Bruce Hall, guitarist for REO Speedwagon, recently outlined an ambitious idea for the band’s future in a statement featured on Harmless Dave. His proposal focuses on passing the group’s legacy to the next generation—specifically, to musically inclined members of the band’s families.
Hall noted that he and his wife, Kimmie, have been discussing the possibility of letting their children continue REO Speedwagon’s musical tradition. The concept involves Kevin Cronin’s two sons along with Hall’s son, a drummer, potentially coming together to form what might be known as “Speedwagon 2” or a similar variation.
As Hall explained: “We’re thinking about the idea would be Kevin’s got two sons that are very good and I’ve got a boy who’s a great drummer and we’re think trying to come up with maybe it’s a pipe dream but think about ways to if the fans would go for it, you know, kind of hand the business over to them to go out and become I don’t know if you could call it exactly REO Speedwagon. You could call it Speedwagon 2 or something.”
Hall compared the idea to how family businesses often transition to the next generation. He suggested that such a move would respect the band’s roots while allowing their children to continue performing the REO Speedwagon repertoire. He added, “But let them have it, you know, a lot of businesses, the guys build up a business and then they hand it off to their children. And I would think if there’s people that still want to hear REO songs, it would be great to have it done by the the people who are related to the guys who wrote it and put it together.”
While acknowledging the presence of tribute bands, Hall emphasized that this concept would stand apart because of its direct lineage. His comments arrive at a pivotal time for the band, coinciding with major shifts in touring plans and lineup dynamics.
According to AOL, REO Speedwagon announced it would stop touring as of January 1, 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences” among members, reportedly linked to Hall’s health issues. This announcement signaled a dramatic change for the long-running rock band. IMDB noted that their final performance under the REO Speedwagon name occurred in December 2024 in Las Vegas, marking a symbolic conclusion to their decades-long run and setting the backdrop for Hall’s vision of a next chapter.
Meanwhile, Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Kevin Cronin has continued sharing REO classics through his own ensemble, the Kevin Cronin Band, performing alongside groups like Styx and Don Felder. This ongoing activity underscores that even though REO Speedwagon has officially retired from touring, the songs and spirit of the band still resonate with audiences.
Hall’s concept for “Speedwagon 2” introduces a novel way of preserving the band’s heritage—by entrusting it to their own children. In doing so, he imagines a future where fans can continue enjoying REO Speedwagon’s music performed by heirs who carry both the family legacy and the musical lineage of the original members.
