Kevin Cronin doesn’t think his version of REO Speedwagon downplays or hides anything.
“Hi friends, Bryan and I are getting spruced up for the first public Kevin Cronin Band show, Saturday night at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, MN,” the singer recently wrote on Facebook.
He continued, “If you liked what you saw and heard on the REO tour last year, this Saturday will be the same songs, same band, just a new name! So come out and hear Dave, Bryan, Derek (whose new look is also courtesy of Nikki Corzine), Matt B., and me, as we play the entire ‘Hi Infidelity’ album, plus all the REO hits. … kc.”
One commenter said, “‘Same songs, same band, new name’ – this is starting to sound desperate.” Cronin responded, “It is simply the truth.”
REO Speedwagon’s last show under their name was at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas in December. Cronin thanked fans in a post and reflected on the band’s future, writing, “I feel sadness that this is the final REO Speedwagon concert, and at the same, I feel grateful to have been part of this incredible ride.”
“We have all been brothers on this amazing musical journey called REO Speedwagon, and I wish you all nothing but the best — and when I say you, I mean everyone who has been part of this band, part of our crew, and part of the REO Speedwagon fan family,” he then said.
The rocker added, “The REO Speedwagon name is being retired tonight, but the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin. We hope you join us on that adventure. And now, let’s roll with the changes — what do you say?”
Later, a fan thanked the band for inspiring them for 50 years, and Cronin replied to share the band’s future plans again, saying, “The name REO Speedwagon is being retired… the music and the spirit of REO lives on through the hard work and dedication of Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt, Derek Hilland, Matt Bissonette, and me.”
The vocalist also noted, “My name now represents this awesome band, crew, and organization… all of whom are sticking together through this transition and into 2025 and beyond.”
Cronin will tour with Styx next summer for 40 shows. The Brotherhood of Rock tour starts on May 28 in Greenville, SC, and ends on August 24 in Milwaukee, WI.
