In the wake of recent upheaval within the iconic rock band REO Speedwagon, industry heavyweight Irving Azoff found himself unable to mend the rift. Despite his reputation as a powerful figure in the music world, Azoff’s intervention came too late to resolve the internal strife that had been labeled as “irreconcilable differences” between band members, particularly Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall.

REO Speedwagon, hailing from Illinois, faced a challenging impasse earlier this year. Azoff, renowned for his long-lasting partnership with the Eagles and his leadership roles in several influential record labels, sought to intervene. His involvement stemmed from a personal connection to the band, having managed them since their inception while he was still a student at the University of Illinois. This deep-rooted relationship with the band made his attempt to mediate particularly poignant.

Known for his impactful roles at major companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation, Azoff’s influence extends beyond mere management; he has shaped the careers of numerous artists. His journey began in college, where he first collaborated with keyboardist Neal Doughty and the founding members of REO Speedwagon. This initial partnership laid the groundwork for a lasting relationship, making his recent outreach during the band’s turmoil all the more significant.

When Azoff learned of the band’s issues, he took the initiative to reach out to Doughty, who remains the last founding member still involved with the band after his retirement in 2023. Doughty reflected on this connection during a discussion on the UCR Podcast, highlighting how Azoff had been a pivotal figure in their early days. Although Azoff attempted to mediate the situation, he ultimately recognized the complexity of the conflict and refrained from taking sides, emphasizing his respect for both parties involved.

Addressing the ongoing disputes, Doughty expressed the difficulty of the situation, indicating that the decision to distance from Cronin was not made lightly. The internal struggles were not merely about disagreements but were rooted in a year of deep reflection and deliberation. He wanted to clarify that the choice was not made out of malice but was a necessary step for both him and Hall.

The discord primarily arose from Hall’s extended absence from the band due to necessary back surgery. While Cronin believed Hall had agreed to step back from the band’s 2024 tour, Hall provided a different narrative, asserting he had worked out arrangements with management to ensure he could return post-surgery. Unfortunately, complications arose, leading to missed performances as the group geared up for a Las Vegas residency.

After his surgery, Hall was cleared to return by January, expressing his eagerness to be part of the band again. However, he faced opposition, particularly regarding his performance readiness. Despite his willingness to adapt by possibly sitting during performances, Hall sensed reluctance from Cronin about his return, which added to the tension between them.

In a previous conversation, Cronin conveyed his enthusiasm for the current band lineup, which includes bassist Matt Bissonette, keyboardist Derek Hilland, and longtime members Dave Amato and Bruce Hitt. He expressed intentions to continue performing with this group under his name in 2025, indicating a shift in the band’s direction while still acknowledging the legacy of REO Speedwagon.

Both Hall and Doughty clarified their stance on Cronin’s future plans, expressing a desire for a different approach to the situation. They voiced their disappointment over unilateral decisions made by Cronin, emphasizing their wish for a proper conclusion to REO Speedwagon’s journey. Hall specifically pointed out that a farewell tour would be a fitting tribute to their fans, who have supported them throughout their illustrious career.

Reflecting on potential farewells, Hall suggested that the band could have expressed gratitude to their audience collectively rather than through individual means. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the fans who have contributed to their success, stating that without their support, the band’s legacy would not have been possible.

Listen to Neal Doughty and Bruce Hall on the ‘UCR Podcast’