The group made the announcement on their official social media
Next year, REO Speedwagon are retiring from touring. The classic rock icons announced Monday that on January 1, 2025, the group will “cease touring” due to “irreconcilable differences.” See the band’s full statement below.
“To our fans: Bruce [Hall] has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now. If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years.
For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.
Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever.”
In November of 2023, Bruce took a leave of absence from the band to address a back issue with surgery.
Hall adds, “Hey Everyone – never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken. Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling. I am so appreciative of ALL the amazing love and support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me, that’s all I wanted, too. We all deserved a farewell tour.
For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave, Bryan and Derek. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.
I love and will miss you all.”
Last January, founding keyboardist Neal Doughty announced his retirement from touring with the band after five decades. Longtime frontman Kevin Cronin remains, alongside bassist Bruce Hall, who joined the band in 1977. When Doughty confirmed his retirement from the road, Hall said that he would always be a member of the REO Speedwagon brotherhood, and that the door for him to play with the band again would always be open.
Cronin and Hall continued to tour with guitarist Dave Amato, who joined the group in 1989, and drummer Brian Hitt, who came aboard in 1990.
REO Speedwagon are still scheduled to take the stage at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas for six nights next month. The “An Evening of Hi Infidelity…and More” residency will see the storied group perform their entire landmark LP, Hi Infidelity, from beginning to end, along with a second set of hits and fan favorites.
REO Speedwagon’s last album was 2007’s Find Your Way Home. The band’s fifteenth studio effort, it featured the Billboard-charting single, “I Need to Fall.” The record was released through the band’s own label, Speedwagon Recordings. Throughout their, REO Speedwagon have sold over 40 million records worldwide. They’ve released 13 Top 40 hits, including chart-toppers “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You.” The crown jewel of their catalog is 1980’s Hi Infidelity, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has since received the rare diamond certification from the RIAA.