Kevin Cronin’s Emotional Farewell to Touring Life as He Knows It
After more than five decades of fronting one of classic rock’s most beloved bands, Kevin Cronin has made a deeply emotional announcement — one that marks the end of an era. The former REO Speedwagon frontman revealed that after the current “Brotherhood of Rock” tour wraps on August 24 in Milwaukee, he will no longer be able to keep his touring crew together. For Cronin, it’s not just a professional decision — it’s a personal heartbreak.
Speaking openly in interviews, Cronin admitted that for the first time in 50 years, he has no concrete plan for what comes next. Normally, when a tour ended, he already knew the next step — whether it was another album, another run of shows, or some big project on the horizon. But now, the future is uncertain. “I’ve always been goal-oriented,” he said, “and this will be the first time I won’t have a clear path forward.”
The shift comes after REO Speedwagon officially disbanded in 2024 due to long-standing disagreements, particularly between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall. The breakup was anything but smooth. Tensions flared over Hall’s return after back surgery, and the two couldn’t find common ground. When REO alumni reunited earlier this summer without Cronin for a special concert in the band’s hometown, it deepened the divide.
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Since the split, Cronin has toured under the name “Kevin Cronin Band” — with much of the same lineup that had been with REO for decades, including guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt. They’ve been performing REO’s biggest hits, even the entirety of their landmark 1980 album Hi Infidelity . Fans have embraced the shows, but Cronin admits that booking tours without the REO Speedwagon name and logo has been far more challenging than he expected. The brand recognition simply isn’t the same.
Because of that, Cronin said he can’t promise steady work for his crew after this summer. Many of them have been with him for 15 or 20 years, and letting them go is a painful reality. “They’re my family,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking, but I want what’s best for them.”
While full-time touring may be ending for now, Cronin isn’t closing the door completely. He’s still slated to perform select shows, including the Rock Legends Cruise in 2026, and he may play private or charity events. He’s also turning his attention to finishing his long-awaited memoir, now titled Roll With the Change: My Life Within and Without REO Speedwagon .
And though reconciliation with his old bandmates isn’t in the immediate future, Cronin has left the possibility open for one last grand reunion down the road — a final celebration with every living member who’s ever been part of REO Speedwagon. For now, though, he’s saying goodbye to the life he’s known for half a century, taking things one change at a time.
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