Roll With the Changes: Kevin Cronin Touring Solo without REO

Source: Singer Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon performs onstage during the Jim Irsay Collection Exhibit and Concert at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on January 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Kevin Cronin, the iconic singer and songwriter for rock band REO Speedwagon, is parking the wagon and embarking on a solo career. The 73-year-old frontman announced Friday that he’s heading on tour with Styx as part of their “Brotherhood of Rock” tour, which is meant to celebrate 25 years of collaboration between Cronin and the Chicago-born rock band.

This news confirms at the very least that Cronin will continue on performing into 2025 and potentially beyond – without REO Speedwagon. It was announced back in September that the legendary rock band would cease touring on Jan. 1, 2025 due to “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and longtime bassist Bruce Hall. Hall has been away from the band since Fall 2023, recovering from back surgery.

The band felt Hall hadn’t sufficiently recovered by the start of the band’s “Back On the Road Again” tour for Summer 2024, opting to have bassist Matt Bissonette fill in while Hall was away.

Before REO Speedwagon’s tour wrapped up in November, at a show that same month in Toledo, Ohio, Cronin gave the departing crowd a cryptic message:

“And check it out,” Cronin said. “I ain’t done yet … and neither are these guys. We’ll be back.”

At the time, one could have speculated a Cronin-led version of REO Speedwagon was in the works. Despite the reality of Cronin touring solo with Styx, there’s a chance we could see other former REO Speedwagon members backing up their former frontman on his collaborative tour, considering many of them had toured with Styx as part of REO in the past.

While the name “REO Speedwagon” may be missing from the marquees throughout the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour in 2025, the music and longtime voice of the band will be.