REO Speedwagon is bringing their show to a screeching halt due to conflicts within its ranks.
The veteran rockers, known for 1980s hits such as “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” announced the group will cease touring at the end of the year due to “irreconcilable differences” between the two longest-tenured members, bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin.
“Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025,” the band wrote in a statement Monday titled “To Our Fans.”
“[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,” the statement concluded.
Issues within the Illinois-founded band — also consisting of guitarist Dave Amato, touring keyboardist Derek Hilland and drummer Bryan Hitt — apparently began late last year when REO Speedwagon announced that Hall needed back surgery and that Matt Bissonette would take over as touring bassist.
“Bruce has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now. If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him,” the Grammy-nominated group explained in Monday’s statement, making reference to Hall, who has been recuperating as the band was touring with Train this summer.
“The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect,” they said. “Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that [replacement bassist] Matt [Bissonette] 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.”
The statement also noted that Cronin “never had any intention of leaving the band,” which ultimately led to their decision to call it quits.
