After more than five decades on the road, REO Speedwagon has officially wrapped up touring. The band recently played their farewell shows at Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre. It marked the end of an era for one of rock’s enduring powerhouses.
Fans packed the venue to sing along to hits like Keep On Loving You and Can’t Fight This Feeling one last time. Tracks that have soundtracked everything from heartbreak to wedding receptions became a fitting swan song for a band that’s been rolling with the punches since 1967.
Frontman Kevin Cronin addressed the crowd with palpable emotion, saying, “It’s been an amazing ride.” He’s not at all wrong —spanning 57 years, dozens of albums, and earning a place in rock’s upper echelons, REO Speedwagon have had a formidable ride. Their 1980 album Hi Infidelity sold over 10 million copies and defined the soundtrack of the early ‘80s.
Founding member Neal Doughty retired earlier this year after an astonishing 55 years of performing with the band. His departure signalled the beginning of the end for the band, but REO wasn’t about to fade quietly. Instead, they delivered a send-off tour filled with energy, gratitude, and a bit of that classic rock bravado.
The farewell shows were packed with all the songs fans wanted to hear. Take It On the Run had the audience belting out every word, and Roll With the Changes turned into a collective celebration of a band that’s been a constant presence for generations.
Cronin hasn’t ruled out future projects or one-off gigs, but this marks the end of their touring chapter. “This is it,” he said, visibly moved during their final encore.
For fans, it’s not just the music that resonates—it’s also the memories attached to it. Whether it’s a road trip anthem or the soundtrack to your high school years, REO’s songs are etched into the lives of millions.
So, while the curtain closes on REO Speedwagon’s touring career, their music will continue to live on. Whether it’s on vinyl, YouTube, or in your head during an impromptu karaoke session, their songs aren’t going anywhere.
Check some of the videos of the performance below.
MORE IN Music
