Kevin Cronin & REO Speedwagon Alumni Reunite in Peoria for Gary Richrath Tribute Concert

REO Speedwagon alumni reunited on March 7 in Peoria, Illinois, for a private tribute concert honoring late guitarist Gary Richrath. Kevin Cronin joined drummer Alan Gratzer, bassist Bruce Hall, and keyboardist Neal Doughty for the event, which was staged during an invitation-only gala at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

The set focused on core REO material tied to the band’s classic catalog. Songs performed included “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Take It on the Run,” and “Roll With the Changes,” along with a cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria.” Former REO vocalist Mike Murphy also appeared, and Gary Richrath’s son Eric took part during the night.

The timing mattered. The concert landed just days after the launch of the museum’s “RICHRATH” exhibition, which runs from Feb. 28 through April 5, 2026. The exhibit frames Richrath as a central figure in the band’s growth and in the broader Midwestern rock sound that emerged from Illinois club circuits into arena-level success.

Museum text describes Richrath’s early years in Peoria, including his regional band work before joining REO Speedwagon in 1970. It also highlights his role as lead guitarist and songwriter during the band’s rise and includes instruments and artifacts connected to his career.

The Peoria appearance was also notable because the band’s touring chapter had effectively closed in 2025 after public internal conflict. Against that backdrop, this reunion was structured as a tribute night rather than a tour announcement, with the focus centered on Richrath’s legacy and hometown ties.

For longtime fans, the concert delivered something rare: multiple eras of REO sharing one stage in a single-room setting instead of an arena run. The mix of founding-era players, later-era frontman vocals, and family participation gave the event the tone of a memorial celebration rather than a commercial comeback.

Peoria itself was central to the story. Richrath’s local roots were the reason the event happened there, and the museum framing made that explicit — this was a city-level cultural tribute as much as a band reunion. In practical terms, it connected local history, rock history, and fan memory in one night.

No wider reunion dates have been announced. As it stands, the March 7 concert functions as a one-off honor event: a high-interest REO onstage crossover built around Gary Richrath’s impact, not a confirmed relaunch of regular touring activity.