Bruce Hall, guitarist for REO Speedwagon, recently shared an ambitious vision for the band’s future. This statement was featured on Harmless Dave. The proposal centers on transitioning the band’s legacy to the next generation of musicians within the band members’ families.
Hall explained that he and his wife Kimmie have been discussing the concept of allowing their children to carry on REO Speedwagon’s music. The plan would involve Kevin Cronin’s two sons and Hall’s own son, who is a drummer. Together, they are potentially forming what could be called “Speedwagon 2” or a similar iteration of the band.
“We’re thinking about the idea would be Kevin’s got two sons that are very good and I’ve got a boy who’s a great drummer and we’re think trying to come up with maybe it’s a pipe dream but think about ways to if the fans would go for it, you know, kind of hand the business over to them to go out and become I don’t know if you could call it exactly REO Speedwagon,” Hall said. “You could call it Speedwagon 2 or something.”
Hall drew a parallel to how many family businesses are passed down through generations. This approach would honor the band’s origins while allowing their children to perform REO Speedwagon’s catalog.
“But let them have it, you know, a lot of businesses, the guys build up a business and then they hand it off to their children,” he continued. “And I would think if there’s people that still want to hear REO songs, it would be great to have it done by the the people who are related to the guys who wrote it and put it together.”
Hall acknowledged that while tribute bands exist, this concept would be unique in its direct family succession approach. The proposal comes at a significant moment in the band’s history as REO Speedwagon navigates major changes to its touring schedule and lineup.
AOL reported that REO Speedwagon announced the band would cease touring effective January 1, 2025. The decision cited “irreconcilable differences” between members, seemingly regarding Hall’s health concerns. This marked a turning point for the legendary rock band, which had been performing together for decades.
The band’s final show under the original name took place in December 2024 in Las Vegas, according to IMDB. This farewell performance marked the end of an era for the classic rock institution and underscored the finality of the touring decision. It set the stage for Hall’s vision of a new chapter.
Since the band’s retirement announcement, Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Kevin Cronin has continued performing REO hits with his own group, the Kevin Cronin Band. He has been touring with acts like Styx and Don Felder. This development demonstrates that while the original REO Speedwagon has stopped touring, the music and legacy continue to find new platforms and audiences.
Hall’s “Speedwagon 2” concept represents an innovative approach to preserving the band’s heritage. It would allow the next generation to take ownership of the music. By passing the torch to their children, Hall envisions a way for fans to continue experiencing REO Speedwagon’s catalog performed by musicians who carry both the family name and the musical DNA of the original members.
