Classic rock band ends tour due to “irreconcilable differences”

A classic rock band that has performed many times in upstate New York over the years is now calling it quits.

REO Speedwagon announced Monday that “irreconcilable differences” between lead singer Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall have led to the group ending its touring schedule at the end of this year. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the disagreement was sparked by Hall's desire to return from back surgery last fall; Matt Bissonette had replaced him on bass for all 2024 shows.

“To our fans: Bruce intended to be back on tour by now. If it were up to him, he would be back on tour… but it's not just him. The general consensus was that he had not recovered sufficiently to perform at the level fans expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt was there to keep the wagon rolling during the summer tour,” the band said in a statement.

“Bruce never had any intention of retiring or leaving the band, fans and crew he has loved for nearly 50 years. Kevin never had any intention of leaving the band either, and the fans and crew mean everything to him as well. Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. Therefore, it is with great sadness that we announce that REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving the band back such wonderful memories that will stay with all of you forever.”

The announcement included a photo of REO's classic lineup of Cronin, Hall, Neal Doughty, Gary Richrath and Syracuse native Alan Gratzer. Gratzer was the band's original drummer but left the band in 1988 and retired from music, but briefly reunited with the band in Sacramento in 2019.

In a separate statement, Hall said he “never imagined it would end this way and it breaks my heart.”

“Please know that Neal and I have done everything in our power to keep the wagon rolling. I am so grateful for ALL the incredible love and support. You have been very vocal and clear in your desire for me to return to the stage. Trust me… that is all I wanted too,” Hall wrote on Facebook. “We all deserve a farewell tour.”

REO Speedwagon, whose frontman Cronin has been since 1972, is best known for rock hits of the 70s and 80s such as “Can't Fight This Feeling,” “Take It On the Run” and “Keep on Loving You.” The band's recent touring lineup has included guitarist Cronin, Hall, guitarist Dave Amato, keyboardist Derek Hilland and drummer Bryan Hitt.

REO Speedwagon has performed frequently in upstate New York, drawing one of the largest crowds in NYS Fair concert history with over 30,000 fans in 2021. The band also performed with Train at the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview in Syracuse this summer and played at the Amp in 2022.

REO Speedwagon has over a dozen concerts planned this year, with the final show currently scheduled for November 23 in Kentucky.