REO Speedwagon returning to Illinois for homecoming festivities

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Members of the band REO Speedwagon will return to The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on September 26 to serve as grand marshals in the university's homecoming parade.

The band formed at the school in 1967 when founding members Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer began playing music together in their dorm rooms.

Doughty and Gratzer will be joined by band members Bruce Hall and Kevin Cronin for the celebration.

"I'm honored to be invited to Illinois Homecoming weekend. Champaign will always be a special place for me after going to school there, founding REO and meeting my wife, Nancy, on campus," said Grazter. "I ahve so many great memories from my college days at the U. of I. and can't wait to hear the Marching Illini playing REO songs."

The band members will also be the featured guests during the Illinois football homecoming game against USC on September 27. They will sound the air raid siren and join the Marching Illini during halftime to perform an REO Speedwagon themed halftime show.

"Returning to campus for this event is really special for me because I was a proud member of the Belleville High School marching band and loved that experience," said Doughty. "I was a pretty decent trumpet player but never would have reached the level of the Marching Illini. I have nothhing but respect for what they do, and I know how hard they work. It will be a thrill to play alongside them."

More information on the university's homecoming schedule can be found on their website.