Kevin Cronin spoke candidly about REO Speedwagon’s upcoming exit – see what he had to say below.
In September, REO Speedwagon announced that it was with “heartbreak” that they would halt touring at the end of the year due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. announced the end of the rock band.
In a new chat with Billboard, Cronin spoke about the status of REO Speedwagon and his solo debut on January 25th: I didn’t want REO Speedwagon to end. This is sad, but I will do whatever I can to keep REO Speedwagon going. I never quit the band. I’ll never quit the band. Since I lost the vote…I’ll have to stop calling it REO Speedwagon at the end of this year. ”
For context, REO Speedwagon’s ownership is controlled by three members of the band. Cronin, the only remaining founding member, Neil Doty, and longtime bassist Bruce Hall. Hall has been out of the tour since November 2023 due to back surgery, and Doughty retired from the tour last year. Doughty and Hall voted to end REO Speedwagon, beating Cronin 2-1.
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’m voted out, like it or not, I have to accept it regardless. To be honest, I don’t like it. But I have to accept it…although I will do my best to keep REO Speedwagon going. , once the vote has been taken, we must accept the result.”
Cronin plans to make his solo debut in January and hopes to continue working with REO’s current touring members (albeit under a different name), which includes Matt Bissonnette, Dave Amato, Brian Hitt, and Derek Hilland. are.
Cronin also suggested that while Hall might join the band for a few shows here and there, he doesn’t see Hall returning as a full-time member “as an option.”
REO Speedwagon’s final show will be held at the Venetian in Las Vegas on December 21st. In addition to the performance on December 21st, there are also performances scheduled at the same venue on December 18th and 20th, and any remaining tickets can be purchased here.
