Kevin Cronin Says REO Speedwagon’s Ending Is “Unfathomable” To Him

In a move that left fans stunned, REO Speedwagon announced its touring career would come to a close in 2024 due to “irreconcilable differences” between lead vocalist Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. While this news hit fans hard, it came as an even bigger shock to Cronin himself. “The thought of REO Speedwagon coming to an end, it’s just unfathomable to me,” he shared during a recent interview, “I never expected it.”

For the first time since the announcement, Cronin opened up about the events leading to this decision, his plans for the future, and how he intends to carry on the legacy of REO Speedwagon in his own way.

A Health Scare and the Journey Back

Before diving into the band’s current challenges, Cronin reflected on a health scare that forced him to leave a tour with Train earlier this year. “You know, it was just an unexpected accident,” he explained. “I hurt myself and needed a little surgical repair in my abdominal area. Luckily, I had great care from a surgeon in Southern California. She told me it’d be a four-to-six-week recovery, and she was right. The human body’s healing powers are astounding, even at the ripe old age of 73 – though I feel like I’m 23.”

Cronin’s determination paid off. He made a full recovery and was back on stage, delivering high-energy performances. But the setback meant canceling the final two shows of the Train tour, a disappointment for both him and the fans.

Irreconcilable Differences: What Happened?

The announcement that REO Speedwagon would end its touring career was both heartbreaking and unexpected. For Cronin, it marked the end of a partnership he’d dedicated his life to. “I’ve spent my entire adult life putting 100% effort into REO Speedwagon. It’s meant the world to me,” he said. “The thought of it ending before my career was over… it’s just unfathomable.”

Cronin acknowledged that the band’s culture has always been collaborative, with decisions made collectively by the three heritage members. “I’ve got one vote,” he noted. Despite his desire to keep the band’s current lineup going, he was outvoted.

“It’s sad and unfortunate. There’s a part of me that’s angry about it, but another part has had to accept it. My intention was to keep the band together and keep building on what we did in 2024, but if it can’t be called REO Speedwagon, we’ll call it Kevin Cronin or the Kevin Cronin Band and carry on.”

No Farewell Tour… Yet

Fans have expressed disappointment over the lack of a farewell tour, a sentiment Cronin understands. “A farewell celebration would be a great idea, except for the fact that I’m not ready to say farewell,” he said. “When the time comes, there will be a massive farewell celebration – because the fans deserve that. They’ve allowed me to reach beyond my wildest rock-and-roll dreams.”

Cronin also addressed misconceptions about the band’s history. “REO Speedwagon’s always been about evolution,” he explained. “When I joined in 1972, the band had already gone through multiple lineups. The closeness and camaraderie have always shown on stage, but like anything else, relationships change.”

Moving Forward with Music

Despite the challenges, Cronin remains optimistic about the future. In 2025, he’ll continue touring under his own name, joined by longtime REO members Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt, along with keyboardist Derek Hilland and bassist Matt Bissonette. His first solo show is scheduled for January 25 in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

Cronin is also part of the newly announced Brotherhood of Rock tour, reuniting with Styx for a sixth run next summer. “There’s a difference between Styx and REO Speedwagon and Styx and Kevin Cronin, at least on paper,” he said. “But those guys put their faith in me, and I’m so grateful for that.”

New Music and Endless Creativity

Writing and recording remain a central part of Cronin’s life. He’s particularly excited about a collaboration with Richard Marx.

“I feel excited that I’m going to continue making music. I’m writing. Richard Marx and I wrote a song together, which I’m so proud of. I’m looking forward to getting in and recording that with Richard. We’ve already got Richard’s version done. We’re going to work on [mine next], so we’re going to have two versions of the song.”

Cronin added:

“You know, I love making records. I always have. Writing songs is probably the most rewarding part of my professional life. When you finish the song, that’s such a magical moment. Because you’re working on it and for me, there’s that moment of inspiration, I call it the holy moment, where it just hits you. A little chord progression hits a certain feeling and this magic trip happens. It ends up being a song.”

Cronin is considering releasing singles rather than full albums, given the demands of touring and recording. “The business has changed,” he noted. “You can release songs one at a time if you want to. That’s probably the route I’ll take.”

Grateful, Yet Bittersweet

As Cronin looks to the future, he’s both excited and reflective. And while the name REO Speedwagon may be retiring, the spirit of the band lives on through Kevin Cronin.

“Because that’s the songs, that’s the attitude and that’s what it is kind of going to be. I’m feeling grateful and at the same time, I can’t deny feeling sad about it. It’s both of those things at the same time. But we’re going to get through this and I’m looking forward to 2025.”