Kevin Cronin, the lead singer of REO Speedwagon, addressed the controversy surrounding an upcoming reunion event on his Facebook page.
“The organizers of the Champaign event could have picked a date when all of the former members of REO were available to participate,” Cronin said. “Instead they chose June 14, 2025, a date where it was public knowledge that I was previously committed to perform with Styx and Kevin Cronin Band in Bend, Oregon.”
“Bottom line, I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in-person,” he continued. “And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation. I am deeply disturbed and hurt by all of this.”
“After all I have done to help build the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I feel I have earned and deserve to be included in any event honoring that legacy,” Cronin stated. “Instead, I have been knowingly excluded.”
Cronin highlighted another concern about excluded members: “35-year REO veterans Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt were not even shown the respect of being invited to the Champaign event.”
REO Speedwagon members recently announced a one-night reunion concert following the end of their touring career. Cronin was not included in these plans.
WJRZ revealed that the band ceased touring operations on January 1, 2025. The decision stemmed from irreconcilable differences between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.
Internal tensions emerged after Hall’s back surgery in November 2023. Blabbermouth reported that the situation deteriorated when Hall rejected Cronin’s suggestion to take 2024 for recovery.
Cronin has now embarked on a new venture. Consequence noted his current participation in the ‘Brotherhood of Rock Tour’ with Styx and Don Felder. The tour runs from May 28 through August 24, 2025.
The Champaign show is scheduled for June 14, 2025. The event will benefit the REO Speedwagon Foundation for cancer research. This marks the first performance by the remaining members since they stopped touring.
