REO Speedwagon crew members are seeking new employment opportunities following the band’s decision to end touring. Several experienced professionals are now available for hire as of September 2025, as reported in posts shared on Facebook.
REO Speedwagon ended their touring career in late 2024. Kevin Cronin decided to continue as a solo act after this decision. However, Cronin’s touring plans are also coming to an end, so the entire crew is now looking for new positions.
Production manager Michael Ritcher’s brother Larry Ritcher made an appeal on behalf of his sibling. “Hi friends. So I wanted to get the word out there that my brother Mike Richter is avail for work as a Touring Production Manager as of Sept 1, 2025,” he said. “After 18 years with REO Speedwagon (who are no longer touring after this summer) as well as many tours as Prod Mngr for acts including Heart, Brian Setzer & the Stray Cats, Sammy Hagar, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo amongst others, he is now available. Please don’t miss this opportunity.”
REO Speedwagon drum tech John Aldridge also reached out to the touring community for assistance. “Hello to all my touring production friends and drum techs. The Kevin Cronin band is not touring anymore after the current tour, so the entire REO Speedwagon crew is going to be available,” Aldridge said. “From production manager and assistant production, 4 Backline techs, monitor and FOH engineers, lighting and stage manager/set carp, we have toured together for many years. So if you know of a band/tour that needs a well oiled machine to support them, we will all be available as of September 1, 2025!”
The crew members’ job search comes amid the broader context of REO Speedwagon’s unexpected end to their decades-long touring career. This situation has left industry professionals scrambling for new opportunities.
People Magazine reported that the band officially ceased touring as of January 1, 2025. The decision was primarily due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. The internal conflict reportedly centered around Hall’s recovery from back surgery and his inability to perform at the expected level. This created tension within the group that ultimately proved insurmountable.
The band’s touring history spans several decades, making this decision particularly significant for the music industry. Los Angeles Times noted that REO Speedwagon had been a consistent touring presence since the 1970s. They built a loyal fanbase through their live performances and hits like “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.”
The band made one notable exception to their retirement despite the official end of touring. Wikipedia documented that REO Speedwagon reunited for a special one-off hometown show in Champaign, Illinois, in June 2025. The show featured some original and early members. However, key touring members were absent due to scheduling conflicts, highlighting the fractured state of the band’s relationships.
The crew members emphasize their years of experience working together as a cohesive unit. They position themselves as a complete touring production team ready for new opportunities. Their collective expertise represents nearly two decades of supporting one of rock’s most enduring touring acts. This makes them valuable assets for any artist or band looking to enhance their live performance capabilities.
