Kevin Cronin recently discussed the possibility of a REO Speedwagon reunion. He shared his optimistic outlook following a recent gathering with his former bandmates, as reported on Rock and Roll High School.
The REO Speedwagon frontman reflected on his latest reunion with former bandmates in September when they served as grand marshals for the Illinois Homecoming Parade. He expressed hope about the band’s future.
“The ice has got to melt. Because to have REO Speedwagon sitting there with people that really want to come out and see an REO Speedwagon show and to not be able to do it, there’s just going to have to be some meeting in the middle somewhere. Some melting of some ice, some getting over some hurdles,” Cronin said.
Cronin elaborated on the recent gathering and its positive impact on the band members’ relationships.
“I’m not sure exactly how things are going to shake out. I know that Bruce and Neil and Alan and I all gathered in Champaign, Illinois, a couple of weeks ago to be honored by the Marching Illini at the halftime of the Illinois football game,” he continued. “We did prove that our history and all that we shared and the friendship between us kind of [overrode] the issues that we’ve been having.”
The reunion exceeded Cronin’s expectations and reminded him of the band’s former dynamic.
“It exceeded my expectations. We kind of fell into the roles that we all had back in the day, and we didn’t really get hung up on what’s happened over the past couple of years, the problems that have arisen, and everybody got along fine. I take that as a win,” he said.
The positive experience has left Cronin feeling hopeful about REO Speedwagon’s future prospects.
Cronin’s optimistic comments come after a turbulent period for the legendary rock band. The band has faced significant internal challenges in recent years.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that REO Speedwagon announced their touring hiatus in September 2024 due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. The band played their final show on December 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. Following the split, Cronin transitioned to the Kevin Cronin Band, touring with acts like Styx and Don Felder. Neal Doughty had already retired from touring in 2023.
The September 2025 reunion Cronin referenced was particularly significant as it marked the first time the classic lineup—Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall, Neal Doughty, and Alan Gratzer—had shared a stage since 1988. AXS TV noted that this emotional performance took place on September 27, 2025, during the University of Illinois homecoming halftime show in Champaign.
The reunion was preceded by another significant event in June 2025. Hall, Doughty, and Gratzer performed a retrospective concert in the same area, though Cronin was notably absent due to tour commitments. That performance included a $50,000 donation to Moffitt Cancer Center, demonstrating the band members’ continued commitment to charitable causes despite their personal differences.
However, tensions have persisted even around these reunion efforts. Reports indicate that Cronin claimed exclusion from the June event due to scheduling conflicts. Hall maintained that Cronin was invited to participate virtually, highlighting the ongoing relational rifts within the band. Despite these challenges, no further reunions or touring plans for the immediate future have been confirmed beyond these one-off events. Cronin has expressed uncertainty about his next steps after dismantling his long-term crew.
