Bruce Hall’s Decision Against Starting His Own REO Speedwagon
Bruce Hall recently expressed his intentions not to create an alternative version of REO Speedwagon following the band’s split last month. The talented bassist had been dealing with health issues that prevented him from performing, but he was gearing up for a comeback in 2025. Unfortunately, vocalist Kevin Cronin contested this decision, which led to a stalemate among the band members. Ultimately, this resulted in the official retirement of the band name after their final performance on December 21.
With Cronin’s proposal being dismissed by Hall and retired keyboardist Neal Doughty, who co-own the REO Speedwagon name, Hall made the decision to continue his musical journey under his own name, supported by the last lineup of the band that fans have come to love.
READ MORE: Top 10 REO Speedwagon Songs
In a recent social media update, Hall made a bold statement regarding Cronin, declaring that he “did not found this band.” He elaborated by saying: “No one forced him to rebrand. He decided he wanted to tour with the sub bassist instead of me.” Hall emphasized, “The other two owners said ‘no’ and I was scheduled to return in 2025… so he quit. He and he alone did this. I wanted nothing more than to continue to tour after my scheduled, successful back surgery. I’ve been cleared to play since January.”
Hall later engaged in a conversation with journalist Mitch Lafon, who inquired about the possibility of reviving REO Speedwagon with Doughty’s backing. Hall candidly replied, “I don’t want to, honestly. REO is our band and Kevin should always be our lead singer. Fans deserve the real deal, not another tribute band.”
Irving Azoff’s Mediation Efforts for REO Speedwagon
Recently, Doughty disclosed that the renowned industry figure Irving Azoff had made attempts to mediate the ongoing dispute, as he felt a personal connection with the first band he ever managed. Doughty shared, “He was totally sympathetic to what’s going on and why me and Bruce have to do what we’re doing.” Azoff had a discussion with Cronin and later reached out to Doughty, stating, “I tried. I have no stake in this. It’s just that you guys were my first band. It’s a shame, but he didn’t take sides. He just said, ‘I couldn’t do anything about it.’”
During the final performance, Cronin addressed the audience, saying: “The REO Speedwagon name is being retired tonight, but the music, the spirit, and the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin. We hope you join us on that adventure.”
