REO Speedwagon to stop touring due to 'complicated circumstances'

REO Speedwagon has come to a stop.

The band, formed in 1967, announced on Monday that they plan to stop touring as of January, with their last stop on their current tour being Lexington, Kentucky, on Nov. 23.

In a lengthy Facebook post, the group explained their reasons for disbanding, using the term "irreconcilable differences," commonly used in divorce proceedings.

Bruce had planned to be back on tour, but his back surgery recovery is taking longer than expected. The band stated on Facebook that it's not just up to him.

The band's statement continued, "The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently 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."

Last year, when Hall underwent surgery, bassist Matt Bissonette, who has previously played with musicians such as Ringo Starr and Elton John, began filling in for him.

"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 & 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." — Bruce Hall

Last year, Hall informed Ultimate Classic Rock that he believed he was fit enough to resume touring, but he lacked the necessary posture to meet the expectations of our fans.

The band's statement clarified that both Kevin and the fans and crew hold great importance to him, and he has no intention of leaving the band.

The band's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, has been with the group since 1971 at the age of 71.

"As a result of the intricate circumstances, irreconcilable differences emerged between Bruce and Kevin. Consequently, it is with profound sadness that we declare REO Speedwagon will discontinue touring as of January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin, and Bruce express their deepest gratitude to their devoted fans for their unwavering support and for bestowing upon the band such cherished recollections that will endure with them forever."

Keyboardist Neal Doughty, 78, is a founding member of the band.

In his own Facebook post, Hall expressed his "heartbreak" over the decision.

"He informed fans that he was heartbroken and never expected the situation to end this way. Despite their efforts, Neal and he couldn't keep the Wagon going. He expressed gratitude for the love and support he received from fans, who had been vocal in their desire for him to return to the stage. He assured them that he wanted nothing more than to do so."

He added, "We all deserved a farewell tour."

He stated that he desired the band to continue touring with the group consisting of Kevin, himself, Dave, Bryan, and Derek Hilland, just as it was before his planned and successful back surgery.

"I love and will miss you all," he added.

This month, the band canceled shows in Chula Vista and Phoenix due to Cronin's illness.

The tour of the band has 19 remaining dates, commencing with Rancho Mirage, California, on Sept. 27.

At the University of Illinois, REO Speedwagon was founded by Alan Gratzer, Mike Blair, and Joe Matt, along with Doughty.

Hi Infidelity," which sold 10 million copies in the US, is one of the successful albums released by REO Speedwagon. Their other hits include "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Keep on Loving You," and "Take it on the Run.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.