Kevin Cronin will headline Nexstar’s Coast to Coast Countdown to 2026, bringing decades of rock history to a new generation.
Kevin Cronin and REO Speedwagon’s Enduring Legacy
Kevin Cronin’s career spans more than four decades, during which he helped shape the sound of classic rock.
His tenure with REO Speedwagon began in the early 1970s and grew into a partnership that produced chart-topping albums.
The band’s 1980 release, Hi Infidelity, remains a cornerstone of 1980s pop-rock, staying at No. 1 for 15 weeks.
Cronin’s voice became synonymous with the group’s soaring anthems and heartfelt ballads.
The Songs That Stick in Your Head
Keep On Loving You, Can’t Fight this Feeling, and Take It on the Run are among the tracks that still resonate with listeners.
These songs, all from Hi Infidelity, are staples of radio playlists and personal playlists alike.
Cronin explains that “The people that come to our shows want to hear the songs that are part of their lives,” “the songs that they can sing along to.”
He adds, “I love these songs and these are my best songs,” underscoring the emotional connection fans feel.
The Creative Collaboration with Gary Richrath
Cronin and guitarist Gary Richrath blended distinct musical sensibilities that elevated the band’s output.
Richrath’s electric flair paired with Cronin’s melodic approach created a dynamic soundscape.
Cronin reflects, “So you have that combination of folk songs in this big arena rock package. I think it led to, kind of a mass appeal for them, for the songs that, that my songs probably would not have gotten nearly as far as they did, and maybe the band would not have gotten as far as it did without. But it was that combination. And, so I was very lucky that Gary found me.”
Their partnership produced a string of hits that continue to influence contemporary music.
The Lasting Impact on Fans and Pop Culture
The band’s influence extends beyond the charts, appearing in television and film.
The third season of Netflix’s Ozark features a REO Speedwagon track, while a 2018 episode of Cobra Kai references their music.
Cronin recounts receiving a card from a man who requested REO Speedwagon songs during surgery for pancreatic cancer.
He also shares a story from the Iraq War, where a soldier played “Riding the Storm Out” in a tank before entering battle, illustrating the songs’ power in high-stress moments.
The Story Behind “Keep Pushing”
Cronin writes songs that reflect personal experiences.
He says, “And I wrote ‘Keep Pushing,’ for example, I was walking through downtown Chicago and kind of lost and, you know, not sure where my life was headed.”
The song emerged from a period of uncertainty and needed to be heard.
He continues, “I wrote that song because that’s what I needed to hear. So the fact that I needed to hear it, that kind of showed, and I was going through a tough time and people relate to it that way. And, and we still play it every night, you know,” highlighting its ongoing relevance.
Gary Richrath’s Legacy
Richrath’s influence on the band’s sound was profound, even after his death in 2015 from complications following surgery.
His guitar work remains a defining element of REO Speedwagon’s catalog.
Cronin acknowledges the loss, noting that Richrath’s presence helped the band reach a broader audience.
The collaboration’s legacy lives on through the music and the memories it evokes.
Founding Members and Lineup Changes
The original core of REO Speedwagon included drummer Alan Gratzer and keyboardist Neal Doughty, with bassist Gregg Philbin rounding out the lineup.
Bruce Hall took over bass duties beginning with the Nine Lives album, while drummer Bryan Hitt joined in 1989.
These personnel shifts contributed to the band’s evolving sound over the years.
Each member’s contribution helped shape the group’s enduring appeal.
Styx and REO Speedwagon: A Long-Standing Friendship
Cronin’s history with Styx dates back to 2000 and even earlier, when the two bands competed in a high-school battle of the bands.
The two groups have toured together frequently in recent years, reinforcing their camaraderie.
Cronin remarks on the shared history, noting that the connection began “much, much longer.”
Their joint performances continue to delight fans of classic rock.
The New Year’s Eve Countdown
Nexstar’s Coast to Coast Countdown to 2026 will air on the free CTV app across Roku, Apple TV, and Fire.
The show begins at 8 pm PT/11 pm ET on New Year’s Eve, with a pre-show starting at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET for participating markets.
The lineup features Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Styx, Mac McAnally, Kevin Cronin Band, UB-40, The Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, and Bri Bagwell.
Viewers can stream the event live on the website or watch on-air, with exclusive bonus content available only through the platform.
Audience Stories and Emotional Connections
Cronin is continually amazed by how his music becomes part of people’s lives.
He shares anecdotes of fans who have requested songs during life-changing moments, from surgery to military service.
These stories illustrate the timeless nature of REO Speedwagon’s catalog.
Cronin’s humility shines as he acknowledges the role of his audience in keeping the music alive.
The Power of Live Performance
Live shows remain a cornerstone of REO Speedwagon’s identity.
Cronin explains, “The people that come to our shows want to hear the songs that are part of their lives,” emphasizing the interactive nature of concerts.
He continues, “The songs that they can sing along to.”
These moments reinforce the bond between artist and audience.
The 2026 Countdown’s Cultural Significance
Coast to Coast Countdown to 2026 brings together iconic acts, creating a cross-generational celebration.
The event showcases the enduring relevance of classic rock in contemporary media.
Cronin’s participation underscores the genre’s lasting impact.
The countdown serves as a reminder that music can transcend time and circumstance.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Cronin will headline Nexstar’s Coast to Coast Countdown to 2026, sharing REO Speedwagon’s timeless hits that prove rock music endures, including 1980 Hi Infidelity.
- Hi Infidelity’s 1980 hits, including “Keep On Loving You,” remained cultural touchstones, with 15 weeks at No. 1.
- Cronin’s collaboration with Gary Richrath produced a legacy that continues to influence fans, pop culture, and live performance.
The story of REO Speedwagon, from its early days to its present-day appearances, illustrates how music can endure, inspire, and connect people across generations.
