15/09/2026
Kevin Cronin, Jim Peterik, and More to Relight Illinois Rock & Roll Museum’s Iconic Gigantar
(JOLIET, IL) There’s no place like home. Gigantar, a giant 10-foot by 24-foot iconic guitar, has returned to the façade of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet.
While the 1600-pound illuminated guitar escaped storm damage two years ago, the museum’s exterior did not. It was removed from the building during the construction repairs on the historic building located at 9 West Cass Street in downtown Joliet. Now that the restoration has been completed, the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum will celebrate the return of Gigantar with a lighting ceremony in front of the museum on Saturday evening, September 26th at 7:00PM. The event is free and open to the public.
A cast of Illinois rockers are scheduled to appear and help throw the switch including REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Jim Peterik from the Ides of March and formerly with Survivor, legendary radio personalities Mitch Michaels, Eddie Volkmann, and more.
The return of Gigantar occurs the night before the museum’s 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sunday, September 27th at 6:00 PM on the stage of the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street in Chicago’s Millenium Park. The 2026 Hall of Fame’s Class includes WXRT’s Terri Hemmert, WDRV The Drive, Brunswick Records, Survivor, American Breed, the late Koko Taylor and Gary Richrath, plus The Boyzz, The Flock, Kevin Cronin, Curtis Mayfield, Hot Mix 5, Plain White T’s, and more. WGN Radio 720’s Bob Sirott returns as emcee.
Scheduled award presenters are a “Who’s Who” of Chicagoland journalists and radio personalities including V-103’s Joe Soto, Veteran Journalist/Anchor Lisa Fielding/WBBM NewsRadio, WXRT’s Marty Lennartz. The Drive’s Janda Lane, Veteran Journalist Sylvia Perez, Marshall Thompson and Larissa Larissa from The Chi-Lites, WLS-FM’s Cara Carriveau, Q101’s Lauren, WXRT’s James VanOsdol, legendary Chicago radio personality Eddie Volkmann, and more. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony tickets are available at www.RoadToRock.org.
The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. EIN 82-2293229. Contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. The Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the musical legacy of Illinois artists, industry professionals, and historic venues. Located in downtown Joliet, the Museum showcases exhibitions, memorabilia, educational programming, and live performances that honor the state’s influential contributions to rock, blues, soul, and popular music. Through community engagement, youth programs, and cultural preservation, the Museum strengthens Illinois’ creative ecosystem and ensures that its rich musical heritage is passed on to future generations.
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