REO Speedwagon has officially stopped touring, but this doesn’t mean they are permanently ending their music career. In response to fan concerns about the band’s future, Kevin Cronin took to Facebook to provide some clarity. He replied to a fan’s comment on a post he made two weeks ago about the band’s new direction. The fan shared their appreciation, saying, “Rock on. REO has been an inspiration (positive vibes) for me for 50 years. Thank you.”
Cronin responded by 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 went on to explain that his name will now represent the next chapter for the band. He reassured fans that the group, along with their crew, will stay united. “My name now represents this awesome band, crew, and organization… all of whom are sticking together through this transition and into 2025 and beyond.” He ended by thanking fans for their ongoing support as they move into the future of their music.
The band played their final show under the REO Speedwagon name on December 22. Their 15-song setlist included songs from their entire career, including the iconic 1980s album ‘Hi Infidelity.’ The final encore consisted of ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘Roll With the Changes.’
The final shows took place amid public tension due to ‘irreconcilable differences’ between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. As a result, Hall missed this year’s performances.
In a Facebook comment, Hall clarified the situation, stating that Cronin was not forced to rebrand the band. He explained, “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.”
Hall, who joined the band in 1977 and played on their album ‘You Can Tune A Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish,’ had hoped to return after recovering from back surgery. However, he was replaced by session bassist Matt Bissonette for the final tour. Eeven after the changes, REO Speedwagon will tour this year as part of the Brotherhood of Rock tour, alongside Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder.
