REO Speedwagon has played their final show under the band’s name, but they will continue with their founding frontman, Kevin Cronin, leading them. The last performance took place at the 1,800-capacity Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cronin thanked fans and paid tribute to those who contributed to the band’s 57-year history.
“I feel sadness that this is the final REO Speedwagon concert, and at the same I feel grateful to have been part of this incredible ride,” he said. “We have all been brothers on this amazing musical journey called REO Speedwagon, and I wish you all nothing but the best — and when I say you, I mean everyone who has been part of this band, part of our crew and part of the REO Speedwagon fan family. The REO Speedwagon name is being retired tonight, but the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin. We hope you join us on that adventure. And now, let’s roll with the changes — what do you say?”
The 15-song setlist covered their entire 1980s era, including the 10-time platinum-certified album ‘Hi Infidelity,’ featuring the hit ‘Keep On Loving You.’ The band ended their career with an encore performance of ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘Roll With the Changes.’
After the show, Cronin took to social media to discuss the future of his tours under a new name. “As many of you know, we had to reschedule several shows due to my surgery this past fall. While I’m fully recovered now, the unexpected injury has thrown a curveball into our plans,” the rocker wrote, sharing his excitement about the last show. “Instead of taking December off, we have been playing shows, including these ‘Hi Infidelity’ gigs. Due to this, we’ve made the tough decision to postpone our January 25th show in Thackerville, Oklahoma. We’ll be taking January to rest and rehearse before we bring the rock again in 2025.”
Cronin continued: “To those in Thackerville: thank you for your understanding and continued support – we’re looking to get back there following our Brotherhood of Rock tour with Styx and Don Felder. Joining me on stage once again, as they did through all of ’24 (and soooooo much longer for Dave and Bryan), will be the incredibly talented Bryan Hitt, Dave Amato, Derek Hilland, and Matt Bissonette.”
“Whether you join us for our headline shows, or for the Brotherhood of Rock Tour, we promise to deliver an unforgettable night of your favorite REO Speedwagon classics, deep cuts, fresh arrangements, and hopefully some brand new material,” he added.
REO Speedwagon’s final shows have taken place amid public tension, with ‘irreconcilable differences’ between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall causing Hall to miss this year’s performances.
Hall, who joined the band in 1977 and played on their breakthrough album ‘You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish,’ had hoped to return after recovering from back surgery. However, he was replaced on the final tour by session bassist Matt Bissonette.
The band, now performing under a new name, will tour next year on the Brotherhood of Rock tour with Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder.
