Kevin Cronin believes his version of REO Speedwagon doesn’t hide or downplay anything.
Cronin’s Next Chapter
The singer shared a post on Facebook, saying, “Hi friends, Bryan and I are getting spruced up for the first public Kevin Cronin Band show, Saturday night at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, MN.”
He added, “If you liked what you saw and heard on the REO tour last year, this Saturday will be the same songs, same band, just a new name! So come out and hear Dave, Bryan, Derek (whose new look is also courtesy of Nikki Corzine), Matt B., and me, as we play the entire ‘Hi Infidelity’ album, plus all the REO hits. … kc.”
One person commented, “‘Same songs, same band, new name’ – this is starting to sound desperate.” Cronin replied, “It is simply the truth.”
REO’s Final Farewell
REO Speedwagon’s final show under their name took place at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas last December. Cronin thanked the fans and reflected on the band’s journey, writing, “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 continued, “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.”
Cronin added, “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 Music And Spirit Of REO Speedwagon Continue
Later, when a fan thanked the band for inspiring them for 50 years, Cronin responded again, saying, “The name REO Speedwagon is being retired… the music and the spirit of REO lives on through the hard work and dedication of Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt, Derek Hilland, Matt Bissonette, and me.”
He also said, “My name now represents this awesome band, crew, and organization… all of whom are sticking together through this transition and into 2025 and beyond.”
Cronin is scheduled to tour with Styx next summer for 40 shows. The Brotherhood of Rock tour begins on May 28 in Greenville, SC, and ends on August 24 in Milwaukee, WI.
