Kevin Cronin has opened up on the upcoming end of REO Speedwagon – see what he had to say below.
In September, REO Speedwagon announced that though “heartbroken” to do so, they will cease touring at the end of the year, bringing an end to the beloved rock band due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.
Now in a new chat with Billboard, Cronin has spoken about the REO Speedwagon situation and his solo debut on January 25: “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever see this coming. I didn’t want to end REO Speedwagon. This is sad, and I would do anything in my power to continue [as] REO Speedwagon. I never quit the band; I never will quit the band. I just got outvoted and… have to stop calling it REO Speedwagon at the end of this year.”
For context, ownership interest in REO Speedwagon is controlled by three members of the band: Cronin, sole remaining founding member Neal Doughty, and longtime bassist Bruce Hall. Hall has been absent from tour since November 2023 due to back surgery, and Doughty retired from touring last year. Doughty and Hall have voted to bring an end to REO Speedwagon, outvoting Cronin 2-to-1.
Cronin went on to explain to Billboard: “The simple answer is that REO Speedwagon at this point is a three-person partnership… and I have one vote. So if I get outvoted then I have to accept that, whether I like it or not. I’ll be honest with you — I don’t like it. But I have to accept it… I would do everything in my power to be able to continue with REO Speedwagon but, when a vote is taken, you have to live with the results.”
Cronin will make his solo debut in January, and hopes to continue on with REO’s current touring roster – which includes Matt Bissonette, Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt and Derek Hilland – albeit under a different name.
Cronin has also suggested that he can see a case in which Hall joins the bands for select shows here and there, but doesn’t consider Hall’s return as a full-time member “as an option”.
REO Speedwagon’s final show will take place on December 21 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Besides the December 21 show, they will also perform at the same venue on December 18 and 20. You can get any remaining tickets here.
