Bruce Hall recently responded to fan inquiries about REO Speedwagon’s future following the band members’ appearance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Homecoming parade. He shared his thoughts in a Facebook post.

Hall began by expressing his excitement about the event, noting that he had an amazing experience with the University of Illinois Marching Illini. However, a fan’s question led him to open up about the group’s potential reunion. When asked whether REO Speedwagon was finished or planning to continue, Hall gave a candid reply.

“Not sure to be honest,” Hall said. “Alan, Neal and I would love to tour! We need Kevin to join us. Hopefully he will want to as well.”

His comments indicate that while three members are eager to tour again, the future of a reunion largely depends on Kevin Cronin’s involvement. Hall’s remarks follow a historic reunion performance that rekindled fans’ hopes for more appearances by the classic lineup.

According to Rock and Roll Garage, the original lineup—Kevin Cronin on vocals and guitar, Bruce Hall on bass, Neal Doughty on keyboards, and Alan Gratzer on drums—came together for a special performance during the University of Illinois Homecoming event in late September 2025. It was the first time all four had shared the stage since 1988.

Serving as grand marshals of the parade, the band performed with more than 400 members of the university’s marching band during halftime. Their setlist included timeless hits like “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Roll With the Changes,” and “157 Riverside Avenue.”

The reunion fueled optimism about the possibility of a farewell tour. WIXY reported that Kevin Cronin mentioned they would “see what might follow the performance,” emphasizing the positive energy and commitment to fans. However, Cronin is currently touring with his own group, the Kevin Cronin Band, which features former REO Speedwagon members Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt as part of “The Brotherhood of Rock Tour” alongside Styx and Don Felder.

Ultimate Classic Rock added that another version of REO Speedwagon—featuring Bruce Hall, Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina—has plans for a one-off concert in Champaign in June 2025. The show will raise funds for the REO Speedwagon Foundation and will not include Kevin Cronin.

Whether a full reunion tour will happen remains uncertain as the band members continue to balance their individual musical projects.

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REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin recently spoke about the band’s future and their dedication to fans in an exclusive interview with WCIA News. The discussion took place ahead of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Homecoming weekend.

Cronin’s remarks were prompted by questions about the band reuniting for the special event, as the members no longer perform together regularly. When asked, “What’s it mean to have all of you guys back together right here this weekend?” Cronin offered a heartfelt reflection on the group’s enduring spirit.

“To me it’s to, you know, the fans all around the country. They know that we’re going to be together for the first time in a long time,” Cronin said. “And 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.”

Cronin highlighted the importance of the band’s unity and their deep connection to their fans. “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 to be here together in Champagne where the band started,” he continued.

The reunion represents a special milestone for REO Speedwagon fans, bringing the members back to their hometown of Champaign for the university’s homecoming festivities.

This gathering carries added weight given the band’s recent changes and the end of their touring era. According to AXS TV, REO Speedwagon officially stopped touring as of January 1, 2025, citing internal differences and member retirements. The move ended decades of live performances, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of a band that entertained millions worldwide.

The group’s final show under the REO Speedwagon name took place on December 21, 2024, at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas — a farewell performance confirmed by AXS TV. This last concert marked the conclusion of their touring career, making the University of Illinois reunion even more meaningful for loyal fans.

Although the touring days of REO Speedwagon have ended, Kevin Cronin continues to celebrate the band’s legacy. AXS TV reported that Cronin now fronts the Kevin Cronin Band, performing REO classics alongside new musicians and touring with acts such as Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder.

The band’s evolution mirrors the natural progression of veteran rock groups — with founding members exploring new directions while staying connected to the music that shaped their careers. For REO Speedwagon fans, Cronin’s message at the homecoming serves both as a farewell to the classic lineup and as a promise that the band’s spirit will live on through new ventures.

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Bruce Hall recently responded to fan concerns about performing with Kevin Cronin. He issued a statement on Facebook clarifying the circumstances of their upcoming appearance together.

The message came after some fans criticized the reunion, noting they had boycotted past tours in support of Hall. One fan commented on his post, saying, “We literally boycotted our favorite band’s summer tour (Styx) for you because of what Kevin did to you… And now we are supposed to support him again? I’m good.”

In his reply, Hall explained, “This isn’t REO reuniting to tour. This is an event for the university that Alan, Neal, and I confirmed to play in June. Kevin confirmed literally 3 days ago.”

He acknowledged the difficult circumstances but emphasized his perspective: “While we haven’t spoken in over a year, me trying to block his participation in an REO performance would be hypocritical. That being said, I personally can’t thank you all enough for your love and support.”

The upcoming University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Homecoming performance marks an important moment for the band, bringing together members who have not played together in years. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the group will return to its roots as grand marshals of the Illinois Homecoming Parade on September 26, 2025, and collaborate with the Marching Illini on a halftime show featuring a medley of REO Speedwagon hits.

