Dave Amato, REO Speedwagon’s longtime lead guitarist, has shared insights about the ongoing internal conflict between bandmates Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall. He spoke candidly in an interview with Metal Mayhem ROC.
The interviewer asked about Amato being caught in the middle of the recent “divorce” within REO Speedwagon and its potential for repair. Amato responded with a detailed perspective on the situation.
“Well, it’s a divorce. And I say this because Brian the drummer and I have been in the band for 36 years. It’s kind of like a divorce between Kevin [Cronin] and Bruce [Hall], and Brian and I kind of like the kids in the divorce,” Amato explained.
The guitarist then described the growing tensions within the band. He focused particularly on Hall’s health challenges.
“Bruce had a back problem. He had real back problems. So we took some time off for him to get well. He wanted to come back but he just didn’t seem like he was healthy enough or healed up enough to really come back,” he continued. “When we saw him, he was supposed to come out in March and he didn’t. He didn’t do it. And then he was supposed to come out in June. And when we saw him, he didn’t look like he was all you know 100%.”
Amato proceeded to explain how the private matter became public.
“So, we just said, ‘Bruce, why don’t you just stay home and take care of yourself while we go out to summer tour.’ So I guess that’s what we all agreed to do but then it kind of blew up from there. It kind of got messy with the all the back and forth on the internet, which was not good,” he revealed. “We shouldn’t have put that stuff out to the public on that. We should have kept it private. It kind of blew up from there. And it got really ugly.”
The band continues to navigate this internal conflict while maintaining their touring schedule.
The situation has evolved into a critical turning point for the legendary rock band. A report from NBC Los Angeles revealed that REO Speedwagon will retire from touring on January 1, 2025. The decision stems from “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and Hall.
Hall’s health issues proved more serious than initially reported. He underwent back surgery in November 2023. A ruptured cyst further complicated his condition. Matt Bissonette stepped in as his temporary replacement for several performances.
The dispute has played out publicly through various channels. Hall addressed the controversy through a Facebook post, as noted by American Songwriter. He clarified that Cronin had received an invitation to participate virtually in a reunion show despite their differences.
The Star Tribune has documented a significant development in the situation. Kevin Cronin has launched a new project called the Kevin Cronin Band. The new group has begun performing REO’s classic album ‘Hi Infidelity’ in its entirety.
Hall’s contributions to REO Speedwagon span decades. Since joining in the late 1970s, he has helped create many of the band’s hits, including “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Can’t Stop Loving You.” This current rift marks a crucial moment in the group’s storied history.
