CLEVELAND, Ohio — The band REO Speedwagon, which rose to fame in the 1970s and early 1980s, is ready to call it quits with live shows after completing its current tour, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
The band made the announcement Tuesday on its Instagram page. A dispute between bassist Bruce Hall and lead vocalist Kevin Cronin is behind the decision, according to the announcement.
Hall underwent back surgery last year. Matt Bissonette has been filling in on the current tour, but the post says Hall had been expected to return to the band. But the post also says it’s “not up to just him.”
“The consensus opinion was that (Hall) had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect,” the post says. “Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt 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.
“For Kevin’s part, he too 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. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective Jan. 1, 2025.”
The band performed at Blossom Music Center in July while touring with the group Train. REO Speedwagon is known for hits such as “Can’t Fight This Feeling”, “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run.”
They were formed in 1967 but had their biggest commercial success with the 1980 album “Hi Infidelity,” which sold about 10 million copies and had four Top 40 hits in the U.S.
