REO Speedwagon Proves To Rockford, IL That They Aren’t Done Yet!
The BMO Center in Rockford, Illinois, was the setting for an unforgettable evening as REO Speedwagon took the stage for what is said to be their final performance in their home state. With their announced split in December 2024 due to irreconcilable differences between bandmates Bruce Hall and Kevin Cronin, the night held a bittersweet note for fans who had gathered to celebrate and say goodbye.
All photos by: Aaron R. Shriver Photography
Opening the night was Canadian rock band Loverboy, who formed in Calgary, Alberta in 1979. From the moment they kicked off their set with Notorious, it was clear the Rockford crowd was primed for a night of classic rock. Loverboy, known for their high-energy performances, delivered a robust hour-long set that showcased their dedication and passion, even after 45 years in the industry. Fronted by the charismatic Mike Reno, the band played hits like Get Lucky, Queen Of The Broken Hearts, and Lovin' Every Minute Of It. But it was their final two songs, Turn Me Loose and the ever-popular Working For The Weekend, that had the audience on their feet, singing along with palpable excitement.
Click The Image For The Full Loverboy Gallery
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting to arrive. The arena lights dimmed, and REO Speedwagon took the stage amidst roaring applause and signs throughout the venue reading Thank You For The Memories.
It was an emotional entrance for a band formed in Champaign, Illinois back in 1967, now playing their last show in Illinois. They kicked things off with Don't Let Him Go, quickly followed by Take It On The Run.
“We’ve been coming to Rockford for a long time, since we were a little bar band from Champaign”
Lead singer Kevin Cronin, clearly moved by the hometown crowd's energy, expressed his heartfelt gratitude by saying, “Man, It Feels Like Home Tonight”, as they launched into Keep Pushin'. Despite not having a farewell tour or even a final hometown show in Champaign, REO was determined to give Rockford everything they had. The set continued with fan favorites like Live Every Moment and Tough Guys.
During I Wish You Were There, the crowd transformed the arena into a sea of lights with their cell phones, prompting Kevin to reminisce about the days when fans used to hold up lighters to set the mood. Next came Music Man, setting the stage for one of the night's highlights. As soon as the first notes of Can't Fight This Feeling played, the audience was ready, singing in unison with the band.
“I’m an optimistic person, and I do believe, and I will always believe that there is more that we have in common than what separates us. We just got to listen to one and another a little bit more, and see if we can find that common ground, which has made America the greatest country in the world, for as long as I know. I’ll tell you this we have traveled the world, seen a lot of amazing faces met a lot of wonderful people, but I tell you what I thank God every day, I feel so grateful, so proud that I was born and raised in the land of the free, the home of the brave, right here in the Golden Country”
The energy never waned as Son Of A Poor Man and Golden Country filled out the set, leading to a grand finale. With no one sitting down, including the ushers and staff of the BMO Center, REO Speedwagon closed their set with Time For Me To Fly and Ridin' The Storm Out. The crowd's enthusiastic demand for more brought the band back on stage for an encore, where they delivered powerful performances of Keep On Loving You and Roll With The Changes. The arena erupted one last time, celebrating a band that has touched so many lives with their music over the decades.
As the night drew to a close, Kevin Cronin took a moment to address the audience. He thanked the Rockford fans and hinted at the possibility of the band continuing despite the announced split. His words left the crowd hopeful, pondering whether the members could resolve their differences and perhaps offer a few more years of the rock music that has brought so much joy to their fans.
“We Love You Rockford, IL. We Always Have, We Always Will, And Let Me Just Say, I Ain’t Done Yet, And Neither Are These Guys”
Click The Image Above For The Full REO Speedwagon Gallery
The night was a heartfelt tribute to a band whose music has been a constant companion to so many. It was an evening filled with nostalgia, emotion, and gratitude. As REO Speedwagon stepped off the stage, they left behind a legacy of music and memories, leaving fans to wonder if this truly was the end or just a pause in their enduring journey.
REO Speedwagon Set-List:
Don’t Let Him Go
Take It On The Run
Keep Pushin’
Live Every Moment
Tough Guys
I Wish You Were There
Music Man
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Son Of A Poor Man
Golden Country
Time For Me To Fly
Ridin’ The Storm Out
Encore:
Keep On Loving You
Roll With The Changes
