REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin addressed fans’ concerns about his recent message to the band and their supporters.
Cronin expressed hope that the band could keep going and promised to do whatever he could to help. Some fans were upset about Bruce Hall not performing anymore, causing controversy among the fanbase.
“I don’t understand why so called REO Speedwagon fans are shaming other fans for still wanting to attend the shows even though Bruce is not performing too. I hope that the coming shows will not be ruined by this toxic negativity,” one user wrote on Cronin’s Facebook post. Cronin responded, “I believe that love and positive energy always win in the long run. I choose to take the high road, and plan to remain there. Thanks for your support.”
Another fan asked, “What does rescue REO mean? You have always been my favorite but this band drama is really breaking my heart,” Cronin replied, “It’s breaking my heart, too. Thanks for your support.”
REO Speedwagon stopped touring due to a disagreement over bassist Bruce Hall’s return after his back surgery in November. Matt Bissonette has been filling in for him during 2024.
Hall’s wife, Kimmie Sue, said the band was like a family and the bond among members was real. However, some believe Cronin has a ‘God complex.’
Gary Richrath’s son, Eric, shared his thoughts on social media, saying, “It could have ended in a way that they all could have been really proud of. Instead… it is going to end like this. A lead singer with a God complex has decreed that his opinion is the ‘consensus opinion’…and that’s it. He’s gonna take his ball and go home…”
There have been comments about replacing Cronin as well. “Replace Kevin then. [The] rest [of the] band is more important than him. Never thought I would need [to] say that,” one fan commented on a post from Bruce Hall. Hall responded, “I would never do that to him. He’s our lead singer just as I am the bassist. Together we are REO. I can’t stop him from leaving though.”
REO Speedwagon has about 20 concerts lined up for 2024, and they’ve recently added more dates. Their last show is set for December 21 at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, alongside Loverboy.
