Formed during the late 1960s in Champaign, Illinois, REO Speedwagon spent nearly six decades sharing their love for music with the world. And during that time, the band sold over 40 million albums and produced several hit songs like “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Although the band decided to retire from touring just last year, the group wanted to get together for one last concert. Giving members like Neal Doughty, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, Steve Scorfina, and Bruce Hall one last chance to share the spotlight, Kevin Cronin criticized the idea, causing Hall to fire back.
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With the final concert taking place in Champaign, it appeared to be the perfect moment for the legacy of REO Speedwagon. But not for Cronin. He lashed out at the band, insisting they scheduled the performance knowing he couldn’t make it. With the concert scheduled for June 14th, Hall decided to set the record straight.
Sharing a post on Facebook, Hall wrote, “Happy to set the record straight. We were all (including Kevin) invited to participate in this event in early January. Kevin states he’s been “falsely accused” of turning down the invitation. I’ve seen no where it’s been said he turned it down and I know he’s been asked to participate virtually. I truly hope he does.”
Happy to explain the inspiration behind the final concert, Hall continued, “This event was created to provide the founding fathers, original singers and classic REO lineup a chance to reunite and say a proper goodbye. A chance to honor Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin’s memory.”
Bruce Hall Excited To Help Raise Funds For Cancer Research
More than just a final performance for Hall, he also noted how all the money from the concert was going to help those in need. “Most importantly, proceeds are going to the REO Speedwagon fund for rare GU Cancer Research at Moffitt Cancer Center. The hospital that saved my son’s life. How anyone can be “deeply disturbed and hurt” by this is beyond me.”
While thrilled to perform, Hall insisted, “Neal, Alan and I are not being paid. We are thrilled to have this amazing chance to rock together one last time and raise money and awareness for such a wonderful cause.”
For Cronin, his reason for not being able to attend the concert might have to do with the fact he was hitting the road with Styx and Don Felder for a tour. Scheduled to kick off on May 28th, Cronin apparently wasn’t able to fit the final concert into his Summer.
(Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)
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