70s rocker blindsided and ‘so sad’ after band’s shock split over ‘irreconcilable differences’-Danni Scott-Entertainment – Metro

Kevin Cronin did not want to end REO Speedwagon (Picture: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

Earlier this year REO Speedwagon revealed they would cease touring in January 2025 after frontman Kevin Cronin was ‘outvoted’.

The US rock group was originally formed in 1966 by Alan Gratzer, Joe Matt, Mike Blair, and Neal Doughty but has been through more line up changes than the Sugababes.

They rose to fame in the 80s with hits like Keep On Loving You and Can’t Fight This Feeling, which charted worldwide.

Over four decades later, only keyboardist Neal remained of the founding members as he performed with vocalist Kevin, bassist and vocalist, Bruce Hall, guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt.

Neal and Bruce (who joined in 1977) both decided the time was up, in a move that Kevin has revealed completely blindsided him.

‘Never in my wildest dreams did I ever see this coming,’ he told Billboard. ‘I didn’t want to end REO Speedwagon.

The group have been going since the 70s with various lineups (Picture: Thomas Cooper/Getty Images)

Keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Bruce Hall voted to call it a day (Picture: Ross Marino/Getty Images)

Kevin, who joined as frontman in 1976, continued: ‘This is sad, and I would do anything in my power to continue [as] REO Speedwagon. I never quit the band; I never will quit the band. I just got outvoted and…have to stop calling it REO Speedwagon at the end of this year.’

The 73-year-old singer already has plans to continue as a solo act under his own name, kicking off in late January on the Brotherhood of Rock tour.

The decision to end REO Speedwagon was made in a 2-1 vote between the three musicians, who all share equal ownership of the band.

Neal, 78, announced he would be retiring from the road after their 2023 tour and had no plans to return in a touring capacity.

Meanwhile, Bruce, 71, took a step back in November 2023 when he underwent back surgery, although at the time he said he was planning to return.

In June he gave fans and update in a Facebook post stating he was ‘feeling better every day’ but was waiting for doctor’s approval to get back on stage.

He explained that his posture was ‘not good enough’ to perform but he had ‘no intention of retiring or walking away from the band [he loved for almost 50 years’.

Bruce said at the time: ‘I would never ever walk away. I love my band too much. I love our crew. I love all of you, the best fans of all time, so very much.’

At the time, his statement was backed by Kevin who was reassuring fans that his bandmate would be on stage soon.

However, things appear to have soured between the pair since this as the group cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as a factor in the breakup.

REO Speedwagon cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ in their split statement
(Picture: Michael Ochs Archives)

In a statement, REO Speedwagon confirmed that Bruce was not able to return to touring, despite his intentions, as he has ‘not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect.’

They added that neither of the band members wanted to retire or leave REO Speedwagon which had created a ‘complex situation’ when ‘ irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin’.

Speaking of the fallout to Billboard, Kevin called it a sort of divorce and wished the pair had been able to remain amicable but that was not possible once lawyers became involved.

‘During a divorce, things get a little muddy and things get a little sticky,’ he shared, adding that it was ‘unfortunate’ that fans have been brought into the fallout.

Kevin concluded: ‘It’s never thrilling when things are said that are inaccurate and hurtful. My hope is that there will come a time where the dust will have settled, my intention is to ask forgiveness for anything that I’ve done or any hurt that I have caused Bruce. I don’t like to have grudges with people, I like to forgive and be forgiven.’

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