REO Speedwagon to Reunite for One-Off Hometown Show Minus Kevin Cronin
Legendary rock band REO Speedwagon recently made waves in the music world by announcing a one-off hometown show without their lead singer, Kevin Cronin. Bassist Bruce Hall shared the news on Facebook, revealing that the special event will take place on June 14 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. Hall expressed his enthusiasm for the concert, describing it as a unique opportunity to return to his roots and celebrate with the band’s founding members. Additionally, the show will serve as a fundraiser for the REO Speedwagon Foundation, supporting rare GU cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. Hall’s post hinted at a sense of closure and tribute to the late Gary, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming performance.
This decision to organize a show without Kevin Cronin comes on the heels of REO Speedwagon’s decision to halt touring due to what they termed as “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and Hall. In response to this development, Hall expressed deep regret, stating that the band had exhausted all efforts to resolve their internal conflicts. Likewise, Cronin shared his perspective on the situation in a statement from October 2024, expressing a desire to salvage the band despite the prevailing tensions. He emphasized his commitment to upcoming tour dates and affirmed his dedication to REO Speedwagon and their devoted fans.
The discord between Cronin and Hall initially arose in 2024 when Hall took a hiatus from the band to recuperate from back surgery. Cronin recounted a conversation where he recommended that Hall take the entirety of 2024 off to focus on his recovery, a suggestion that did not sit well with Hall. Despite the well-intentioned advice, Hall ultimately distanced himself from the band, opting out of the 2024 tour entirely. This move marked the beginning of the strained relationship between the bandmates, culminating in their decision to part ways and pursue separate musical endeavors.
As fans speculate about the future of REO Speedwagon following Cronin’s absence from the upcoming hometown show, the band’s legacy and enduring impact on the music industry remain unshaken. Fueled by nostalgia, the reunion of REO Speedwagon’s original members offers a poignant reflection on their shared history and the evolution of their sound over the decades. While the absence of Cronin may signal a new chapter for the band, the spirit of REO Speedwagon lives on, resonating with generations of listeners and capturing the essence of classic rock at its finest.