REO Speedwagon Reunites to Honor Guitarist Gary Richrath

Members of the Midwestern classic rock band REO Speedwagon reunited on March 7 in Peoria, IL. Former members reunited for a tribute honoring late-great guitarist Gary Richrath in his hometown. Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970 and helped the band gain popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1980, REO Speedwagon released the group’s most successful album, High Infidelity. The album featured Gary Richrath’s “Take It On The Run” which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Gary Richrath, who passed away in 2015, was honored at an invitation-only gala at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

The Reunion Fans Have Been Waiting For

REO Speedwagon founding members, drummer Alan Gratzer and keyboardist Neal Doughty, performed at the gala. The two formed the group in their college dorm room at the University of Illinois in 1967. They were joined by lead singer and songwriter Kevin Cronin and bass player Bruce Hall. Cronin joined the group in 1972 and again in 1975, penning 2 No. 1 hits for the group. “Keep on Loving You” hit No. 1 in March 1981, and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” hit No. 1 in March 1985. Eventually, Bruce Hall joined the group on bass guitar in 1977. Hall toured with the band until 2023. They were joined on stage by Gary Richrath’s son, Eric Richrath, playing guitar. Former lead singer Mike Murphy also joined the group on stage.

Additionally, the local band Revel in Red sat in with the group, contributing lead guitar and additional vocals. Among the songs performed were Richrath-penned fan favorites “Ridin’ The Storm Out” and “Take It On The Run.” Mike Murphy sang “Ridin’ The Storm Out” on the record in 1974, though the 1977 LIVE cut is the band’s most popular version of the song with Kevin Cronin. Together on stage for the first time, Murphy and Cronin shared the mic on the REO Speedwagon classic, giving fans the best of both worlds. The group also performed a cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” and the 1978 REO hit “Roll With The Changes.”

REO Speedwagon Ended Nearly 50 Years of Touring in 2025

The reunion shocked many REO Speedwagon fans, as controversy and disagreements shook the band in recent years. Original drummer Alan Gratzer stepped away from the group in 1988, and Gary Richrath departed in 1989. With Bryan Hitt on drums and Dave Amato on guitar, REO continued to tour until 2025. In 2023, bassist Bruce Hall underwent back surgery. Hall expected to return to touring with the group, but lead singer Kevin Cronin decided to continue with replacement Matt Bissonette. Cronin sought to ensure they could fulfill the commitments to scheduled dates and wasn’t sure if Hall was ready to return. Hall was sure he was ready and both took to the media expressing their differences in opinion.

Ultimately, it was determined that with the irreconcilable differences, REO Speedwagon would end their touring career in January 2025. Lead singer Kevin Cronin created The Kevin Cronin Band, touring with the REO Speedwagon lineup from their 2024 tour.

Despite the controversy, fans were shocked when the group reunited for an on-field performance at a University of Illinois football halftime show in September 2025. Members of the band appeared on the field, playing along with the 400-member Marching Illini marching band.

At Peoria’s Riverfront Museum, Gary Richrath’s iconic guitars were put on display. Some of his signature Les Paul’s, his St. Louis-built Worthington guitar used on Live InFidelity, his Fender No-caster, and a Martin acoustic guitar were added to the museum showcase. The guitars on display show the wear and tear of the guitar player’s nearly 20-year touring career with the band.