REO Speedwagon ‘Back on the Road Again’?
Source: Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon performs during their Summer Road Trip Tour at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre on August 28, 2024 in Englewood, Colorado. (Thomas Cooper/Getty Images)
Classic rock band REO Speedwagon’s impending retirement from the road may not come to pass, as frontman Kevin Cronin’s parting words to a crowd in Toledo, Ohio on Tuesday night suggest the band could be “back on the road again.” The band previously announced in September that they’d cease touring, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
The band was continuing its “Summer Road Trip 2024” tour, opening for Loverboy at Huntington Center, when the band finished its set after playing Roll with the Changes. When Cronin was handed back the mic from guitarist Dave Amato during the band’s goodbye, Cronin thanked the fans before making the surprise statement:
“And check it out,” Cronin said. “I ain’t done yet … and neither are these guys. We’ll be back.”
The band then turned and walked off stage, leaving speculation as to what the future of REO Speedwagon looks like.
On Sept. 16, REO Speedwagon announced they would cease touring due to “irreconcilable differences,” according to their website. Disagreements between bassist Bruce Hall, who hasn’t toured with the band since 2023 while recovering from back surgery, and Cronin led to the decision.
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“Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken,” Hall said in a statement back in September. “Please know Neal [Doughty] 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 band’s statement claimed Cronin also didn’t intend to stop anytime soon, which seems to be echoed in his statement on Tuesday night in Toledo. Will REO Speedwagon announce that they’ll continue touring into 2025 and beyond? Will Hall be involved? Will Cronin and other active REO members continue on under a different banner? At the very least, it seems like the wagon in some form will continue rolling.
