The recent revelation that REO Speedwagon will conclude its touring activities in 2024 due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall has left fans reeling in disbelief.

Cronin, too, admits he was blindsided by this decision. “The idea of REO Speedwagon ending is simply unimaginable to me,” he confides in an interview with UCR. “I never anticipated this outcome.”

In his first interview since the news broke in mid-September, the iconic singer-songwriter took the time to share his perspective. [We have also reached out to Hall for his side of the story.] Cronin is slated to perform three final concerts with REO Speedwagon this week. Following that, he will embark on a solo tour in 2025, featuring long-time REO guitarist Dave Amato, drummer Bryan Hitt, keyboardist Derek Hilland, and bassist Matt Bissonette. His inaugural solo concert is scheduled for January 25 in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Additionally, Cronin is set to join the exciting new Brotherhood of Rock tour, reuniting him with his long-time friends and touring partners in Styx for an anticipated sixth run next summer.

“There’s a distinction between Styx and REO Speedwagon, as well as Styx and Kevin Cronin, especially on paper,” he explains. “However, those guys have always placed their trust in me. We performed a couple of shows together recently, and they were thoroughly impressed with the current lineup. I am incredibly grateful to Tommy Shaw and the entire Styx organization for their unwavering support.”

Let’s discuss your health for a moment. You had to leave the tour with Train unexpectedly this summer due to health reasons. I saw you perform with REO in Toledo since then, so it’s great to see you back – but fans were understandably worried. Please share whatever you feel comfortable about that experience.
It was a completely unforeseen accident that led to my departure. I sustained an injury that required surgical intervention in my abdominal area. Thankfully, I received exceptional care from a skilled surgeon here in Southern California. She informed me that my recovery would take approximately four to six weeks. I put my trust in her advice and adhered to her recovery plan. It’s astonishing how resilient the human body is. The injury occurred the night of our performance at the Forum in Los Angeles, in the early hours. If you had asked me just a few days after that incident, I was in considerable pain and had to seek medical attention. Luckily, even at 73 years old, I felt rejuvenated and quickly recovered. If you caught the show in Toledo, you could see that I am back to my best. I feel fantastic and am excited to announce that I made a full recovery without any complications. Unfortunately, I missed the last two shows of the Train tour, which was disappointing.

We received some unexpected news regarding REO Speedwagon’s decision to wind down at the end of this year, attributed to “irreconcilable differences.” It’s understandable that you, like many fans, are feeling quite emotional about this. How did it reach this point?
This situation is profoundly sad for me. I have dedicated my entire adult life to putting my heart and soul into REO Speedwagon, and it has been incredibly significant to me. Many of my most cherished songs were created with REO Speedwagon, and we achieved incredible milestones together. The idea of REO Speedwagon coming to an end is unfathomable. I never saw this coming. Much of the information circulating online has been misleading and, in some cases, hurtful. It’s truly disheartening. Many fans associate significant moments in their lives with REO Speedwagon – whether it was a song that played at their wedding, during their first date, or as part of their anniversary celebrations. REO Speedwagon has been a staple in American music culture. I never imagined that it would conclude before I was ready to step away from my career.

In my mind, I had always pictured riding the Speedwagon until I could no longer perform, whether due to health issues or other circumstances. But the events of this year took me completely by surprise. It’s disheartening and unfortunate. I experience a mix of anger and acceptance about the situation. Ultimately, I have limited control over this. REO Speedwagon has devolved into a partnership among the three original members, and I hold just one vote. I wanted to maintain the lineup that fans witnessed in Toledo and during our tour with Train this year across various cities. My intention was to keep that momentum going, as it was just too good to let go. However, I was outvoted, and that left me without any alternative. My passion for this band runs deep. Playing with my bandmates has been incredibly fulfilling, uplifting, and inspiring, and I want to continue this journey. If we cannot carry on under the REO Speedwagon name, we’ll pivot to Kevin Cronin or the Kevin Cronin Band and continue to build on what we’ve achieved in 2024.

Kevin, when someone joins a band, like you did in the past, they don’t anticipate that it will evolve into a brand and partnership as you described. Yet, for so long, you’ve defied the odds. The camaraderie within the band always appeared strong. So, understandably, fans have questions about why a farewell tour isn’t possible.
A farewell tour typically signifies a celebratory conclusion, and while that sounds wonderful, I’m not prepared to say farewell yet. Some members might feel ready to move on, but I am not one of them. When the time comes for me to step away, I will undoubtedly want to hold a grand farewell celebration because the fans deserve it. They have been pivotal in allowing me to chase my wildest rock and roll dreams. I have been fortunate to write songs that resonate deeply with people. Here we are in 2024, performing in sold-out venues, thanks to a massive Live Nation tour. The enthusiasm from audiences has only grown stronger, contrary to the common trend of diminishing interest over time. People seem to appreciate our commitment to continue entertaining them. While a farewell tour will eventually happen, I wish it could be as REO Speedwagon. However, as I mentioned, my ability to influence this outcome has its limitations.

