It’s over for Speedwagon,
In a statement shared this week to the American rock band’s 1.6 million Facebook followers, the group behind ’80s hit I can’t fight this feeling announced they will no longer tour from January 1, 2025.
It was suggested in the missive that “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall were to blame.
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REO Speedwagon’s statement came just days after the band wrapped up its Summer Road Trip tour, which was co-headlined with Train.
Hall, 71, had been absent from the tour as he recovered from back surgery, with Matt Bissonette, 63, stepping into covering him.
Cronin, 72, meanwhile, has been battling an undisclosed health issue, which saw him undergo emergency surgery in early September. That, in turn, saw two of the group’s concert dates – September 10’s Chula Vista, California, and September 11’s Phoenix, Arizona – canceled altogether.
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Less than a week after the cancellations, fans of REO Speedwagon were delivered news no one wants to hear.
“To our fans: 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 statement began.
“The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour.”
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“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 continued.
REO Speedwagon then explained that Cronin as well “has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.”
“Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin,” the statement continued. “So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will stop touring effective January 1, 2025.”
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“Neal, 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.
Founding member Neal Doughty, 78, lead guitarist Dave Amato, 71, and drummer Bryan Hitt, 70, performed across all Summer Road Trip tour dates.
Minutes after REO Speedwagon’s statement was shared, Hall took to his own Facebook page to share a statement.
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”Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken,” Hall’s statement began.
“Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling. 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.”
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“For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave, Bryan and Derek. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery. I love and will miss you all, Bruce,” he concluded.
It’s unclear if the band – which was formed in 1967 – is splitting for good after 57 years, or if they’re just ceasing touring from next year.
REO Speedwagon’s next show is scheduled for September 27 in Rancho Mirage, California.
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