REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall has put an end to the Kevin Cronin drama. Hall recently 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.
The rocker responded to some questions in the comments section. He talked about his relationship with Kevin, the future of the band, and also whether or not he would start a new band. When a fan asked, “So is there a ‘chance’ you will be back in the future or possibly next year? Is there an ounce of hope for us fans that we can hang onto?,’ the bassist responded with: “I would in a heartbeat…but I can’t make Kevin stay.”
“Hopefully, Kevin and you will work things out. You two have given us the soundtrack of our lives. Everytime you’ve been in Puerto Rico, I’ve enjoyed your shows. It may take some time to heal, but don’t refuse to talk and leave things unsaid,” another said of the relationship of the bandmates. Hall approved and said: “I’ll never refuse to talk with him. I’ve tried over and over and will continue to. It’s of upmost importance to me.”
Another user asked about the possibility of forming a new band: “I’m still mourning the breakup news but thinking ahead! Terry Luttrell says there is news! Could that be you, Terry, Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt and maybe Neal getting back on the road?”
“I don’t know anything about Terry’s announcement, but wish him well for sure,” the bassist replied.
However, the keyboardist Neal Doughty doesn’t agree with Cronin’s earlier words. He shared Cronin’s statement about his desire to keep the band going under a post, and added his own words: “I respectfully disagree. All he had to do was let Bruce back in the band.”
“Bruce and I have spent most of this year trying to convince Kevin to let that happen, but he wanted to keep Matt (the fill-in bass player). This was also Bruce’s life’s work. I am telling the truth,” he continued. “I signed a contract saying I would. And you can all see my blue check mark. Please don’t turn this into a forum to trash Kevin. Just stick to the truth and nothing but the truth.”
Both messages came after REO Speedwagon announced that the band was putting an end to their touring career. A day later, the bassist took to social media to the fans suggesting to replace Cronin.
“I would never do that to him,” Hall backed his bandmate. “He’s our lead singer just as I am the bassist. Together we are REO. I can’t stop him from leaving though.”
REO Speedwagon decided to stop touring due to a disagreement about bassist Bruce Hall’s return after his back surgery in November. Matt Bissonette has been filling in for him in 2024.