“Heartbroken” REO Speedwagon to cease touring due to “irreconcilable differences”

REO Speedwagon have announced that they will cease touring at the end of this year due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.

The announcement from the band comes just after the group completed their ‘Summer Road Trip’ tour with Train.

Hall had been sitting out of the tour dates – replaced by session player Matt Bissonette for the gigs – as he was recovering from back surgery. He joined the band in 1977 and appeared on the group’s breakthrough record ‘You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish’.

Sharing the news of their touring days coming to an end with fans, the band posted a statement online, explaining why the decision was made: “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,” it read.

“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.

“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.”

Hall also shared a statement on Facebook, telling fans of his disappointment. “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.

“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.”

Similarly, Cronin also posted an update on the platform in which he reflected on his time away from the band.

“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.”

As reported by Louder, REO Speedwagon’s last show took place on September 8 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA. Since then, the members cancelled two shows in Chula Vista and Phoenix due to Cronin falling ill and reportedly undergoing emergency surgery.

Their next scheduled date is also in California, taking place at the Rancho Mirage Agua Caliente Casino on September 27, before continuing with more dates across the US over the next two months. Visit here for remaining tickets.