Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon recently opened up about the ongoing tensions with longtime bandmate Bruce Hall during an interview with KSHE 95, breaking his silence on the drama that has unfolded in the band.
Reflecting on Bruce Hall’s Surgery and Their Relationship
Cronin expressed sympathy for Hall’s medical challenges while acknowledging the strain the situation has placed on their relationship. “Bruce needed surgery bad, and back surgery is a tough thing, and I feel for Bruce,” Cronin shared. “He and I played in the band together for 47 years. He was part of every side musical experience that I did. Bruce and I were really tight, and I’m sad about how this has happened and how it’s played out online.”
Despite their long history together, Cronin lamented the “inaccurate and hurtful statements” circulating online. “I’ve chosen to kind of keep my mouth shut until this week really,” he said. “It’s sad in one sense and exciting in another because I’ve kind of never heard my songs or Gary Richrath’s songs played at this level. It just happened accidentally. Matt Bissonette was just going to sub in for Bruce for a while, but Bruce’s surgery ended up being a major surgery. So it is what it is right now, and we’re moving forward.”
Addressing Public Criticism
Cronin clarified that he doesn’t harbor ill feelings toward Hall, but he disagreed with the public nature of their disagreements. “No, I don’t dislike Bruce,” Cronin stated. “I disagree with how he kind of put this out in the public forum. These were discussions that I would have preferred to just have in private.”
The tension became more evident in November when Cronin faced backlash for a Facebook post honoring Quincy Jones, which fans noticed did not include Hall. Cronin’s responses to fans’ concerns about Hall’s absence highlighted the growing discord.
To one fan asking why Hall wasn’t honored, Cronin cryptically replied, “Or maybe the question is, why can’t he honor me?” When another fan asked directly about Hall, Cronin said, “Maybe you should ask Bruce…”
Looking Ahead: The Brotherhood of Rock Tour
Despite the challenges, Cronin revealed exciting plans for the future. Responding to a fan’s question about REO Speedwagon’s status, he confirmed their retirement while teasing a continuation of his musical endeavors. “You heard right. I believe the official announcement from Live Nation will be coming on December 6. I am not free to call it REO Speedwagon, but let’s just say that if you liked what you heard and saw in Corbin, you will not be disappointed! Stay tuned.”
On December 6, Cronin announced the Brotherhood of Rock tour, a collaborative effort with Styx and special guest Don Felder. The tour will span 40 concerts, beginning May 28 in Greenville, South Carolina, and concluding August 24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Moving Forward
As Cronin and Hall navigate their differences, REO Speedwagon’s legacy remains a testament to decades of groundbreaking music. The upcoming tour represents a fresh chapter, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking approach to their artistry. Fans are left hopeful that both musicians can find common ground, even as they pursue separate paths.
