REO Speedwagon have confirmed that they will cease touring at the end of the year.
The band have confirmed this, citing “irreconcilable differences” between bandmates Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall.
This comes after REO Speedwagon completed their ‘Summer Road Trip’ tour with Train.
It also comes after bassist Bruce Hall had been sitting out the band’s recent tour dates, replaced by session player Matt Bissonette as he recovers from back surgery.
Hall had previously joined the band in 1977.
REO Speedwagon To Cease Touring
Confirming their plans to cease touring at the end of this year, REO Speedwagon released this statement.
“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”, they said.
The band continued: “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,” it added. “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″.
He also added: “Neal [Doughty, keyboards], 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”.
REO Speedwagon also cancelled two shows in Chula Vista and Phoenix after Cronin fell ill, undergoing emergency surgery.
“heartbroken”
Releasing a statement of his own, Bruce Hall also said that he his “heartbroken” that “it would end like this”.
“Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken. Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling,” he said.
“I am so appreciative of all the amazing love and support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me… that’s all I wanted too. We all deserved a farewell tour”.
Hall also added: “For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave [Amato, guitar], Bryan [Hitt, drums] and Derek [Hilland, keyboards]. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery”.
“lifted by those around me”
Elsewhere, Kevin Cronin also shared an update on social media.
“I have so much more life to live, and have re-examined what I want to do with the rest of my time here, and who I want to be surrounded by while I do it. I need to be lifted by those around me, and in return, to lift them,” he said.
“I feel excited at the prospect of creating and playing the best music I have in me, with the best artists, musicians, and people who will have me. And I promise to continue giving my best, and appreciating the gift of music which has allowed me this life”.
REO Speedwagon will also take to the stage at the Rancho Mirage Agua Caliente Casino on September 27, ahead of more US shows across the next two months. There is also more on this here.
Back in 2015, their guitarist Gary Richrath passed away at age 65. More on this story here.
