Bruce Hall Responds to Kevin Cronin’s Admission of Ticket Struggles Outside REO Speedwagon

Bruce Hall, bassist of REO Speedwagon, recently responded to fan calls for a band reunion following Kevin Cronin’s honest remarks about challenges with ticket sales during his solo tour. The exchange was shared on Hall’s Facebook page.

Fan Suggests Reunion as Cronin Faces Solo Difficulties

A dedicated REO Speedwagon fan contacted Hall, highlighting Cronin’s recent struggles performing independently. The fan expressed hope that Cronin might reconsider and that Hall, Neal Doughty, and possibly drummer Alan Gratzer could reunite REO Speedwagon for a major tour.

“I hear Kevin is having a hard time on his own. Maybe he will come to his senses, and you, Neal, and hopefully Allen can send REO Speedwagon out on an epic tour!” the fan wrote.

Hall’s reply was brief but hopeful: “That’s our hope!!!”

Cronin Emphasizes the Power of the REO Speedwagon Name

Kevin Cronin previously discussed the difficulties of touring without the REO Speedwagon brand, stressing how much the name and iconic winged logo mean to fans.

“This tour has been a delight, but not without its challenges,” Cronin said. “It’s not easy going out as the Kevin Cronin Band. You can’t overestimate the power of the name REO Speedwagon and that ubiquitous, winged logo. They mean a lot to people.”

He elaborated, “I can say all day long that the Kevin Cronin Band is doing the same thing, but when people see that name, there’s a question—‘What is this gonna be?’ Whereas if you see REO Speedwagon and the winged logo on the bill, it’s ‘I know what that is.’”

Ongoing Band Conflicts and a Reunion Without Cronin

Last year, Cronin announced he would not tour under the REO Speedwagon name due to unresolved conflicts with Hall. His solo tour, which included performances with Styx, encountered difficulties selling tickets.

The band’s internal struggles became more public with the announcement of a special reunion concert scheduled for June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. The event will feature founding members Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, and other early bandmates but will notably exclude Cronin. Hall described the show as a “proper goodbye,” with proceeds supporting the REO Speedwagon Foundation’s research on rare genitourinary cancers at Moffitt Cancer Center.

Cronin expressed disappointment over being left out of the reunion, clarifying that a scheduling conflict with his Styx tour was the cause, not a deliberate snub. “I was hurt by it,” he said, dismissing rumors that he turned down an invitation.

Struggles, Legacy, and What Lies Ahead

This very public dispute reveals ongoing fractures within REO Speedwagon, complicating the band’s legacy and casting uncertainty over their future. The discord serves as a stark reminder of how personal and professional conflicts can challenge longstanding bands, impacting not only the members but also devoted fans who long for unity and continuation. For many, it’s a poignant illustration of the complexities classic rock bands face as they navigate evolving relationships and career pressures over time.