After Kevin Cronin and the rest of REO Speedwagon announced their retirement, the band members have moved forward with new projects, but Bruce Hall also has his own plans for the future.
In a New Year’s post on Facebook, Hall shared his gratitude for the time he spent with the band and reflected on some of his favorite memories. “2024 sure blindsided our family, but I’ll be forever grateful to have had this most amazing ride on the Speedwagon! Here’s one of my favorite memories. All the families together…a true Brotherhood amongst the band. Don’t ever think that this wasn’t real. Don’t stop loving the music we created. Without our fans, none of this would’ve been possible. I love each and every one of you. Happy New Year,” he wrote.
Music journalist Mitch Lafon later asked Hall about the possibility of continuing with another version of REO Speedwagon, touring without Cronin. Hall responded, “Mitch, I don’t want to honestly. REO is our band and Kevin should always be our lead singer. Fans deserve the real deal, not another tribute band.”
Cronin had previously explained the band’s decision to retire the REO Speedwagon name while continuing to perform under a different moniker. He stated, “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.”
The band made the decision to stop touring after a disagreement regarding Hall’s return following his back surgery in November. Matt Bissonette filled in for Hall in 2024.
In another Facebook post, Hall addressed the situation, clarifying that no one pressured Cronin to rebrand and explained why Cronin left the band. “Get the facts straight please. He did not found this band. No one forced him to rebrand. He decided he wanted to tour with the sub bassist instead of me. The other two owners said ‘no’ and I was scheduled to return in 2025…so he quit. He and he alone did this. I wanted nothing more than to continue to tour after my scheduled, successful back surgery. I’ve been cleared to play since January,” he explained.
Even with the changes, the same lineup continues to tour this year under the name Kevin Cronin.
