REO Speedwagon to finally call it a day citing "irreconcilable differences”

18 September 2024, 13:28

It's come to an end.

Soft rockers REO Speedwagon have finally called it a day, bringing the band to a conclusion with immediate effect.

According to a band statement, they've cited "irreconcilable differences", which are thought to revolve around a disagreement with bassist Bruce Hall's return.

Hall required back surgery last year so couldn't tour, with frontman Kevin Cronin promising to reunite with his injured bandmate as soon as possible.

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"Bruce has intended to be back on the road again by now," REO Speedwagon said in a new official statement.

"If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour, but it's not up to just him.

"The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect."

With Hall recuperating after his surgery, Cronin was left as the last remaining member from the band's classic era, when they achieved major international hits with 'Keep On Loving You' and 'Take It On The Run'.

Co-founding keyboardist Neal Doughty retired in 2023, while the other current members joined in the late eighties after they'd achieved mainstream success.

Former Elton John sideman Matt Bissonette recently filled in for bassist Hall throughout the band's summer tour, which was due to wrap on September 11 in Phoenix, Arizona.

They pulled the plug with several concerts to go however, bringing REO Speedwagon to an abrupt ending after their show in Inglewood, California on September 8.

The band have made no mention of if there are any plans to record new music in the future, pointing in the direction of no return.

REO Speedwagon - Keep on Loving You (Video Version)

"Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost fifty years," the band statement continued.

"For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.

"Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin," according to the statement, with the band at an impasse.

The statement concluded: "So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025.

"Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever."