By now, it’s no secret that REO Speedwagon ended on less than amicable terms. Citing “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall, the Chicago arena rockers took their final bow in December. Now, six former members of the band, including Hall, will again share a stage for a one-off show in June. However, this reunion will not include Cronin.
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Kevin Cronin Addresses Absence From REO Speedwagon One-Off Show
Former REO Speedwagon members Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina will participate in a special “retrospective” show on June 14. The event, taking place in their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, will also feature special guests and an in memoriam segment for the late Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. However, it will not feature former REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin.
Cronin, 73, spoke out on his absence in the comments section of a recent Facebook post. The “Can’t Fight This Feeling” crooner ripped the event’s organizers for “knowingly excluding” him from the June show.
“The organizers of the Champaign event could have picked a date when all of the former members of REO were available to participate,” Cronin wrote.
Instead, he said, they chose June 14. On that day, Cronin is set to perform with Styx and the Kevin Cronin Band in Bend, Oregon.
“Bottom line, I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in-person,” Cronin wrote. “And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation.”
He continued, “I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this. After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy. Instead, I have been knowingly excluded.”
Further, Cronin pointed out that 35-year REO Speedwagon veterans Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt never received invitations to the event.
[RELATED: Time For Them to Fly: Watch REO Speedwagon’s Final Show Ever]
What Went Wrong?
In November 2023, bassist Bruce Hall took a leave of absence from the band. Hall planned to return in March 2024 after recovering from back surgery. However, he told his bandmates he needed more time. Reaching a stalemate, the band ultimately voted 2-1 in favor of retiring from touring.
Kevin Cronin has said he will continue performing REO Speedwagon material under his own name.
Featured image by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
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