Kevin Cronin says REO Speedwagon split wasn’t his choice: “I just got outvoted”

nme.com:

announced that though “heartbroken” to do so, they will cease touring at the end of the year, bringing an end to the beloved rock band due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.Now in a new chat with Billboard, Cronin has spoken about the REO Speedwagon situation and his solo debut on January 25: “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever see this coming.

I didn’t want to end REO Speedwagon. This is sad, and I would do anything in my power to continue [as] REO Speedwagon. I never quit the band; I never will quit the band.

I just got outvoted and… have to stop calling it REO Speedwagon at the end of this year.”For context, ownership interest in REO Speedwagon is controlled by three members of the band: Cronin, sole remaining founding member Neal Doughty, and longtime bassist Bruce Hall.

Hall has been absent from tour since November 2023 due to back surgery, and Doughty retired from touring last year. Doughty and Hall have voted to bring an end to REO Speedwagon, outvoting Cronin 2-to-1.Cronin went on to explain to Billboard: “The simple answer is that REO Speedwagon at this point is a three-person partnership… and I have one vote.