REO Speedwagon Reunion: Bruce Hall Responds to Fan Requests Amid Band's Internal Struggles
Bruce Hall, the bassist of REO Speedwagon, recently responded to fan requests for a band reunion in light of Kevin Cronin's struggles with ticket sales during his solo tour. The exchange was shared on Hall's Facebook page.
A devoted fan reached out to Hall, expressing hope that Cronin might reconsider and that Hall, Neal Doughty, and possibly drummer Alan Gratzer could reunite REO Speedwagon for a major tour. Hall responded with a hopeful message, stating, "That's our hope!!!"
Cronin previously discussed the challenges of touring without the REO Speedwagon brand, emphasizing the significance of the band's name and iconic logo to fans. He highlighted the power of the name REO Speedwagon and the winged logo, noting the impact they have on people.
Last year, Cronin announced that he would not tour under the REO Speedwagon name due to unresolved conflicts with Hall. His solo tour faced difficulties in selling tickets, leading to public discussions about the band's internal struggles.
The band's internal conflicts became more apparent with the announcement of a special reunion concert scheduled for June 14, 2025, in Champaign, Illinois. The event will feature founding members Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, and other early bandmates but will not include Cronin. Hall described the show as a "proper goodbye," with proceeds supporting cancer research.
Cronin expressed disappointment over being excluded from the reunion, citing a scheduling conflict with his Styx tour as the reason. The public dispute sheds light on the ongoing fractures within REO Speedwagon, raising questions about the band's legacy and future.
The discord within the band serves as a reminder of the challenges that longstanding bands face, impacting both members and fans. It underscores the complexities of navigating personal and professional conflicts in the music industry, especially for classic rock bands like REO Speedwagon.