REO Speedwagon Reveal 'Heartbreaking' Reason They Decided To Call It Quits

REO Speedwagon just announced that they will be done touring after this year due to "irreconcilable differences" between two bandmates.

According to NME , the icons recently finished their Summer Road Trip tour alongside Train with bassist Bruce Hall sitting out a handful of dates as he recovered from back surgery. The band performed their latest show on September 8th, and cancelled their most recent dates after frontman Kevin Cronin fell ill earlier this week. REO Speedwagon posted the unexpected breakup announcement (over half-a-century after they released their self-titled, debut album) to social media citing Hall's inability to recover sufficiently.

"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 consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect."

Thankfully, session player Matt Bissonette was able to sub for Hall to keep the tour going through the summer . The post continued, referencing the decision as a "complex situation" fueled by differences between Hall and 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. 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."

Hall took to Facebook to share a personal message revealing that he and Neal were the ones who tried to keep the band afloat, and that they would have preferred to bow out with a proper farewell tour.

"Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken. Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling."

Hey Everyone, Never ever thought it would end like this and I'm heartbroken. Please know Neal and I did everything in...

Posted by Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon on Monday, September 16, 2024

Similarly, Cronin took it upon himself to update fans following an emergency surgery (that took place a few days ago) that changed his perspective on the people in his life and the future of his career. The legend gave fans hope that he will continue to record music without his bandmates once the tour is over.

"I feel excited at the prospect of creating and playing the best music I have in me, with the best artists, musicians, and people who will have me. And I promise to continue giving my best, and appreciating the gift of music which has allowed me this life."

The band's next tour date is slated for September 27th in Rancho Mirage, California, with additional dates spanning through November.

REO Speedwagon will wrap up their impressive 53-year legacy on November 23rd in Lexington, Kentucky.