REO Speedwagon has introduced an abrupt halt to touring, citing “irreconcilable variations.” The disagreement apparently revolves round a delayed return to the stage for bassist Bruce Corridor.
Final November, frontman Kevin Cronin promised to reunite with Corridor as quickly as doable following his again surgical procedure – but it surely by no means occurred.
“Bruce has supposed to be again on the highway once more by now,” the band mentioned in a brand new official assertion. “If it had been as much as simply him, he’d be again on tour … but it surely’s less than simply him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to have the ability to carry out on the degree the followers have come to count on.”
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In Corridor’s absence, Cronin turned the final remaining touring member from their basic period. (Co-founding keyboardist Neal Doughty left the highway in 2023, whereas the opposite members joined within the late ’80s.) Matt Bissonette, a former Elton John sideman, crammed in for Corridor by way of summer season dates that wrapped up on Sept. 11 in Phoenix, Arizona.
What may occur subsequent turned the subject of dialog amongst household, buddies and the band.
“Bruce by no means had any intention of retiring or strolling away from the band, followers, and crew he has liked for nearly 50 years,” the band assertion continues. “For Kevin’s half, he too has by no means had any intention of leaving the band, and the followers and crew imply the world to him, as effectively.”
REO Speedwagon was left at an deadlock: “On account of this advanced scenario, irreconcilable variations arose between Bruce and Kevin,” in accordance with the assertion. “So, it’s with nice unhappiness that we announce REO Speedwagon will stop touring efficient January 1, 2025.”
Cronin joined REO Speedwagon in time for his or her sophomore launch, 1972’s R.E.O./T.W.O. however then left for some 4 years. Mike Murphy dealt with vocals on 1973’s Ridin’ the Storm Out, 1974’s Misplaced in a Dream and 1975’s This Time We Imply It. Cronin returned previous to 1976’s R.E.O. Corridor then got here on board for 1978’s breakthrough You Can Tune a Piano, however You Cannot Tuna Fish.
REO Speedwagon made no point out of any future plans to file new music. “Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their followers for all their years of loyal assist and for giving again to the band such fantastic reminiscences that may stay with every of them eternally,” the band assertion concluded.
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Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso