CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kevin Cronin has expressed feeling “disturbed and hurt” after being “knowingly excluded” from the upcoming REO Speedwagon hometown reunion concert in June.
The concert, set for June 14, will bring together six former members of the band — Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina — for a one-time “retrospective” performance in Champaign, Illinois. The event will include special guests and a tribute segment honoring the late Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. Proceeds will benefit the REO Speedwagon Foundation for genitourinary cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Cronin’s absence from the lineup was notable when the event was announced. The former frontman expressed his frustration, stating he is tired of being portrayed negatively in this situation.
In response to his exclusion, Cronin commented on a recent Facebook post about his participation in the 2026 Rock Legends Cruise. “The organizers of the Champaign event could have picked a date when all of the former members of REO were available to participate,” Cronin wrote. “Instead, they chose June 14, 2025, a date when it was public knowledge that I was previously committed to perform with Styx and the Kevin Cronin Band in Bend, Oregon. Bottom line, I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in person. And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this.”
Cronin further stated: “After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy. Instead, I have been knowingly excluded.” He also noted disappointment that “35-year REO veterans Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt were not even shown the respect of being invited to the Champaign event.”
REO Speedwagon announced a sudden stop to touring in late 2024, citing “irreconcilable differences” related to Hall’s delayed return to the stage.
Cronin remains active in keeping the band’s music alive, touring with the same lineup from REO’s final show in December. He played his first post-REO concert last month, describing it to UCR as an “exciting, if bittersweet” experience.
Cronin will continue touring throughout the spring and summer with Styx and Don Felder, performing REO Speedwagon’s “Hi Infidelity” album in its entirety.
