REO Speedwagon Is Retiring After Over 50 Years

Sjgkfe, wikipedia

One of the world’s favorite classic rock band’s is calling it quits after more than 50 years.

Reo Speedwagon took to Instagram on September 16 to announce they will be ending their live concerts. The veteran rock band announced on Monday that they will cease touring next year due to “irreconcilable differences” between bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin. The band, whose current lineup includes Hall, Cronin, guitarist Dave Amato, touring keyboardist Derek Hilland, and drummer Bryan Hitt, shared the news. The tension reportedly dates back to November when Hall left their tour for back surgery, and Matt Bissonette temporarily stepped in as the touring bassist.

 

The group posted:

“To our fans: Bruce has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now. If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years.”

“For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.”

“Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever.”

Earlier this month, the band canceled their performances in Chula Vista, San Diego County, and Phoenix after lead singer Kevin Cronin became ill.The group has 19 remaining tour dates, starting off in Rancho Mirage, California, on September 27. The band confirmed that their scheduled tour will continue as planned through the remainder of 2024. They will officially stop touring on January 1, 2025, with their final show taking place in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 23. The exact circumstances surrounding the conflict between Hall and Cronin, which led to the decision to end all touring after 2024, remain unclear.

REO Speedwagon is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois. Known for blending rock and pop, the band gained significant popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Their most successful album, Hi Infidelity (1980), sold over 10 million copies and produced hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” solidifying their place in rock history. The band’s lineup has changed over the years, but lead vocalist Kevin Cronin has been a central figure since the early 1970s.