REO Speedwagon Announces End of Touring Due to Irreconcilable Differences

REO Speedwagon has made the difficult decision to cease touring at the end of the year, citing “irreconcilable differences” between bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin.

The Band’s Announcement

The band, which includes Hall, Cronin, guitarist Dave Amato, touring keyboardist Derek Hilland, and drummer Bryan Hitt, shared the news on their official website. The announcement outlined the challenges that led to the group’s retirement from live performances, starting with Hall’s need for back surgery last November, which resulted in Matt Bissonette taking over as the touring bassist.

Despite Hall’s health issues, the statement emphasized that he never intended to retire or leave the band, fans, and crew he has been a part of for nearly 50 years. Similarly, Cronin expressed his commitment to the band, fans, and crew.

Decision to Cease Touring

As a result of the challenges faced by the group, they made the difficult choice to cancel tour dates beyond 2024. The statement explained that “irreconcilable differences” arose between Bruce and Kevin, leading to the decision to end touring on January 1, 2025. The band expressed gratitude to their loyal fans for their support over the years.

Bruce Hall’s Statement

In a separate statement on his Facebook page, Hall shared his heartbreak over the situation. He mentioned that he and Neal did everything they could to keep the band going and expressed appreciation for the support from fans. Hall expressed his desire for a farewell tour with the existing lineup.

While the exact details of what transpired between Hall and Cronin remain unclear, REO Speedwagon is set to complete their scheduled tour dates for the year. The band recently concluded a summer tour with Train and will resume touring in September, with their final show planned for November.

FAQs

Q: Why is REO Speedwagon ending their touring?

A: The band has cited “irreconcilable differences” between bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin as the reason for ending their touring activities.

Q: Will REO Speedwagon continue to make music?

A: While the band is ending their touring, there has been no announcement regarding their future plans for making music together.

Q: How can fans show their support for REO Speedwagon?

A: Fans can continue to show their support for REO Speedwagon by attending their remaining tour dates and sharing their favorite memories of the band on social media.

Credit: variety.com