Kevin Cronin, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall and Alan Gratzer, the surviving members of REO Speedwagon‘s classic lineup, teamed up with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign marching band for a special homecoming medley of REO Speedwagon classics. The classic line-up of  REO Speedwagon reunited for the first time in 37 years.

The freeze is over. Over the weekend, the four surviving members of REO Speedwagon’s classic 1977–1988 lineup came together at last.

Frontman Kevin Cronin, keyboardist Neal Doughty, bassist Bruce Hall, and drummer Alan Gratzer reunited during halftime at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s home football game against the USC Trojans — marking their first performance together since Gratzer’s retirement in 1988.

“Hi, everybody. I’m Kevin,” Cronin told the crowd. “On behalf of Alan, Neil, Bruce, and the entire REO Speedwagon family, I want to thank the people of Illinois, the city of Champaign-Urbana, and this great university for providing a springboard for our music that launched us on a mind-blowing musical experience. Thanks, you guys.”

The group then teamed up with the University’s 400-strong Marching Illini band for a tightly choreographed medley of three early REO Speedwagon staples: “Ridin’ the Storm Out” — penned by the classic lineup’s late guitarist Gary Richrath — along with “Roll With the Changes” and “157 Riverside Avenue”.

Past Friday, Cronin, Doughty, Hall, and Gratzer took on the role of Grand Marshals for the University’s homecoming parade.

Last year, Cronin revealed he would stop touring under the REO Speedwagon name, citing “irreconcilable differences” with longtime bassist Bruce Hall. He has since acknowledged that performing under his own name hasn’t brought the level of success he had anticipated.

Maybe the weekend’s events signal the first public move toward a full reconciliation.

Photo credit: YouTube, WCIA News