Kevin Cronin Expresses Discontent Over Exclusion from REO Speedwagon Reunion
Kevin Cronin, the former lead vocalist of the iconic rock band REO Speedwagon, has publicly voiced his frustration about not being invited to the band’s upcoming concert. As reported by Billboard, REO Speedwagon plans to host a special event titled Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon on June 14 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. This one-off show promises to be a significant tribute to the band’s legacy.
According to the announcement, current members Bruce Hall and Neal Doughty will join former members Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, Alan Gratzer, and Steve Scorfina at the reunion concert. A poignant tribute will also be paid to the late members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin, recognizing their contributions to the band’s history.
On March 26, Cronin took to Facebook to promote an upcoming event with his own band, The Kevin Cronin Band, set to perform on the Rock Legends Cruise. During a fan interaction in the comments, where the fan expressed their desire for him to attend the REO Speedwagon concert, Cronin revealed that he had been intentionally overlooked for participation and noted that former members Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt also had not received invitations.
“I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in-person. And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this,”he wrote.
The Split of REO Speedwagon: Insights from Kevin Cronin
In a significant announcement on September 16, 2024, REO Speedwagon revealed their decision to cease touring starting January 1, 2025. This decision stemmed from Bruce Hall’s recovery from back surgery, which led to “irreconcilable differences”between him and Cronin.
During an interview with Billboard on December 16, 2024, Cronin expressed his shock regarding the band’s breakup. He insisted that he never intended to leave REO Speedwagon and felt outvoted by Hall and Neal Doughty. He remarked:
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever see this coming. I didn’t want to end REO Speedwagon. 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.”
Cronin acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the decision to part ways but emphasized the necessity of accepting the outcome of the group’s voting structure:
“The simple answer is that REO Speedwagon at this point is a three-person partnership, and I have one vote. So if I get outvoted, then I have to accept that, whether I like it or not. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t like it. But I have to accept it. I would do everything in my power to be able to continue with REO Speedwagon, but when a vote is taken, you have to live with the results.”
After the dissolution of REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin took the initiative to form The Kevin Cronin Band, which features guitarist Dave Amato, drummer Bryan Hitt, keyboardist Derek Hilland, and bassist Matt Bissonette. This new venture allows Cronin to continue sharing his passion for music while navigating the challenges of his previous band’s decisions.