Legendary classic rock band performs final show: ‘This music is not gonna die’
REO Speedwagon have performed their final show, at least under their iconic name.
The classic rock legends, who formed in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967, ended their historic run on Dec. 21 at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, with lead singer Kevin Cronin addressing the crowd.
A Louder Sound recap of the show said Cronin thanked the band’s management as well as the band’s cofounders and original members like Alan Gratzer and Neil Doughty.
“We couldn’t have done it without any of those guys, so I feel sadness that this is the final REO Speedwagon concert and at the same time I feel grateful to have been part of this incredible ride we’ve all been brothers on, this amazing musical journey called REO Speedwagon, and I wish you all nothing but the best, and when I say ‘you’ I mean everyone who’s been part of this band part of our crew and part of the REO Speedwagon fan family,” Cronin said, according to Louder Sound.
Cronin said the REO Speedwagon name “is being retired tonight, but the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin.”
Cronin also thanked the packed house and invited tour crew members to the stage. “We don’t do this on our own,” Cronin said. “We get all the glory, but it’s these dudes who work behind the scenes.”
“We’ll see you next year as ‘Kevin Cronin,’” he told the crowd, in a clip shared on the band’s official Facebook page. “This music is not gonna die, my friends.”
Cronin will continue to play solo concerts with the same touring lineup, who will still play REO Speedwagon songs.
The band in September announced on social media they would no longer perform together, citing “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.
“To our fans: Bruce has intended to be back on the road again by now,” a statement on the band’s Instagram page read. “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. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years.
“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,” the statement continued. “Due to his complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. 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.”
The Grammy-nominated group’s final lineup consisted of lead singer Kevin Cronin, guitarist Dave Amato, bassist Bruce Hall, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Bryan Hitt.
The band sold more than 40 million records thanks to hits like “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It on the Run” and “Keep the Fire Burnin’.”
Hall had back surgery in late 2023, according to a November social media post from the band. Musician Matt Bissonette had been filling in for the bassist.
After the breakup announcement, Hall released a statement on his official Facebook page. “Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken,” he wrote. “Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling. I am so appreciative of ALL the amazing love & support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me…that’s all I wanted too. We all deserved a farewell tour.
“For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave, Bryan and Derek. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.”
Kevin Cronin reacts as Reo Speedwagon walks out out on stage to perform during the Great Allentown Fair on Aug. 30, 2023.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com