The iconic sound of classic rock is a little quieter these days, as a legendary band's journey together came to an unexpected end. REO Speedwagon, a band that has delivered anthems for over five decades, officially called it quits more than a year ago. While the official reason cited was "irreconcilable differences," frontman Kevin Cronin is now offering a more intimate look into the forces that led to the split, revealing a growing "chasm" within the group.
Cronin, speaking on Billy Corgan's podcast, "The Magnificent Others," explained that the seeds of discord were sown during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of pause prompted him to reflect and re-evaluate, leading to a desire for personal growth and a yearning to elevate the band's performance. He dedicated himself to vocal training, putting in what he described as "10,000 hours on my voice" to be ready for the band's return to touring.
However, when the band reconvened post-pandemic, Cronin's enthusiasm wasn't universally shared. "Some of the guys in the band shared that excitement and some of the guys didn’t," he recalled. This divergence in ambition created a noticeable rift, a subtle yet significant shift in the band's internal dynamics. But here's where it gets controversial... Cronin believes his commitment to improvement was misinterpreted by some bandmates.
The situation escalated in 2023 as the band prepared for a special Las Vegas residency showcasing their seminal album, "Hi Infidelity," complete with a grand audio-visual spectacle. Tragically, just a week before the shows were set to begin, bassist Bruce Hall suffered a back injury. In his place, Elton John's bassist, Matt Bissonette, stepped in. Cronin expressed his deep affection for Hall, acknowledging that Hall might have felt targeted. "I love Bruce and I think he might feel like I was out to get him," Cronin admitted, emphasizing that this was far from his intention. He clarified, "I hold no ill feelings toward him."
Despite earlier reports suggesting Hall's desire to return, the band continued touring with Bissonette. REO Speedwagon continued to perform, including notable shows at the New York State Fair in the summer of 2023 and the Syracuse amphitheater in 2024. Their final performance as REO Speedwagon took place on January 1, 2025. Cronin revealed his attempts to bridge the divide were ultimately unsuccessful, describing the situation as "impossible."
And this is the part most people miss... The band's legacy took another hit when REO alumni, including Syracuse native Alan Gratzer, reunited for a special "retrospective" performance last June in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, without Cronin. This event, while a nod to the band's history, further solidified the separation. Cronin's subsequent solo tour as the Kevin Cronin Band, while a necessary step, proved to be a challenging endeavor, with ticket sales reportedly being more difficult.
Fans were given a glimmer of hope when Cronin, Hall, Gratzer, and retired keyboardist Neal Doughty reunited as grand marshals for the University of Illinois homecoming parade in September. This marked the first time all four had been together in a musical capacity since 1988, sparking speculation about a potential comeback. However, no further reunions have been announced, leaving the future of REO Speedwagon uncertain.
REO Speedwagon, with Cronin at the helm since 1972, is celebrated for their enduring hits from the '70s and '80s, including "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Take It On the Run," and "Keep on Loving You." Cronin has indicated he may continue performing solo and is also diligently working on his memoir, tentatively titled "Roll With the Change: My Life Within and Without REO Speedwagon."
What are your thoughts on the impact of individual ambition versus group harmony in long-standing bands? Do you believe Cronin's pursuit of self-improvement ultimately contributed to the band's demise, or was it an inevitable outcome of differing visions? Share your perspectives in the comments below!
