Recording over a dozen songs to hit the Top 40, REO Speedwagon spent nearly 60 years touring the world, sharing hits like “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.” Releasing 16 studio albums during that time, the band sold over 40 million records. While their legacy continued on, the band, founded by Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Joe Matt, and Mike Blair, decided to stop touring in 2024. But barely a year later, former band members reunited for one last concert, but not every member was there.
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On Saturday, members of REO Speedwagon throughout the years joined forces on the stage. That included Gratzer, Mike Murphy, Bruce Hall, Terry Lutrell, Steve Scorfina, and Doughty. But for fans who attended, they quickly noticed that Kevin Cronin was nowhere to be seen. Serving as the lead vocalist for decades, some fans believed he would make an appearance. But looking into the past, when REO Speedwagon decided to stop touring, they did so because of “irreconcilable differences.”
[RELATED: Kevin Cronin Admits Things “Got Ugly” Leading Up to REO Speedwagon’s Demise]
Fans Torn Over REO Speedwagon Without Kevin Cronin
Outside of performing “Time for Me to Fly” and “Roll With the Changes”, REO Speedwagon also used the concert to talk to the fans. Sharing stories and memorable moments throughout the band’s history, the concert seemed like the perfect farewell concert. And throughout the night, the band also honored members who passed away – Gregg Philbin and Gary Richrath.
Wanting to honor Richrath’s contributions to REO Speedwagon, the members offered a plague to his son, Eric. Besides getting a chance to perform “Ridin’ the Storm Out” with the group, Eric didn’t waste a great deal of time on his speech. He declared, “We’ve got a lot of music to get to. I think in this moment, my dad would probably say, ‘Let’s get back to the rock,’ so let’s do that.”
As for fans, some took issue with Cronin not taking part, writing, “Terrible without Kevin Cronin.. it’s his voice that identifies REO SPEED WAGON.. Disappointed with the reunion.. not happening.” Another person said, “I saw The Kevin Cronin Band with Styx in Denver last week at Fiddler’s Green and they played the REO hits. Great concert”.
While fans were split over the concert, the night was the end of a legacy. But thanks to their discography, REO Speedwagon will never be forgotten.
(Photo by Larry Marano/Shutterstock)
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