Kevin Cronin Brings the Heat to Noblesville: Brotherhood of Rock Tour Review

The sun blazed down on Noblesville, Indiana, with temperatures hitting 90 degrees, but the real fire came from Kevin Cronin and his band at Ruoff Music Center on August 15, 2025. As part of the Brotherhood of Rock Tour with Styx and Don Felder, Cronin and his band delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd singing and swaying. The Ruoff Music Center, crowned Live Nation’s top amphitheater for two years running, was the perfect backdrop with its open-air charm. I was there, soaking in every note, and I’m excited to share the story of this unforgettable night, complete with Cronin’s history, his biggest hits, and the magic of his performance. Let’s dive into the music and memories!

Kevin Cronin, born October 6, 1951, in Evanston, Illinois, grew up with music in his blood. As a kid, he was drawn to the Beatles and the Everly Brothers, their harmonies sparking his love for songwriting. By high school, he was strumming folk tunes and fronting local bands, honing his craft in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Cronin joined REO Speedwagon in 1972, left briefly, then returned in 1976 to lead the band to stardom. His tenor voice and knack for heartfelt lyrics defined REO’s arena rock sound, blending pop hooks with raw emotion. Now leading the Kevin Cronin Band, he carries that legacy forward, proving his passion for music still burns bright.

The Current Touring Lineup

Cronin’s band for the Brotherhood of Rock Tour was a powerhouse of talent, many drawn from REO Speedwagon’s ranks. Here’s who rocked the stage in Noblesville:

• Kevin Cronin – Lead vocals, guitar, piano
• Dave Amato – Lead guitar, vocals
• Bryan Hitt – Drums
• Matt Bissonette – Bass
• Derek Hilland – Keyboards

This crew, with Amato and Hitt as longtime REO veterans, brought a seasoned energy that lit up the Ruoff Music Center. In fact, with the exception of the notable absence of bassist Bruce Hall, the Kevin Cronin band is fully staffed by members of REO.

Bands and Collaborations

Cronin’s career is tied to REO Speedwagon, but he’s also made waves elsewhere. He fronted REO from their early days through their 1980s peak, with albums like Hi Infidelity defining arena rock. His side projects include writing for other artists and occasional solo work. On the Brotherhood of Rock Tour, Cronin shared the stage with Styx and Don Felder, a nod to their long history together. After 9/11, Cronin and Styx formed the Rock to the Rescue nonprofit, raising funds for charities at tour stops. His friendship with Styx’s Tommy Shaw has been a steady presence, with the two often sharing tour buses and stories. They auctioned off some guitars to raise money for the aforementioned cause.

Cronin’s connections with Styx and Felder have grabbed headlines, especially their joint tours. His bond with Shaw led to the Rock to the Rescue initiative, which still thrives. Cronin’s personal life has stayed relatively private, though his 1992 divorce from Lisa Cronin made tabloids. On screen, he’s appeared in VH1’s Behind the Music, sharing REO’s rise and struggles. He also popped up in the Netflix series Ozark, playing himself in a cameo that delighted fans. His warm, relatable stage presence often overshadows any gossip, keeping the focus on his music.

Awards and Honors

Cronin’s trophy case shines through REO Speedwagon’s achievements. Hi Infidelity went diamond, selling over 10 million copies, and topped the Billboard 200 for 15 weeks. The band earned a Grammy nomination for “Keep On Loving You” in 1981. Cronin and REO were inducted into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, a nod to their Midwest roots. While the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hasn’t called yet, fans argue Cronin’s songwriting deserves that honor. Personally, with the way the Rock Hall has chosen inductees, I’m not sure if it really means anything anymore, but that’s another topic.

Biggest Hits

Cronin’s catalog is packed with anthems, but these three had the Ruoff crowd roaring:

• “Keep On Loving You” – Written by Kevin Cronin, this 1980 ballad became REO’s first number-one hit, a staple of love song playlists.
• “Take It On The Run” – Penned by Gary Richrath in 1980, this rocker about heartbreak hit number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Can’t Fight This Feeling” – Another Cronin gem from 1984, this power ballad reached number one and still melts hearts.

The Night at Ruoff Music Center

The Noblesville air was thick with heat, but Cronin and his band brought a different kind of fire. They opened with Hi Infidelity in full, a bold move that caused fans to roar. “Keep On Loving You” had couples holding hands, singing every word. “Take It On The Run” followed, with Dave Amato’s fiery guitar solos cutting through the night. Cronin’s voice, still crisp at 73, carried the emotional weight of “In Your Letter” and “Tough Guys.” The crowd, not a sellout, sprawled across Ruoff’s lawn, enjoyed the more intimate show.

After the album, Cronin kept the hits coming. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” turned the venue into a sea of swaying phones, capturing photos and videos. “Time for Me to Fly” and “Roll With The Changes” had the energy soaring, with Bryan Hitt’s drumming and Matt Bissonette’s bass locking in tight. Cronin shared stories of his Illinois roots, joking about Midwest summers and REO’s early days. His connection with the crowd felt genuine, like catching up with an old friend. Derek Hilland’s keyboards added a rich layer, especially on “Ridin’ the Storm Out.”

The Brotherhood of Rock Tour, with Styx and Felder, felt like a time machine for classic rock.

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