REO Speedwagon took their final bow in December, closing the book on a legendary career with one last show in Las Vegas. Just months earlier, the band had announced their decision to stop touring in January 2025, marking the end of an era for arena rock fans. It was an emotional farewell, but frontman Kevin Cronin made it clear that the spirit of the band would live on.
Despite his passion for keeping the music alive, Cronin won’t be doing so under the REO Speedwagon name. While he has every intention of continuing to perform, legal and contractual reasons prevent him from using the band’s iconic moniker. It’s a tough reality for both Cronin and longtime fans, but the decision isn’t his to make.
So what exactly is stopping him from carrying the name forward? The answer lies in ownership rights, agreements within the band, and the legacy they leave behind. Cronin recently opened up about the situation, explaining why REO Speedwagon’s name will be retired along with their touring days.
Kevin Cronin’s Career Moves Beyond REO Speedwagon
Kevin Cronin’s musical journey is far from over, despite REO Speedwagon’s retirement. On January 25, he took the stage for his solo debut in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Later this year, he’ll join Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder on the Brotherhood of Rock Tour.
However, Cronin won’t be carrying the REO Speedwagon name on his solo endeavors. Instead, he’ll be performing under his own name, marking a new chapter in his career.
The decision behind this is not simple, as Cronin recently explained on the Let There Be Talk podcast. The reasons are tied to complex factors surrounding ownership and legacy, making it clear why he won’t continue under the band’s iconic moniker.
Bruce Hall’s Leave and the Stalemate
In November 2023, REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall took a leave of absence for back surgery. To fill in during their Las Vegas residency, the band enlisted Matt Bissonette, known for his work with Elton John and David Lee Roth. Despite his absence, Hall remained a co-owner of the band alongside Kevin Cronin and Neal Doughty.
Originally, Hall was expected to return to the road by March 2024. However, his doctors delayed the timeline several times. Eventually, at 71 years old, Hall decided to sit out the remainder of the 2024 tour, on the condition that he would be paid in full.
Cronin shared that Hall hoped to return in 2025, but a stalemate occurred due to certain demands. According to Cronin, some were simply too unreasonable to agree to, while others were impossible to meet, leaving the situation unresolved.
The Decision to Retire REO Speedwagon’s Name
The dispute over Bruce Hall’s absence ultimately led to a 2-1 vote to retire the REO Speedwagon name from the touring circuit. This was a tough decision, signaling the end of an era for the legendary band. While it was a difficult choice, it was one that reflected the complex dynamics between the band members.
Despite the change, Kevin Cronin has no intention of stepping away from the music that made REO Speedwagon a household name. He is determined to continue performing the iconic songs he’s written over the years, including classics like “Time For Me to Fly” and “Keep On Loving You.” These songs have shaped his career, and he is committed to keeping their spirit alive.
Cronin made it clear that no one can stop him from performing these beloved hits. For fans who still crave that REO Speedwagon sound and experience, the only place to find it will be with the Kevin Cronin Band. It may not have the same name, but it will undoubtedly deliver the music that fans know and love.