagon was over last year after disagreements between frontman Kevin Cronin and the other remaining original members led to the band breaking up and the vocalist announcing solo shows. The remaining members even performed a show without Kevin Cronin recently, but for the first time in 37 years the classic lineup reunited for a special concert in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, on September 27, during the University of Illinois Homecoming.

Kevin Cronin (vocals and guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards) and Alan Gratzer (drums) took part in the performance. Serving as grand marshals of the Illinois Homecoming Parade, they also took the field with over 400 members of the university’s marching band during halftime of the Homecoming game. They performed three tracks: “Riding’ The Storm Out”, “Roll With the Changes” and “157 Riverside Avenue”.

See the complete REO Speedwagon reunion performance

In an interview with WCIA News, the band talked about the performance and Cronin said they will see what might follow that performance. “The fans all around the country, they know that we’re going to be together for the first time in a long time. 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, I think it sends a message to the fans that you overcome whatever you got to overcome in the service of them, the fans and [also in order] to be here together in Champaign, where the band started,” Kevin Cronin said (Transcribed by Ultimate Classic Rock). Asked about future plans, the other members said that they don’t know what’s going to happen.