REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall has addressed the ongoing drama with Kevin Cronin. Hall recently shared an old photo on social media of himself and Cronin from 13 years ago, captioning it, “Brother to Brother….Husband to Wife. Sure wish we could Build this Bridge.”
In the comments, Hall answered questions about his relationship with Cronin, the band’s future, and the possibility of starting a new band. When a fan asked if there was a chance he would be back with the band soon, Hall replied, “I would in a heartbeat…but I can’t make Kevin stay.”
Another fan shared their hope that Hall and Cronin would work things out, saying, “You two have given us the soundtrack of our lives.” Hall responded, “I’ll never refuse to talk with him. I’ve tried over and over and will continue to. It’s of utmost importance to me.”
A user suggested forming a new band, mentioning Terry Luttrell and asking if Hall might join with Luttrell, Dave Amato, and Bryan Hitt. “I’m still mourning the breakup news but thinking ahead! Terry Luttrell says there is news! Could that be you, Terry, Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt and maybe Neal getting back on the road?” Hall replied, “I don’t know anything about Terry’s announcement, but wish him well for sure.”
However, keyboardist Neal Doughty disagreed with Cronin’s earlier statement about continuing the band. He shared Cronin’s comments and added, “I respectfully disagree. All he had to do was let Bruce back in the band.” Doughty explained, “Bruce and I have spent most of this year trying to convince Kevin to let that happen, but he wanted to keep Matt (the fill-in bass player). This was also Bruce’s life’s work. I am telling the truth.”
Both messages came after REO Speedwagon announced they would stop touring. Hall also mentioned on social media that he would never suggest replacing Cronin. “He’s our lead singer just as I am the bassist. Together we are REO. I can’t stop him from leaving, though,” he said.
REO Speedwagon has chosen to stop touring because of a disagreement regarding bassist Bruce Hall’s return after his back surgery in November. In 2024, Matt Bissonette has been filling in for Hall.
