Legendary Classic Rock Band Reunites for Farewell Concert, Minus Key Member
Current and former members of the iconic classic rock band REO Speedwagon gathered at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois on Saturday, June 14, 2025, for a special career retrospective concert that also served as a farewell to their dedicated fans after they stopped touring in 2024.
Key members of the band throughout the years reunited for the event, including keyboardist and co-founder Neal Doughty, co-founding drummer Alan Gratzer, early vocalist Mike Murphy, longtime bassist Bruce Hall, early lead vocalist Terry Lutrell, and early guitarist Steve Scorfina. Noticeably missing was Kevin Cronin, who was the band's lead vocalist from 1972 until 2024, when the band announced they would stop touring due to "irreconcilable differences."
Despite the absence, the band hosted a legendary night for fans, playing some of their most popular tracks, like "Keep on Loving You," "Roll With the Changes," and "Time for Me to Fly," according to Ultimate Classic Rock. They also played some deeper cuts that the most long-term, committed followers would appreciate.
The experience was more than just a reunion concert; the band shared stories and added context about their songs throughout the evening, and invited up members of other bands members founded through the years. They also honored two late members: guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath and bassist Gregg Philbin.
One special moment included the band presenting Richrath's son, Eric, with a commemorative plaque. "I'm not going to sit up here and babble," he said upon receiving the touching gift. "We've got a lot of music to get to. I think in this moment, my dad would probably say, 'Let's get back to the rock,' so let's do that." He then joined the band playing guitar while they performed "Ridin' the Storm Out."
Other surprise guests included Hall's kids, Sara and Timmy, and country trio Levon, who brought incredible harmonized vocals to fill in some of the gaps. The band toured extensively with REO Speedwagon over the years, so they were a friendly face for longtime fans.
Some band members, like Gratzer, hadn't performed REO Speedwagon's songs on stage in nearly four decades, but the performance went off without a hitch. "I've been very happily retired," he joked with fans on stage.
Hall previously spoke of the performance as a way for the band to get "closure" after coming to an abrupt and unexpected end, saying that they wanted "to say goodbye to the fans and thank you for all of the years."
However, he admitted at the farewell concert that it was bittersweet. "In all reality, this is REO's last show," he said. "As hard as it's all been for everybody, including me, don't forget that love will cure you."
"I'm counting on that," he added. "It should hopefully make a difference in somebody close that you know, because I miss you too. I think these songs belong to all of us and it's fun playing them."
Legendary Classic Rock Band Reunites for Farewell Concert, Minus Key Member first appeared on Parade on Jun 15, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle's Former BFF Going Through Major Life Change: Report
Meghan Markle's Former BFF Going Through Major Life Change: Report originally appeared on Parade. Jessica Mulroney has reportedly split from her husband of 16 years, Ben Mulroney. On July 29, Page Sixreported the news and said that Jessica, 45, has taken off her wedding ring. "They're split. Jessica seemed sad, but also relieved to have some clarity," a Canadian source told the outlet, while another source said the pair separated "some time ago." A source also confirmed the reported breakup to Us Weekly. In Instagram selfies posted on June 28 and July 24, the Canadian fashion stylist did not appear to be wearing her wedding band. However, Jessica did share a birthday tribute for Ben, 49, on March 12, writing, "Happy belated Birthday Benny! Hope all your wishes come true as well as Bruce Wayne's dream to try my cheesecake. Xx." The former best friend of Meghan Markle also celebrated the pair's wedding anniversary via Instagram with a series of sweet photos on November 17, 2024, admitting that they had forgotten about the special day. "Ok so our wedding anniversary was a slight oversight this year ( ie… we forgot). But the love all year round makes up for it," she wrote. "Which reminds me, how many years has it been @benmulroney? I feel lucky everyday so what's a number?" Jessica and Ben—who works as a radio host and is the eldest son of late former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney—tied the knot in 2008 after having met as teenagers. In a heartfelt 2018 Instagram post, the marketing consultant detailed the pair's love story. "We met when I was 14 years old. He was of course MUCH older. Ben's family moved back from Ottawa to MONTREAL four blocks away from my family's home. We met. We hung out. We kept in touch through so many moves and failed relationships," she wrote. "12 years later, we went on our first date. (thanks to my sister Liz for pushing me to go). It was the best date of my life. 9 months later we were engaged. 