In a bittersweet moment for fans and the music world, REO Speedwagon took the stage for their final performance as the iconic band on December 21, 2023, at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas. After over 55 years of electrifying audiences and creating timeless rock anthems, the legendary band has decided to retire the “REO Speedwagon” name, but not the music or the spirit of their sound. In a heartfelt address to the crowd, frontman Kevin Cronin announced that while the name may be laid to rest, the band’s musical journey will continue under his leadership.
“I feel sadness that this is the final REO Speedwagon concert,” Cronin, 73, told the audience, as reported by Louder Sound. “At the same time, I feel so incredibly grateful to have been a part of this amazing ride. This incredible musical journey called REO Speedwagon.” In a poignant moment, Cronin revealed that the name would be retired for good, but that the band’s legacy would endure through new projects and performances under the name “Kevin Cronin.”
“The REO Speedwagon name is being retired tonight,” Cronin continued, “but the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin. We hope you join us on that adventure.” The crowd erupted in applause, as the announcement marked both an end and a new beginning for the members of the band and their devoted fans.
The decision to retire the REO Speedwagon name comes at a time of growing tension within the band. Earlier in September, the group revealed they would stop touring in 2025 due to “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. Hall, who had been absent from touring since November 2023 due to back surgery, had been replaced by Matt Bissonette for the band’s summer tour with Train. This break, although temporary, seemed to signal deeper issues within the band.
The group’s announcement about the impending end of their touring career was shared via a Facebook post, where they explained the situation: “Bruce has intended to be back on the road again by now,” the post read, “but it’s not just up to him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to perform at the level the fans have come to expect.” The post also clarified that Bruce Hall had no intention of retiring, but due to his health issues, the band had to make tough decisions.
As tensions grew, it was revealed that despite the best efforts of Neal Doughty, Cronin, and Hall to keep the band intact, the differences between Cronin and Hall became too great to overcome. This led to the eventual decision to end REO Speedwagon’s touring career in 2025.
While the band will still perform together, Cronin expressed deep sorrow at the idea of closing the chapter on REO Speedwagon, a name he had been associated with for so many years. In an emotional message posted on his own Facebook, Cronin explained his side of the story. “I never wanted to end REO Speedwagon,” Cronin admitted. “This is sad, and I would do anything in my power to continue as REO Speedwagon. I never quit the band; I never will quit the band. I just got outvoted.”
The voting decision, Cronin shared, was a complicated one, and he was ultimately outvoted in the three-person partnership that governs the band. “REO Speedwagon at this point is a three-person partnership… and I have one vote,” he explained. “If I get outvoted, I have to accept that. Whether I like it or not, I have to live with the results.” His words were tinged with both frustration and acceptance, as he recognized that sometimes in life, even the most heartfelt wishes cannot change the course set by the majority.
While the REO Speedwagon name will be retired, Cronin has already set his sights on the future. Starting in 2025, he will take his band on a new journey with the Brotherhood of Rock tour, featuring Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. The tour promises to carry on the legacy of classic rock, with Cronin at the helm, bringing fans along for what will surely be an exciting new chapter in his storied career.
Though the dissolution of REO Speedwagon in its original form is undeniably emotional for both the band and their fans, the music will never truly disappear. Cronin’s heartfelt tribute to the fans during their final show as REO Speedwagon reinforced the band’s lasting impact: “The spirit of REO Speedwagon will continue, and I’ll be there with you, as I always have been.”
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