In September 2024, REO Speedwagon announced that the band would cease touring starting in January 2025 because of a conflict that arose between two of the group’s longest-tenured members—frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.
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Now, Cronin has lined up his first planned solo concert following REO’s apparent impending retirement from the road. The show is scheduled for January 25, 2025, in Thackerville, Oklahoma, at the Lucas Oil Live venue at WinStar World Casino and Resort. The concert is being billed as Kevin Cronin: The Songs of REO Speedwagon.
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Meanwhile, REO Speedwagon has 17 dates remaining on its 2024 concert schedule. The shows run from a November 6 performance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through a December 18, 20, and 21 engagement in Las Vegas. Loverboy is slated to open 10 of the group’s November concerts.
The Las Vegas shows are part of REO’s “An Evening of Hi Fidelity … and More” residency at The Venetian Theatre.
Tickets for Cronin’s solo show and REO Speedwagon’s concerts can be purchased now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
Cronin’s Message About His Future Plans
Cronin also recently debuted his own new official website and social media pages. In conjunction the launch of the websites, the singer/songwriter posted a note reflecting on his longtime band and future plans.
“During the late 70s and through the 1980s, Alan Gratzer, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, the late great Gary Richrath, and I all formed what our loyal REO Speedwagon fans have come to call the Classic REO Line-up,” Kevin’s message began. “These current bumps in the road cannot alter our legacy, take away any of what we accomplished together, or change what that music means to our fans.”
He continued, “As I go full speed ahead into the REO shows for the next couple of months, and exciting adventures in the new year, I know I have much more music to make, many more songs to sing… and who knows what else the future may bring. Meanwhile, I will continue to do my part in making sure Gary’s songs live on forever. And as the rest of us head off down our own separate paths, I wish everyone only the best in their future adventures and endeavors.”
More About Cronin’s Conflict with Hall
The decision for REO Speedwagon to retire from touring came about because of “irreconcilable differences” between Hall and Cronin, according to a statement from the group. Hall had stopped touring with REO after undergoing back surgery in the fall of 2023, and Matt Bissonette was brought in as his replacement while he recuperated. Hall eventually felt he was ready to tour again, but Cronin and other members of the group apparently didn’t agree.
“Bruce has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now,” the message read. “If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him.”
The statement also noted, “Bruce respected [the band’s consensus] opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years. For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.”
In the wake of the conflict, the message concluded, “[I]t is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. [Founding keyboardist] Neal [Doughty], Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever.”
Hall Also Posted a Message About the Situation
After REO issued its official statement, Hall posted his own message about the situation on his social media pages.
“Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling,” he wrote. “I am so appreciative of ALL the amazing love & support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me…that’s all I wanted too. We all deserved a farewell tour.”
Hall added, “For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave [Amato], Bryan [Hitt], and Derek [Hilland]. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.”
Cronin Expressed a Desire to Keep REO Speedwagon Going
Meanwhile, in September underwent an operation that temporarily put him out of commission. In a September 30 post on his social media pages, he revealed that his recovery was going well.
He also shared his feelings about REO’s impending retirement and its final scheduled concerts.
“I will always hold out hope that REO Speedwagon can be rescued,” Cronin wrote. “This band is my life’s work, and I would never do anything except what I feel is in REO’s best interests. But in any case, I am going to make the most of the rest of our 2024 tour dates. I love this band and I love our loyal fans, and I will be giving my 100% effort to the upcoming shows.”
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