Kevin Cronin recently addressed the possibility of a REO Speedwagon reunion. He shared his thoughts on the band’s future in a statement covered by Ultimate Classic Rock.
The REO Speedwagon frontman reflected on his relationship with longtime bassist Bruce Hall. He opened up about potential future reunions.
“I’d never considered my life without REO Speedwagon before, so I need to address that (in the book),” Cronin said. “At the same time, I’m very cognizant of the fact that Bruce and I see this thing really differently; I see it as my point of view is the more valid point of view, and Bruce sees it as his point of view is the more valid point of view.”
Cronin acknowledged the need to let go of trying to prove his perspective as the only valid one.
“I’ve given up on trying to promote my point of view as being the only truth; I have to respect what Bruce feels, even though I disagree with it,” he continued. “I’m kind of letting go of that, even though it’s really frustrating to me. The best thing I can do is let go and just accept and just be open to what the universe brings my way.”
Cronin expressed openness to a reunion under specific circumstances.
“At some point down the road, when I’m ready to really say goodbye, that might be a time where I would be open to a reunion of every living person who’s ever been a member of REO Speedwagon and just have a big blowout,” he said. “I’m not opposed to that. I think that could be fun. But it’s not what I want to do in the near future; I know that for a fact.”
This statement follows Cronin’s announcement last year that he would not tour under the REO Speedwagon name. The decision was due to irreconcilable differences with Bruce Hall.
The tensions between Cronin and Hall have been building for some time. This has created a complex situation for the legendary rock band that has entertained audiences for decades.
Vinyl Me Please reported that Cronin described feeling “outvoted” on key decisions regarding the band’s direction. Hall has a different vision for REO Speedwagon’s future. This fundamental disagreement on the band’s path forward created an impasse that led to Cronin’s decision to step away from touring under the REO Speedwagon banner.
The rift became more apparent during a recent reunion concert held in June 2025 at the University of Illinois State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Parade noted that this farewell event featured all past members except Cronin himself. This highlighted the depth of the division within the band. The concert served as both a celebration of the band’s legacy and a stark reminder of the current internal conflicts.
Despite the personal tensions, the reunion concert demonstrated the band’s ongoing commitment to meaningful causes. Ultimate Classic Rock revealed that the event raised funds for rare genitourinary cancer research at the Moffitt Cancer Center. This showed that even amid internal strife, the band members remain dedicated to using their platform for charitable purposes.
The situation reflects the complex dynamics that can develop within long-running bands. Creative differences and personal relationships intersect after decades of collaboration. While Cronin remains open to future possibilities, his current stance suggests that any reunion would need to come at a time when he feels ready to truly close this chapter of his musical journey.
