REO Speedwagon Just Ended In The Most Heartbreaking Way

Longtime REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall faced a difficult decision about returning to the road after a challenging recovery from back surgery. Unfortunately, he was informed that his posture issues were preventing him from rejoining the tour.

Adding to the band’s turmoil, Neal Doughty, the group’s last remaining original member, had already announced his retirement from touring. The situation worsened when lead singer Kevin Cronin began experiencing his own health problems. By Monday, the band’s future appeared bleak.

REO Speedwagon’s Unexpected Farewell: The End of the Road

Hall expressed his heartbreak over the situation in a recent social media post. He shared:

“Never, ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken.
“Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling. I am so appreciative of all the amazing love and support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me – that’s all I wanted too. We all deserved a farewell tour.”

The last REO Speedwagon concert took place on September 8 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, featuring fill-in musicians Derek Hilland on keyboards and Matt Bissonette on bass. Their planned final shows, including dates with Train in Chula Vista and Phoenix, were canceled while Cronin was under medical care.

Cronin updated fans with a note, saying:

“I recently had an emergency surgery and it was a complete success. I am on the mend and will be up and rockin’ as soon as the good docs here say it’s okay. Until then, I am 100% focused on recuperating.”

Despite Cronin’s optimistic outlook, REO Speedwagon abruptly announced their retirement. The official statement indicated that Hall’s recovery played a significant role in the decision:

“If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour … but it’s not up to just him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect.”

The band cited “complex situations” and “irreconcilable differences” in their announcement, declaring that REO Speedwagon would cease touring effective January 1, 2025.

REO Speedwagon’s history is rich with milestones. Co-founded by Doughty in 1967 along with drummer Alan Gratzer, the band saw Hall join in 1978 with the release of the breakthrough album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish. Cronin, who initially joined the band before 1972’s R.E.O./T.W.O., returned in 1976 to contribute to their continued success.

What Lies Ahead for REO Speedwagon

The band’s final lineup also included guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt, both of whom had been with REO Speedwagon since 1989. They had planned a few more performances in California and an October residency at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, along with other dates through November.

Hall expressed his desire to continue with the band despite the setbacks. He stated:

“For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave, Bryan and Derek.
“Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.”

The future of REO Speedwagon in the studio remains uncertain. Their most recent album, Not So Silent Night … Christmas With REO Speedwagon, was released in 2009. Meanwhile, Cronin is looking ahead with renewed energy. He wrote:

“I have so much more life to live, and have re-examined what I want to do with the rest of my time here, and who I want to be surrounded by while I do it.
“I need to be lifted by those around me, and in return, to lift them. I feel excited at the prospect of creating and playing the best music I have in me, with the best artists, musicians, and people who will have me.”