9 months after that married. "It was a beautiful wedding (if you were there, highly likely you don't remember it) I was lucky enough to inherit the most wonderful in laws (brothers and sisters included) imaginable. "We had twin boys. Then a little girl. We've worked hard. We've laughed harder. And we will continue to make the most wonderful memories. "I felt like the luckiest girl ten years ago. I feel even luckier now. Ben, you are and will always be, my everything. Hopefully we will get to see the whole world together. Until then Australia." The pair welcomed their twin sons, Brian and John, in August 2010. Their daughter Isabel was born in June 2013. Jessica and Markle, 43, were once close friends, but haven't been spotted together in quite some time. Their reported rift allegedly began in June 2020, when Canadian lifestyle influencer Sasha Exeter publicly accused Jessica of showing "textbook white privilege" and "very problematic behavior and antics," People reported. In September 2020, Jessica took to her Instagram Stories to seemingly deny a falling out with Markle. "I'm going to tell this once and for all. Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me everyday. Tabloid culture is atrocious. It creates lies and hurtful storyline[s]. Stop feeding into it. Done," she said, according to People. However, the former best friends "haven't been seen publicly together in years," per the outlet. Meghan Markle's Former BFF Going Through Major Life Change: Report first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tim McGraw's Unrecognizable New Look Has Fans Hot and Bothered
Tim McGraw's Unrecognizable New Look Has Fans Hot and Bothered originally appeared on Parade. Country singer and actor Tim McGraw has been in the spotlight for 31 years now, so fans have seen him through a lot of phases and looks. People watched him go from a baby faced boy to a chiseled cowboy, change his style, and watched him gain and lose facial hair. And now fans are going to have to adjust to a new look: Completely bald. McGraw was spotted taking a break from the studio and walking around Nashville, Tennessee with a new look, captured by photographer John Shearer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Country Wire (@thecountrywire) Fans also noticed how healthy and fit he looks and were generally supportive of the new lack-of-hairstyle he is rocking. "Still looks very handsome," one fan wrote. "Bros absolutely shredded," added another. On TikTok fans were a little more feral. "Faith Hill can you fight," one person asked. "This is how I find out Tim McGraw is hot," jokes another. "Fine in every decade," another said. McGraw acknowledged the big change on his Instagram stories, sharing a screenshot of People's story with the short caption, "Long, hot summer."What Health Issues Has Tim McGraw Recently Dealt With? McGraw turned down a a role in a new Netflix series last summer due to ongoing health issues. In 2024 McGraw underwent several knee surgeries and back surgeries but is reportedly recovering well. He opened up to TL's Road House podcast about the experience. "To have almost a year of just sitting there [doing nothing], and I can tell you that after double knee replacements and three back surgeries and now a torn rotator cuff and a ruptured disc, there were times this year that I thought this might be it. This might be time to hang it up," he admitted on the show. "It has changed the way I do a live show" he continued. "It's gonna come to a point to where I'm either gonna have to decide to change the way I do a live show to continue to do it or just not do it anymore." Though he had to cancel a July show recently due to his back issues, knowing that he is around the studio shows he's not ready just yet to give up just yet. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Tim McGraw's Unrecognizable New Look Has Fans Hot and Bothered first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne's Final Text to a Close Friend Will Break Your Heart
Ozzy Osbourne's Final Text to a Close Friend Will Break Your Heart originally appeared on Parade. For Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne wasn't just a frontman — he was family. The two rockers shared decades of music and memories, with Wylde stepping in as Osbourne's guitarist in 1987 and remaining by his side through tours, studio albums, and other milestones. Now, he's revealing the final text he received from the Black Sabbath frontman, just days before Osbourne's death. Wylde was there for Osbourne's final performance at the Back to the Beginning show in Birmingham on July 5. Though the night was hectic, Wylde revealed to Guitar World on Tuesday, July 29, that he gave Osbourne space backstage, assuming they'd reconnect later. That never happened. 'The last text I got from Oz was saying, 'Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn't see you.' He goes, 'Thanks for everything.' It was just us talking, saying, 'I love you, buddy.' That was it,' he shared with the outlet. RELATED: Rare, Never-Before-Seen Photos of Ozzy Osbourne Shared in Touching Tribute Wylde, 58, reflected how their musical chemistry was undeniable from the start. 'It was definitely beyond just us playing in a band together and making music,' Wylde stated. From 1988's No Rest for the Wicked to 1995's Ozzmosis, Wylde helped define an era of Ozzy's solo career. The bond between them ran far deeper than music. Osbourne was godfather to Wylde's son, with the guitarist describing their connection as one where 'if you need me to bring milk and eggs over, I'll do it.' Even when not touring together, their friendship remained strong. 'Oz was just the best,' Wylde said. 'There was almost a 20-year age gap between us,' but that never got in the way. 'If I ever needed advice, I could talk to him.' Reflecting on their time together through the years, Wylde calls himself 'blessed and grateful,' adding, 'My God, what an incredible master. What an incredible life.' Osbourne was publicly laid to rest on Wednesday, July 30, with a public funeral procession followed by a private family service, both in Birmingham. He died on Tuesday, July 22 at the age of 76. Ozzy Osbourne's Final Text to a Close Friend Will Break Your Heart first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
