Kevin Cronin has detailed the occasions that led to REO Speedwagon’s eventual breakup.
Throughout a latest look on Billy Corgan‘s The Magnificent Others podcast, Cronin famous how issues started to vary throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I began sort of reassessing some issues. And I began wanting to succeed in additional,” the singer defined. “I used to be wanting somewhat extra. And never essentially exterior the band. I wished to raise the band not directly.”
Cronin began seeing a vocal coach and commenced engaged on his craft like by no means earlier than.
READ MORE: Prime 10 REO Speedwagon Songs
“I actually began placing in 10,000 hours on my voice,” the frontman recalled. “So when the band received again collectively after the pandemic, I used to be psyched. And among the guys within the band shared that pleasure and among the guys did not. And so it turned somewhat little bit of a, like, wait a minute, what is going on on right here? You recognize? And so there was somewhat little bit of a chasm opening inside the band.”
Nonetheless, it wasn’t till 2023 that factor actually began to come back aside.
Kevin Cronin Insists He Has ‘No Ailing Emotions’ In direction of Bruce Corridor
“I had been engaged on a presentation for the band, for a Las Vegas residency, which needs to be totally different than what you do on tour,” Cronin defined. “So the concept was to carry out your complete Hello Infidelity document throughout with an enormous audio visible presentation.”
When bassist Bruce Corridor injured his again earlier than the residency’s begin, it threw a wrench in REO Speedwagon’s plans.
“When Bruce harm himself, it was per week earlier than we have been purported to open in Vegas,” Cronin recalled. “And I put a 12 months of labor into this and other people purchase tickets from everywhere in the world to come back in for a residency. And so I did not wish to lose the residency. And I stated, ‘Bruce, you have to go house, care for your self.’”
Even with out Corridor, Cronin was insistent that the residency would proceed as deliberate. “I simply was, if there is a solution to salvage this factor, I’ll salvage it.”
READ MORE: How REO Speedwagon Began a New Chapter With ‘Hello Infidelity’
Cronin recruited Elton John’s bassist Matt Bissonette to fill in throughout the residency. The singer felt a “new vitality” inside the band throughout these reveals, however it additionally splintered the connection with Corridor.
“I really like Bruce and I believe he would possibly really feel like I used to be out to get him,” Cronin conceded. “I’ve heard that from individuals, that there is a feeling there and it is simply not the case in any respect. I maintain no ailing emotions towards him.”
Although Cronin felt it was his job to “maintain REO Speedwagon shifting ahead,” the rift with Corridor was an excessive amount of to deal with. “It simply turned an unattainable state of affairs.”
What’s Taking place With REO Speedwagon Now?
REO Speedwagon formally ceased touring on Jan. 1, 2025. Cronin has continued to carry out the group’s hits together with his solo band, and the traditional REO lineup (minus the late Gary Richrath), reunited in September 2025 for a particular efficiency alongside the College of Illinois Marching Illini. Nonetheless, there aren’t any plans for an official REO Speedwagon reunion.
“I believed that REO Speedwagon would trip into the barn [together],” Cronin admitted, reflecting upon the group’s historical past. “We might all retire concurrently buddies, the crew can be with us… It simply did not, it did not work out that means.”
REO Speedwagon Albums Ranked
REO Speedwagon’s catalog and profession have been marked by dizzying highs and large setbacks. Here is a ranked look again.
Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso
