Kevin Cronin has recently addressed the confusion surrounding Bruce Hall’s absence from REO Speedwagon. Speaking on Dean Delray’s podcast, Cronin clarified that Hall was never fired, contradicting circulating rumors. “Bruce was never fired. I don’t have the right to fire him,” Cronin emphasized.
He also debunked the misconception that he left the band to pursue a solo career. “It’s funny because there was a narrative, an inaccurate narrative that was circulating online where that put it in terms of that I somehow quit REO Speedwagon to pursue a solo career. That’s bullsh*t.”
The Real Reason Behind Hall’s Absence
Cronin explained that there was a misunderstanding about Hall not touring in 2024. While some believed Cronin had prevented Hall from rejoining, the reality was different. “Then there was another narrative that I somehow prevented Bruce from touring with the group in 2024 when the truth is I was trying to find a way that he could tour with the band in 2024. What I understood is that he decided to sit the tour out.”
However, Hall ultimately chose to sit out the tour, making his own demands about returning in 2025. “So I don’t know exactly why, I can’t tell you because he never called and talked to me about it. But he did make some demands of that. He said that he’d be ready to come back in 2025 but he put these demands in place.”
The band had initially paused their tour due to Hall’s recovery from back surgery in November. Hall had hoped to return soon after the surgery, but claims management didn’t want him back immediately. “I’d set this all up with management so I wouldn’t miss any shows. So I could get [the surgery] done and get back to work. They didn’t want me to play. They were kind of happy with what they had going.”
“He kept coming up with reasons… and it became apparent that he didn’t want me coming back –and why exactly, I couldn’t tell you,” he added.
In his absence, Matt Bissonette filled in for him.
Cronin also confirmed that he will join Styx for a summer tour called Brotherhood of Rock, kicking off on May 28 in South Carolina. The 40-date tour will end on August 24 in Milwaukee, with Don Felder joining as a special guest.
