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REO Speedwagon hits the brakes: Band to quit touring in 2025 after members disagree

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REO Speedwagon hits the brakes: Band to quit touring in 2025 after members disagree

As a seasoned cinephile who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless bands, I must say that the news of REO Speedwagon halting their touring feels like a bitter-sweet symphony. On one hand, it’s always disheartening to see a band we love call it quits, especially one with such a rich history as REO. But on the other, I can’t help but think about the countless hours they’ve spent on the road, playing their hearts out for fans who have kept the flame burning bright.

REO Speedwagon is pulling over temporarily due to unresolvable disagreements within the band, causing them to stop touring.

The band known for hits like “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep on Loving You” announced on Monday that they will be retiring from touring due to health issues affecting bassist Bruce Hall and the departure of lead singer Kevin Cronin following emergency surgery. In November, when Hall underwent back surgery, Matt Bissonette, a versatile musician who has played with bands such as David Lee Roth Band, Ringo Starr, Roundheads, and Electric Light Orchestra, took over as bassist and vocalist. Later on, Hall revealed that touring had become difficult due to his posture problems.

Initially, Bruce [Hall] planned to hit the road once more. If the decision were solely his, he would have resumed touring by now, but that’s not an option he alone controls,” the band stated on their social media. However, the general consensus was that he wasn’t fully recovered to meet the high standards the audience has grown accustomed to. Bruce accepted this view and appreciates Matt [Bissonette] for keeping things moving during the summer tour. It’s important to clarify that Bruce never intended to retire or leave behind the band, fans, and crew he cherishes, who he’s been connected with for nearly 50 years.

Apart from Hall and Cronin, who are both 71 years old, the Grammy-nominated band also comprises original member Neal Doughty, aged 78, guitarist Dave Amato, also 71, and Bryan Hitt, at 70. Formed in Illinois during the late 1960s, this group was co-founded by Doughty (who has announced his retirement in 2023) and drummer Alan Gratzer, who departed from the band in 1988.

Initially, Joe Matt (vocalist and guitarist) and Mike Blair (bassist) became part of the band; however, the band’s membership has been fluid over the past five decades. Cronin joined the band in 1972, while Hall joined in 1977 before the release of their groundbreaking album “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish” and the massively successful “Hi Infidelity,” which came out in 1980.

REO Speedwagon’s statement additionally indicated that Cronin had no plans to depart from the band, as he deeply values both the fans and the crew. Last week, it was announced that Cronin required emergency surgery, but he assured everyone that he would be back on stage as soon as his doctors give him the green light. For now, he is fully committed to recovering, as stated in a post on the band’s website last Saturday.

However, it seemed that his pledge might not last long, considering the group’s perspective on their current situation, as evidenced by this account.

Because of the intricate predicament at hand, insurmountable disagreements surfaced between Bruce and Kevin. Therefore, it is with heavy hearts that we announce REO Speedwagon will discontinue touring as of January 1, 2025. The band members, Neal, Kevin, and Bruce, express their deep gratitude for the unwavering support from their fans over the years and cherish the memories created together that they’ll always hold dear.

According to their website, REO Speedwagon plans to return to live performances this fall, kicking off with a concert in Rancho Mirage on September 27th and wrapping up on November 23rd in Lexington, KY. It remains undetermined if anyone else will be taking Cronin’s place during these shows.

REO Speedwagon concluded its joint headlining Summer Tour with Train last week, prematurely ending their performances in Chula Vista on September 10 and Phoenix on September 11 due to Cronin’s illness. Cronin expressed on Saturday that “2024 has been a mix of joy and challenges, and although I didn’t quite reach the final stretch, I have cherished the experience. The Summer Tour with Train and REO Speedwagon was an inspiring concept and an incredible success tale.

For the last performances of their tour, Train kicked off with a rendition of “Keep on Loving You” by REO Speedwagon; during these same concerts, Yacht Rock Revue performed a cover of REO’s “Roll With the Changes.

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2024-09-17 21:01

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