REO Speedwagon quit touring due to ‘irreconcilable differences.’
“To our fans: Bruce has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now. If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him,” the band wrote on Facebook. “The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect.”
Their statement continued, “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. Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin,” the group noted.
They lastly added, “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 band decided to stop touring because of a disagreement about bassist Bruce Hall returning after his back surgery in November. Matt Bissonette has been filling in for him in 2024.
Hall’s wife, Kimmie Sue, also posted a statement and wrote, “Just like Disney, REO has always been a family. What you all witnessed on stage was real all those years. The ‘Brotherhood’ was real. [Bruce] loves Neal, Kevin, Bryan, Dave and Derek. From what we’ve heard, I’m sure we’d love Matt too. The love & support he has for his crew has always been unwavering. Our entire family love them and their families so very much.”
She shared, “We know how hard it’s been not knowing what the future would bring. After he was cleared by his Dr., Kevin and he went back and forth for months, trying to come to an agreement regarding Bruce’s return. Sadly, they never were able to agree. It became apparent that Kevin was not willing to continue forward with Bruce in the band.”
“Watching Bruce and Neal navigate this unbelievable situation was heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time. All they wanted was for the band to return to the 2023 lineup,” Kimmie said. “Bruce wanted so badly to do a huge (and ding dang MAGICAL) farewell tour. He wanted to bring in some special guests… Alan, Terry, Eric and of course Neal along to put the WAGON to pasture the way he had always dreamed of.”
REO Speedwagon has about 20 more concerts planned for 2024, according to their website. Their last show is with Loverboy on November 23 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.