REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin is once again facing backlash for his recent peace message.
“During the late 70s and through the 1980s, Alan Gratzer, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, the late great Gary Richrath, and I all formed what our loyal REO Speedwagon fans have come to call the Classic REO Line-up,” the rocker started explaining in a new social media post. “These current bumps in the road cannot alter our legacy, take away any of what we accomplished together, or change what that music means to our fans.”
“As I go full speed ahead into the REO shows for the next couple of months, and exciting adventures in the new year, I know I have much more music to make, many more songs to sing… and who knows what else the future may bring. Meanwhile, I will continue to do my part in making sure Gary’s songs live on forever. And as the rest of us head off down our own separate paths, I wish everyone only the best in their future adventures and endeavors,” he added.
The fans weren’t happy with Cronin’s statement. “How dare you. Bumps in the road??!? YOU have altered the legacy. YOU forced out the heart of the band. This is ridiculous,” a fan wrote in the comments section. Another fan added: “I respectfully disagree, Kevin. Your legacy—rather the Classic REO’s legacy—has been altered. Your fans are now divided. These ‘bumps in the road’—I can’t believe you minimized what’s going on to that—has caused infighting among fans.”
“I can no longer listen to the music, it just makes me sad, I thought us fans would at least get a proper farewell tour, I have four more shows coming up, I just can’t get excited about,” another said.
The band announced that they would stop touring at all costs a month ago on September 16. The members clarified that they were ending it for good due to ‘irreconcilable differences.’ Naturally, fans thought there was some band drama going on.
Since the band’s announcement, both Cronin and other members have shared several messages about the farewell.
“I will always hold out hope that REO Speedwagon can be rescued. This band is my life’s work, and I would never do anything except what I feel is in REO’s best interests. But in any case, I am going to make the most of the rest of our 2024 tour dates. I love this band and I love our loyal fans, and I will be giving my 100% effort to the upcoming shows,” Cronin wrote in a separate statement.
“I don’t understand why so called REO Speedwagon fans are shaming other fans for still wanting to attend the shows even though Bruce is not performing too. I hope that the coming shows will not be ruined by this toxic negativity,” a user commented under Cronin’s Facebook post. “I believe that love and positive energy always win in the long run. I choose to take the high road, and plan to remain there. Thanks for your support,” the rocker replied.
However, Bruce Hall later made it clear that there was no drama in the band. He shared an old picture on social media of him and his bandmate from 13 years ago. “Brother to Brother… Husband to Wife. Sure wish we could Build this Bridge,” he wrote in the caption.
REO Speedwagon has about 20 concerts lined up for 2024, and they recently added three new dates. Their last show is currently scheduled to take place on December 21 at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada.