CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The renowned band REO Speedwagon, originally from Champaign, is making a comeback to the University of Illinois campus for the Homecoming celebrations, with a familiar member rejoining them.
The legendary rock group will take on the roles of grand marshals in the Homecoming parade scheduled for September 26. Longtime lead vocalist Kevin Cronin will reunite with Alan Gratzer, Neal Doughty, and Bruce Hall for the occasion. Notably, Cronin was absent during their previous concert in June at the State Farm Center.
The band members will also be featured guests during the football gameday events on Sept. 27.
The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. on September 26, starting from the corner of Fourth Street and Kirby Avenue. It will move west on Gregory Drive before heading south on First Street. Following the parade, a celebration featuring food, music, and fireworks is planned in Lot 31.
During the Illinois vs. USC football game on September 27, band members will engage in the traditional air raid siren ceremony and will join Barry Houser and the Marching Illini for a halftime show. This show will spotlight a medley of REO Speedwagon’s popular hits.
“Being invited to Illinois Homecoming weekend is a true honor,” Gratzer expressed. “Champaign holds a special place in my heart from my time studying there, founding REO, and meeting Nancy, my wife, on campus. It’s puzzling she left her doctoral studies to move to California with a rock drummer. My college days at the U. of I. are filled with wonderful memories, and I’m eager to hear the Marching Illini perform REO songs.”
The band originated at U of I back in 1967 when founding members Doughty and Gratzer crossed paths during their initial week of classes in 1966 and began jamming together in the Illinois Street Residence Hall.
“Returning to campus for this event is really special for me because I was a proud member of the Belleville High School marching band and loved that experience,” Doughty said. “I was a pretty decent trumpet player but never would have reached the level of the Marching Illini. I have nothing but respect for what they do, and I know how hard they work. It will be a thrill to play alongside them.”