Reflecting on the history and culture of REO Speedwagon, it’s essential to recognize that the band’s journey has been distinct from that of groups like U2, Aerosmith, or Cheap Trick, who have known each other since childhood. Our roots trace back to Champaign, Illinois, a vibrant hub for aspiring musicians, especially in the late ’60s. The area attracted students nationwide, drawn by its outstanding educational institutions. An agency called Blytham Limited, initially managed by Irving Azoff, who later became a powerhouse in the music industry, was instrumental in our beginnings. REO Speedwagon and Dan Fogelberg were among his first clients. When I joined the band in 1972, REO Speedwagon had already undergone numerous lineup changes, having worked with different lead guitarists and bassists and even experimenting with a brass section.

They had released one album, and it was Gary Richrath, who discovered me in Chicago, who recognized the band’s need for songwriting reinforcements. My dual talents as a guitarist and vocalist led to my inclusion in the band. After a couple of years, I faced vocal cord issues that hindered the recording of the Ridin’ the Storm Out album, prompting my temporary replacement by Mike Murphy. A few years later, when things didn’t click with Mike, the band brought me back. As history unfolded, Bruce joined the band after Gregg Philbin, and the lineup continued evolving. Through it all, there’s always been a profound sense of camaraderie that was evident on stage. Like many bands, relationships and circumstances have changed over time. It saddens me, but I know I can only do so much. I’m not ready to stop. I’m grateful to be surrounded by a fantastic group of musicians. The chemistry is incredible, the music sounds fantastic, and I am committed to keeping this band alive.

READ MORE: How a Road Trip Inspired REO Speedwagon’s ‘Roll With the Changes’

To ensure that I can continue making music, I might need to change the band’s name to my own, which feels strange. I’ve always been a team player, and it’s not that I left REO Speedwagon to pursue a solo career. Contrary to some rumors circulating online, I never quit REO Speedwagon, nor do I plan to. This is simply the situation I find myself in. As for 2024, Bruce has agreed to sit out the tour while still receiving full compensation, and that’s the plan we are following. That summarizes 2024. I understand there have been numerous opinions from those who believe they comprehend our internal dynamics. Honestly, I’m disheartened that this has all unfolded so publicly, drawing fans into the drama.

The public nature of these developments is unfortunate.
Absolutely. We want to keep this private. Fans don’t appreciate it either, which is why I’ve chosen to remain silent. These matters are deeply personal, musical, and creative. Situations arise in bands that outsiders simply cannot grasp unless they are part of the experience. Music is a deeply spiritual and creative endeavor, and changes are inevitable. I feel a mix of sadness and excitement. While I am saddened that REO Speedwagon has to conclude in this manner, I am excited about continuing to create music. I have a new song that Richard Marx and I collaborated on, which I’m incredibly proud of. I can’t wait to get into the studio to record my version. We’ve already completed Richard’s version, and we will be working on mine next, so soon there will be two versions of the same song.

Are there plans for an album release in 2025?
I have always loved making records. Writing songs is the most fulfilling aspect of my career. There’s a magical moment when a song comes together after a period of inspiration – what I refer to as the “holy moment.” It’s when a chord progression strikes a particular emotional chord, leading to the creation of a song. Once that phase is complete, I start envisioning how the record will come together. I consider vocal harmonies, guitar placements, and overall sound. I find the recording process exciting, although time-consuming. Currently, we’re on the road for at least half the year, if not more. Returning home after a long tour and telling my wife, Lisa, that I’ll be in the studio for another six months might not go over well.

The industry has changed; it used to be about writing enough songs for an album before heading into the studio. Now, artists can release songs individually. I am definitely planning to record the song that Richard and I wrote together. Beyond that, I’m eager to move past the challenges of the past year and focus on what lies ahead. I am immensely thankful to the fans who have supported me over the years and hope they will continue to do so. Starting in 2025, if you want to catch an REO Speedwagon concert, you’ll need to come see Kevin Cronin. The essence of the songs, the attitude, and everything will remain intact. I feel grateful yet also cannot ignore the sadness. It’s a complex mix of emotions, but we will overcome this, and I am excited for what 2025 will bring.