The Spark That Ignited a Musical Journey

In the quiet halls of the University of Illinois in 1966, Neal Doughty, born July 29, 1946, found his calling. A chance meeting with drummer Alan Gratzer sparked a friendship that would change rock history. Doughty, a keyboardist with a love for the Beatles, sat in with Gratzer’s local band, jamming to covers. Yet, it was a moment in a History of Transportation class that sealed their fate. Doughty spotted “R.E.O. Speed Wagon” scrawled on a blackboard, a nod to a 1915 truck. Instantly, he knew it was the perfect name for a rock band. Thus, the drive to create something unique, blending Midwestern grit with soaring melodies, pushed Doughty and Gratzer to pursue music relentlessly. Their passion for live performance, fueled by rowdy fraternity gigs, became the band’s heartbeat. Consequently, REO Speedwagon was born, a vehicle for their dreams.

A Thorough Biography of a Rock Institution

REO Speedwagon, formed in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967, began as a scrappy cover band. Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer, joined by guitarist Joe Matt and bassist Mike Blair, played campus bars. However, the lineup evolved quickly. By 1968, Terry Luttrell stepped in as lead vocalist, and Gregg Philbin replaced Blair on bass. Meanwhile, guitarist Gary Richrath joined in 1970, bringing a fiery edge. Signed to Epic Records in 1971, their debut album, R.E.O. Speedwagon, introduced “157 Riverside Avenue,” a live staple. Nevertheless, internal strife led to Luttrell’s exit in 1972, with Kevin Cronin, born October 6, 1951, taking the mic.

Cronin’s tenure was rocky at first. After recording R.E.O./T.W.O., he left during 1973’s Ridin’ the Storm Out due to creative clashes. Michael Bryan Murphy filled in for three albums, but Cronin returned in 1976, cementing his role. By 1977, bassist Bruce Hall, born May 3, 1953, joined, completing the classic lineup. Their breakthrough came with 1978’s You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish, followed by 1980’s Hi Infidelity, a juggernaut selling over 10 million copies. Consequently, REO became a household name, blending heartfelt ballads with hard rock.

The 1980s were their golden era, with hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” dominating charts. Yet, the late 1980s saw declining popularity. Gary Richrath left in 1989, replaced by Dave Amato, born March 3, 1953. Drummer Alan Gratzer retired in 1988, with Bryan Hitt, born January 5, 1954, taking over. Despite challenges, REO toured relentlessly, maintaining a loyal fanbase. In 2023, Doughty retired from touring, and Hall faced health issues, leading to the band’s dissolution in 2024. However, a one-off reunion in June 2025 in Champaign brought together past members, minus Cronin, for a nostalgic farewell.

Career Highlights and Band Connections

REO Speedwagon’s career spanned over five decades, marked by resilience and reinvention. Their early years were defined by regional success in the Midwest, playing bars and fraternities. After signing with Epic, their manager, Irving Azoff, later a music industry titan, helped elevate their profile. By the late 1970s, their live album Live: You Get What You Play For captured their raw energy, paving the way for mainstream success. Their most popular lineup included Neal Doughty (keyboards), Kevin Cronin (vocals, guitar), Gary Richrath (guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), and Alan Gratzer (drums), later replaced by Bryan Hitt.

REO collaborated with bands like Train, co-headlining the 2024 Summer Road Trip tour. Cronin’s friendships with artists like Styx’s Tommy Shaw made headlines, and he joined Styx and Don Felder for the 2025 Brotherhood of Rock tour. Additionally, REO appeared in a 2020 episode of Netflix’s Ozark, boosting their songs’ visibility. They also performed on MTV’s 40th anniversary special in 2021 alongside Billy Idol and Huey Lewis. Although nominated for a Grammy for Hi Infidelity, they never won, nor have they been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a point of fan contention.

Biggest Songs and Their Creators

• “Keep On Loving You”: Written by Kevin Cronin, this 1980 ballad hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Can’t Fight This Feeling”: Also penned by Cronin, this 1984 power ballad reached No. 1, a fan favorite.
• “Take It on the Run”: Gary Richrath wrote this 1980 rocker, peaking at No. 5, known for its raw energy.
• “Roll with the Changes”: Cronin’s 1978 anthem, a No. 58 hit, became a staple of their live shows.

Controversy and the Split That Shook Fans

In September 2024, REO Speedwagon announced they would cease touring by January 1, 2025, due to “irreconcilable differences.” The rift centered on bassist Bruce Hall’s recovery from back surgery in November 2023. Hall, sidelined for the summer tour, was replaced by Matt Bissonette. Although Hall insisted he was ready to return, the band, led by Cronin, felt his recovery wasn’t sufficient for their high-energy performances. Consequently, tensions boiled over, with Hall and Doughty attempting to keep the band alive, while Cronin’s emergency surgery in September 2024 added complexity. Hall’s heartfelt Facebook post revealed his heartbreak, stating, “Never ever thought it would end like this.” Meanwhile, Cronin’s absence from the June 2025 reunion concert in Champaign, where former members like Terry Luttrell and Mike Murphy performed, sparked fan outrage. Some called it a betrayal, arguing Cronin’s voice defined REO. Others supported his new path with Styx, highlighting the deep divide.

A Night to Remember in Champaign

On June 14, 2025, REO Speedwagon reunited for a final show in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, at the State Farm Center. Without Cronin, the stage glowed with nostalgia as Doughty, Hall, Gratzer, Luttrell, and others played deep cuts like “Son of a Poor Man” and “Golden Country.” However, the emotional peak came when Gary Richrath’s son, Eric, accepted a plaque honoring his late father. “Let’s get back to the rock,” Eric declared, igniting the crowd. Alan Gratzer, behind the drums, led a cover of The Doors’ “Twentieth Century Fox,” a nod to their cover-band roots. Yet, fans whispered about Cronin’s absence, a shadow over the night. Still, Bruce Hall’s words resonated: “Don’t forget that love will cure you.” For one night, REO’s legacy shone, a testament to their enduring spirit.

Legacy of a Rock Road Warrior

REO Speedwagon’s journey, from campus bars to global stages, reflects the grit of the American Midwest. Their music, blending heartfelt ballads with raw rock, captured millions of hearts. Despite the 2024 split, their songs remain timeless, echoing in classic rock radio and streaming playlists. Cronin’s new chapter with Styx keeps their spirit alive, while the Champaign reunion proved the band’s roots run deep. Consequently, REO’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the inevitable clashes that come with a 57-year ride. Fans still hope for a full reunion, but for now, REO Speedwagon’s music keeps on rolling.