Bruce Hall recently announced that REO Speedwagon will reunite with Kevin Cronin for upcoming University of Illinois homecoming events. This marks their first collaboration since the band ended touring last year. The announcement was shared on Bruce Hall’s Facebook page.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign revealed details about REO Speedwagon’s participation in their homecoming celebrations. Hall provided additional context about the band’s involvement.

“REO Speedwagon is coming back to campus, the place where it all began, to lead this year’s Illinois Homecoming Parade as our grand marshals on Friday, Sept. 26,” Hall shared. “The band members will also participate in game day as the pregame Siren Sounders and will take the field with Barry Houser and the Marching Illini to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind REO-themed halftime show that will feature a medley of the band’s hit songs.”

A fan asked specifically about Kevin Cronin’s participation in the reunion events. Hall confirmed the vocalist’s involvement.

“Yep, he agreed to come a couple of days ago,” Hall responded.

This reunion comes after a turbulent period for the legendary rock band. The group has faced internal challenges throughout 2024.

American Songwriter reported that the band’s farewell tour in 2024 was initiated due to “irreconcilable differences.” This led to some internal tensions, particularly concerning Kevin Cronin’s relationship with other members. The decision to end touring marked the conclusion of a decades-long career that began in the early 1970s when the band formed at the University of Illinois.

Earlier this year, several former band members reunited for a special concert honoring past REO members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. However, Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Cronin was notably absent from that event. He publicly expressed feeling “disturbed and hurt” by his exclusion from the reunion concert. The absence created additional strain within the band’s relationships during an already difficult period.

“I was disturbed and hurt that I wasn’t invited to participate in this reunion concert,” Cronin stated regarding his exclusion from the earlier tribute event.

American Songwriter revealed that Hall later clarified that Cronin was actually invited to that tribute event but faced scheduling conflicts and other issues. He emphasized that all members were encouraged to participate. Despite these clarifications, the incident highlighted the ongoing tensions that had been building within the group throughout their final touring year.

Kevin Cronin joined the band in the early 1970s. He is known for penning many of REO Speedwagon’s biggest hits including “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” He has continued his musical career touring with Styx and other acts since the band’s pause on touring. His participation in the upcoming University of Illinois homecoming events signals a notable reopening of collaboration within the band after months of uncertainty about their future together.