Bruce Hall delivered an emotional message to his absent bandmate Kevin Cronin during REO Speedwagon’s farewell charity concert. Ultimate Classic Rock reported the event.
The band announced their disbandment at the end of 2024. They performed the charity show without Cronin. Hall addressed both his missing bandmate and the significance of the event during the performance.
‘I gotta tell ya something,’ Hall said. ‘As hard as it’s all been for everybody, including me, don’t forget that love will cure you. I’m counting on that. It should hopefully make a difference in somebody close that you know, because I miss you too.’
Hall also reflected on the band’s legacy and the emotional weight of the performance.
‘I think these songs belong to all of us and it’s fun playing them,’ he continued. ‘In all reality, this is REO’s last show.’
The farewell concert served as both a charity fundraiser and a final performance for the band. The band announced their dissolution in 2024.
This emotional farewell marks the end of an era for one of rock’s most enduring bands. Their journey spans over five decades of music history.
The concert took place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. The band delivered a comprehensive setlist featuring their biggest hits. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that the performance included classics like ‘Keep on Loving You’ and ‘Roll With the Changes.’ The show also featured deeper cuts from their extensive catalog. The venue choice held special significance as it represented a homecoming for the Illinois-based band.
Multiple factors influenced the band’s decision to end their touring career beyond creative differences. Los Angeles Times noted that complications including Bruce Hall’s health issues and the band’s inability to perform at their expected level led to a consensus that touring should cease. The announcement came after careful consideration of the band’s future and their commitment to maintaining their musical standards.
The farewell show also served as a tribute to the band’s legacy and departed members. Parade revealed that the concert honored late members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. This tribute element added a poignant layer to the evening’s celebrations. The tribute transformed the farewell into both an ending and a celebration of the band’s complete history.
The music will continue in a different form despite the band’s dissolution. People confirmed that Kevin Cronin plans to continue performing the band’s music under his own name. This marks a new chapter in the legacy of REO Speedwagon’s songs. This arrangement ensures that fans will still have opportunities to hear these classic tracks performed live. The original band configuration comes to an end.
