Current members of REO Speedwagon: verified lineup and roles
As of the most recent public performance and touring information, the core active lineup of REO Speedwagon includes lead vocalist Kevin Cronin, guitarist and vocalist Gary Richrath (touring member in recent years), bassist and vocalist Bruce Hall, keyboardist and vocalist Neal Doughty, and drummer and percussionist Bryan Hitt. This represents the commonly referenced status of the band for touring and recordings in the current period, focusing on the musicians most frequently appearing under the REO Speedwagon name in the 2020s.
Band origin and name meaning
REO Speedwagon originated in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. The name combines the initials of its founder, Neal Doughty (R.E.O.), with the Ford Ranchero vehicle and the word "wagon," reflecting a blend of personal and cultural inspiration. Over decades, the lineup has shifted, but the group has maintained a focus on arena rock, power ballads, and melodic hard rock, establishing a durable presence in classic rock radio and touring circuits.
Detailed member roles and timelines
Understanding who is in REO Speedwagon now requires separating long-tenured members from newer contributors. The table below captures key individuals, their primary roles, and the period they have been associated with the active lineup in the public touring context. This status reflects typical touring configurations widely reported by promoters and reputable music databases in the 2020s.
| Member | Primary role(s) | Tenure in current active context |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Cronin | Lead vocals, rhythm guitar | 1970–1975; 1976–present (primary lead singer across multiple eras) |
| Neal Doughty | Keyboards, synthesizers, vocals | 1970–present (founding member, continuous) |
| Bruce Hall | Bass, vocals | 1979–present (with a brief earlier period; long-term bass role from 1979 onward) |
| Bryan Hitt | Drums, percussion | 1998–present (studio and touring) |
| Dave Amato | Guitar, vocals | 1989–present (lead guitar in studio and touring, with some interval changes) |
| Gary Richrath | Guitar (touring and select recordings) | Original member 1970–1989; intermittent touring involvement in later years |
Kevin Cronin: enduring frontman
Kevin Cronin has been the defining voice of REO Speedwagon across multiple phases, returning as lead singer after brief early departures. His tenure includes the classic mid-1970s period and the major commercial peak of the early 1980s, and he continues to headline performances as the primary vocalist into the current decade.
Neal Doughty: the founding anchor
Neal Doughty co-founded the band and remains the consistent keyboard and synthesizer voice. As a founding member, his role in shaping the band’s sound since 1970 has been pivotal, and he continues to perform with the group in current lineups.
Bruce Hall and Bryan Hitt: stability in bass and drums
Bruce Hall took over bass duties in the late 1970s and has remained a core member through most decades since. Drummer Bryan Hitt joined in the late 1990s and has provided a stable rhythmic foundation for studio and tour settings, contributing to the polished live sound associated with later-era REO Speedwagon.
Dave Amato: modern lead guitar
Dave Amato assumed lead guitar responsibilities in the late 1980s and has remained a fixture in studio and touring lineups. His work contributes to the updated guitar textures found in later recordings and live productions while respecting the band’s classic catalog.
Gary Richrath: legacy and touring presence
Gary Richrath, the original guitarist and writer of several early hits, left the band in 1989 but has participated in reunion and special touring events in subsequent decades. In the current context, he may appear as a touring or occasional contributor rather than a full-time member, depending on the specific engagement.
Common lineup variations and credits
Not every official release features the exact same roster, and some albums or tours may list contributors differently. When asking who is in REO Speedwagon now, it is accurate to reference the consistent nucleus—Cronin, Doughty, Hall, and Hitt—augmented by Amato on guitars. Occasional appearances by former members such as Richrath can create confusion, so checking the official band announcement for a specific tour or release is the most reliable way to confirm the current roster at any given time.
How the lineup has evolved
Across more than five decades, REO Speedwagon has cycled through changes in guitarists and backing vocalists while preserving its central identity. Early shifts established the classic power trio and quartet foundations, and later expansions brought additional instrumental and vocal depth. The modern era emphasizes stability, with the lineup mentioned above forming the typical configuration for current projects and performances.
Summary of current active members
In summary, the prevailing status of REO Speedwagon’s members for touring and recent recordings centers on Kevin Cronin (vocals), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Bruce Hall (bass), Bryan Hitt (drums), and Dave Amato (guitar). Gary Richrath’s involvement is periodically renewed in curated events, but the core team listed above represents the standard current operational roster. Verifying against official press releases or the band’s own communications ahead of specific tours will always yield the most precise and up-to-date member status.