The event is especially meaningful since the band first formed at the university in 1967. Founding members Neal Doughty (keyboardist) and Alan Gratzer (drummer) will appear alongside Hall and Cronin. Rock and Roll Globe highlighted the rarity of this original lineup sharing the stage again, noting it contrasts with the band’s history of shifting lineups over the decades.

This special appearance follows a turbulent period for REO Speedwagon. The Music Universe reported that the band stopped touring earlier in 2025 due to conflicts between Hall and Cronin surrounding Hall’s back surgery recovery and readiness to return to the stage. The split left fans divided and uncertain about what was ahead.

Cronin expressed gratitude for the reunion, stating, “I’m honored by the invitation and the opportunity to reunite for this special university event.” He also emphasized the importance of the gathering after so many years apart from his former bandmates.

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Kevin Cronin recently commented on his role in the upcoming University of Illinois homecoming halftime show, offering clarification in a Facebook statement.

Earlier, Bruce Hall had announced that REO Speedwagon members would reunite with Cronin for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign homecoming celebration. Cronin’s remarks, however, indicate that while he will attend, he may not perform alongside his former bandmates.

“Hi Friends, I am honored to have been approached by representatives of the University of Illinois, and invited to appear on the field for the Homecoming Game halftime show on September 27,” Cronin said. “The Marching Illini will be performing three REO Speedwagon songs, as Alan, Neal, and Bruce play along; it has been too many years to count since the four of us have all been together!”

Cronin expressed gratitude for the tribute being organized in his honor. “As a songwriter, there are few greater honors than to hear other artists and musicians perform my songs,” he added. “I know I will be looking on in awe as the four hundred-plus Marching Illini pay tribute to the music of REO Speedwagon with an all-REO halftime presentation.”

The statement confirms that Cronin will be present at the September 27 homecoming game, though it suggests he may simply be observing rather than performing with the other REO Speedwagon members.

The event is particularly meaningful for the band, as it symbolizes a return to their roots. According to University of Illinois News, REO Speedwagon was formed there in 1967 when Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer met during their first week of classes and began playing together.

Cronin’s uncertain level of participation may be tied to the band’s current situation. The Los Angeles Times reported that REO Speedwagon plans to stop touring after 2025 due to health issues, including Bruce Hall’s back problems and Cronin’s surgery. These struggles have led to “irreconcilable differences” and a halt in their touring career. While Hall has expressed a desire to keep performing, Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the group collectively decided not to tour at the intensity fans expect, which may explain the ambiguity about future performances.

The homecoming festivities extend beyond the halftime show. University of Illinois News confirmed that longtime members Bruce Hall, Alan Gratzer, Neal Doughty, and Kevin Cronin will all return as grand marshals of the homecoming parade and participate in gameday events, celebrating their deep connection to the university.

The September 27 celebration will highlight the lasting influence of REO Speedwagon’s music, with the Marching Illini’s 400-plus members performing three of the band’s classics in what is expected to be a moving homecoming for both the musicians and their fans.

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Bruce Hall recently announced that REO Speedwagon will reunite with Kevin Cronin for the upcoming University of Illinois homecoming celebrations. This will be their first collaboration since the band concluded touring last year.

Hall shared the news on his Facebook page, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign released further details on REO Speedwagon’s involvement.

Hall explained, “REO Speedwagon is coming back to campus, the place where it all began, to lead this year’s Illinois Homecoming Parade as our grand marshals on Friday, Sept. 26. The band members will also participate in game day as the pregame Siren Sounders and will take the field with Barry Houser and the Marching Illini to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind REO-themed halftime show that will feature a medley of the band’s hit songs.”

When asked by a fan about Kevin Cronin’s participation, Hall confirmed the vocalist’s involvement: “Yep, he agreed to come a couple of days ago,” Hall replied.

The reunion follows a turbulent period for the iconic rock band, which has experienced internal struggles throughout 2024. According to American Songwriter, their farewell tour that year was prompted by “irreconcilable differences.” These tensions particularly affected Cronin’s relationship with fellow members and ultimately ended a touring career that had begun in the early 1970s at the University of Illinois.

Earlier in 2024, some former members came together for a tribute concert honoring Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. Cronin was absent, a fact noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. He later admitted he felt “disturbed and hurt” over being excluded: “I was disturbed and hurt that I wasn’t invited to participate in this reunion concert.”

His absence further strained the band’s relationships during an already difficult time. Hall later clarified to American Songwriter that Cronin had, in fact, been invited but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and other issues. Despite this, the episode underscored the underlying frictions that marked their final touring year.

Kevin Cronin, who joined REO Speedwagon in the early 1970s, is known for writing some of the band’s greatest hits, including “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” He has continued performing with Styx and other acts since the group stepped back from touring. His confirmed role in the University of Illinois homecoming events signals a significant step toward renewed collaboration for the band after months of uncertainty about their future.

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