REO Speedwagon and Kevin Cronin Reunite for Surprise Concert

The iconic rock band honored late guitarist Gary Richrath with a special performance in their hometown of Peoria, Illinois.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Members of the classic rock band REO Speedwagon, including frontman Kevin Cronin, reunited for a surprise performance in Peoria, Illinois in March 2026. The concert was held to honor the memory of the band's late guitarist Gary Richrath, a Peoria native. The event featured a mix of REO Speedwagon hits and a cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria", with former vocalist Mike Murphy also joining the group on stage.

Why it matters

REO Speedwagon is one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from the Midwest, and their reunion concert in Peoria highlights the enduring legacy of the group and their connection to the local community. The tribute to Richrath, who was instrumental in shaping the band's sound, also underscores the importance of honoring the musical heritage and influence of artists from the region.

The details

The surprise reunion concert took place on March 7, 2026 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. In addition to Cronin, the performance featured drummer Alan Gratzer, bassist Bruce Hall, and keyboardist Neal Doughty - all original members of REO Speedwagon. Former vocalist Mike Murphy also joined the group, marking the first time he had ever performed with Cronin. Richrath's son, Eric, also took the stage with the band. The setlist included fan favorites like "Ridin' the Storm Out," "Take It on the Run," and "Roll With the Changes."

  • The surprise reunion concert took place on March 7, 2026.
  • The Peoria Riverfront Museum held a private gala event with 200 invited guests to celebrate the recent opening of the first-ever exhibit and tribute to Richrath.

The players

REO Speedwagon

An iconic American rock band that rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, known for hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling."

Kevin Cronin

The lead vocalist and frontman of REO Speedwagon, known for his powerful vocals and songwriting.

Gary Richrath

The former lead guitarist of REO Speedwagon, who was instrumental in shaping the band's sound and helping them transition from a bar band to an arena-rock powerhouse. Richrath was a Peoria native.

Mike Murphy

A former vocalist for REO Speedwagon, who replaced Kevin Cronin for a trio of albums in the 1970s.

Eric Richrath

The son of the late Gary Richrath, who joined the REO Speedwagon reunion concert to honor his father's legacy.

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What they’re saying

“Being back on stage with Mike, Kevin, Alan and Neal was awesome. Having Gary's son, Eric, join us made it all the more special.”

— Bruce Hall, Bassist, REO Speedwagon (Facebook)

“I'm not sure of the future of REO, but I can say that everyone was getting along well last night and shared a lot of smiles and good memories.”

— Eric Mills, Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria (UCR)

What’s next

The Peoria Riverfront Museum's new exhibit honoring Gary Richrath's legacy is set to remain open to the public.

The takeaway

The REO Speedwagon reunion concert in Peoria underscores the enduring appeal and influence of the band, as well as the importance of honoring the musical heritage and contributions of artists from the Midwest region. The event also suggests the possibility of more collaborative efforts between the band's members in the future.