REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin has spoken out for the first time since announcing last month that the band will stop touring after this year rather than allow bassist Bruce Hall back in the band after his back surgery.
Cronin, who also just underwent an unspecified surgery, says, "I appreciate your positive energy and support. I am right on schedule, healing up according to plan...
"I will always hold out hope that REO Speedwagon can be rescued. This band is my life’s work, and I would never do anything except what I feel is in REO’s best interests. But in any case, I am going to make the most of the rest of our 2024 tour dates. I love this band and I love our loyal fans, and I will be giving my 100% effort to the upcoming shows."
REO are schedule to resume touring on October 23rd in Eugene, Oregon with special guest Rick Springfield.
If you missed this news last month, the band released a statement saying, "To our fans: [Bassist] Bruce [Hall] 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. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt [Bissonette] 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 [singer] Kevin’s [Cronin] 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 January 1st, 2025. [Founding and now-retired keyboardist] Neil [Doughty], 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."
And Hall also commented, saying, "Never ever thought it would end like this and I'm heartbroken.
"Please know Neil 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.
"For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave [Amato], Bryan [Hitt] and Derek [Hilland]. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.
"I love and will miss you all."
This news came two days after Cronin announced the reason REO had pulled out of the last two shows of their summer tour with Train is because he underwent undisclosed emergency surgery.
He says, "It was a complete success. I am on the mend and will be up and rockin’ as soon as the good docs here say it’s okay. Until then, I am 100% focused on recuperating.
"Meanwhile, lying here tethered to various beeping machines makes a guy think. I have had plenty of free time this past week to appreciate the love in the eyes of my wife and kids, as they have gathered around me here every single day. I have so much more life to live, and have re-examined what I want to do with the rest of my time here, and who I want to be surrounded by while I do it. I need to be lifted by those around me, and in return, to lift them. 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.
"Your unwavering support means the world to me."