Subhi Agrawal
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sept. 16, the band — featuring Neal Doughty, Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall, Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt, and Matt Bissonnette — revealed that they plan to stop touring in 2025 because of “irreconcilable differences” between lead singer Cronin and bassist Hall.
“At The Level The Fans Have Come To Expect”
The announcement followed shortly after REO Speedwagon concluded the Summer Road Trip tour with Train.
The post started with “To our fans: 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. 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,” reported by People.
“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,” it continued.
“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.”
It ended with “Neal, Kevin, and Bruce” expressing their gratitude for their fans’ “loyal support” throughout the years.
Hall Was Heartbroken Over The Decision
On Monday, Sept. 16, Hall, 71, also shared a Facebook post expressing that he was “heartbroken” over the decision to stop touring.
“Please know Neal 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,” he wrote.
Last week, REO Speedwagon canceled their tour dates in Chula Vista, Calif., and Phoenix because Cronin was dealing with an undisclosed illness.
The “Can’t Fight This Feeling” band began their 44-date co-headlining tour with Train on July 8, wrapping up on Sept. 11. However, REO Speedwagon only performed the final show due to Cronin’s illness.
The band is scheduled to return to the stage on Sept. 27 at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California, with their final performance set for Nov. 23 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
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