“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.”
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……
Posted by REO Speedwagon on Monday, September 16, 2024
“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.
Train & Yacht Rock Revue Play REO Speedwagon Songs for Kevin Cronin & Band
Hi Friends,So the Summer Road Trip pulled in for its final stop in Phoenix, and although it wasn’t exactly what any of us were expecting, the evening exceeded expectations… as usual.The camaraderie among these hard-working, (if heavily-bearded) tech and production crews grew stronger every day… and as always, the vibe starts with the bands. If there is drama among the bands or band members, you can be sure it will bleed over into the crews. We get the glory, but if you want an expansive production like the Summer Road Trip to reach its full potential, everyone needs to roll in a spirit of cooperation, respect, and good fun! Anyone who follows these pages can see from the backstage videos we have been posting all summer, that, as Dave Amato says, “These bands are brothers for life.” And although REO was forced to miss the final two shows, Pat Monahan’s emotional shout out made it clear that Dave, Bryan, Derek, Matt B, and I were definitely there in spirit. The live videos from the Chula Vista and Phoenix shows which have flooded the internet, (and my hospital bed inbox), showing Train opening their show with “Keep On Loving You,” tell you all you need to know about the connection between our bands, and Pat and myself personally.The Cronin and Monahan families connected, we popped in during each other’s shows, and Yacht Rock Revue got into the spirit, as they included “Roll With the Changes” in their set! 2024 has been equally joyful and challenging, and although I didn’t quite make it to the finish line, I have loved the journey. The Summer Road Trip with Train and REO Speedwagon was a courageous idea and an amazing success story. As I said every night when I joined Jerry, Hector, Matt M, and Taylor for Train’s interlude of “The Joker”… “I love this man Pat Monahan, and I love everyone in his band.” I will Keep On Loving Pat and the Train Gang, my awesome band, and both of our crews. I have no doubt that we will all rock together again.Thanks to everyone for your messages of love and healing energy. I recently had an emergency surgery and it was a complete success. I am on the mend and will be up and rockin’ as soon as the good docs here say it’s okay. Until then, I am 100% focused on recuperating. Meanwhile, lying here tethered to various beeping machines, makes a guy think. I have had plenty of free time this past week to appreciate the love in the eyes of my wife and kids, as they have gathered around me here every single day. 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. 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.Your unwavering support means the world to me… kc
Posted by REO Speedwagon on Saturday, September 14, 2024
“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.
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Liberty Dunworth
NME
