Kevin Cronin Expresses Hurt Over Exclusion from REO Speedwagon Reunion Event

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Background of REO Speedwagon
4. The Reunion Announcement
5. The Dynamics Within REO Speedwagon
6. Implications of Exclusion
7. The Future of REO Speedwagon
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Kevin Cronin, lead vocalist of REO Speedwagon, publicly expressed his feelings of hurt and exclusion from an upcoming reunion concert intended to honor the band's legacy.
• Cronin clarified that his absence is due to a prior commitment to perform with Styx in Oregon, not a refusal to participate in the event.
• The concert, set for June 14, 2025, will feature former members of the band, raising questions about the dynamics within the band and the reasons for Cronin's exclusion.

Introduction

In a world where musical legacies often intertwine with personal relationships, the dynamics within bands can become fraught with emotion and misunderstanding. This is starkly illustrated by the recent comments from Kevin Cronin, the long-time lead singer of REO Speedwagon, who has voiced his disappointment over being left out of a reunion concert scheduled for June 14, 2025. Cronin's heartfelt declaration that he feels "deeply disturbed and hurt" sheds light on the complexities of band camaraderie and the tug-of-war between personal commitments and professional obligations. The forthcoming reunion, aimed at honoring the legacy of REO Speedwagon, raises important questions about inclusion, respect, and the realities of performing in a fractured band.

The Background of REO Speedwagon

Formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, REO Speedwagon captured the hearts of rock fans with their catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. The band's lineup has seen numerous changes over the decades, with Kevin Cronin joining in 1972, a pivotal moment that would shape the band's sound and identity. Known for hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling," Cronin became synonymous with the REO Speedwagon sound, leading them through trials and triumphs alike.

Despite their enduring popularity, the band announced their retirement from touring in late 2024, citing health concerns and internal discord among members. This decision followed a series of concerts celebrating their long-standing career, culminating in a notable final performance at The Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas on December 21, 2024.

The Reunion Announcement

In March 2025, REO Speedwagon surprisingly revealed plans for a one-off reunion concert intended to celebrate their legacy. Scheduled for June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, the event is set to feature various past members, including original lead vocalist Terry Luttrell and guitarist Mike Murphy, alongside founding members Neal Doughty and Bruce Hall. The announcement, while exciting for fans, quickly became contentious due to Cronin's absence.

Cronin's Response

Following inquiries from fans regarding his notable absence from this celebratory event, Cronin took to Facebook to express his frustration. He clarified that the date chosen for the reunion conflicted with a previously arranged performance in Bend, Oregon, with his own group, the Kevin Cronin Band, alongside Styx.

"Bottom line, I am being asked to participate in an event on a date when I can’t possibly be there in person," Cronin stated. "And then being falsely accused of turning down the invitation."

In his posts, Cronin emphasized the emotional toll this decision has taken on him, calling into question the organization of the reunion and the lack of consideration for those who have contributed significantly to REO Speedwagon's success over the years.

The Dynamics Within REO Speedwagon

The background behind REO Speedwagon's internal dynamics further complicates this situation. Cronin previously revealed a strained relationship with fellow band member Bruce Hall, noting that "irreconcilable differences" led to tensions within the group before their retirement announcement.

A Complicated History

Cronin joined REO Speedwagon after the departure of Terry Luttrell, who left over personal conflicts with guitarist Gary Richrath. While he experienced a brief hiatus from the band, returning in 1976 solidified his role and made him instrumental in launching the band's most recognizable hits. Yet, even within the camaraderie found in a band, complexities can arise, leading to feelings of exclusion and hurt.

Cronin's comments about feeling "knowingly excluded" from the reunion serve to remind us that the conversations surrounding music are often as layered as the melodies we celebrate. His recognition of the emotional scars left by an acrimonious split from longtime fellow band members adds depth to the narrative, revealing that, for Cronin, the legacy isn't just about the music but also about the people who helped create it.

Implications of Exclusion

The announcement of the REO Speedwagon reunion, coupled with Cronin's exclusion, invites discussions on legacy, respect, and recognition within the music industry. When beloved bands choose to recognize their past while excluding key contributors from that narrative, it opens tension-filled conversations about what it means to honor a legacy.

The Fan Perspective

For many fans, a reunion concert represents closure, celebration, and a collective experience of nostalgia. However, fans are now left to grapple with the implications of a reunion concert in which one of the band’s most recognizable figures will not be present. Social media has become a battleground where opinions about Cronin's exclusion are being voiced, revealing a common desire for integrity in legacy celebrations.

Real-world Examples in Music

Historically, similar situations have occurred in the music industry, where significant band members have been excluded from reunion events, creating fissures within fan bases. For instance, the widely publicized reunion of Fleetwood Mac in 2018 saw tensions rise when Lindsey Buckingham was omitted from performances, leading to divided fan opinions. By reflecting on these past incidents, fans can contextualize the importance of ensuring that all influential figures are considered in such celebratory contexts.

The Future of REO Speedwagon

As the date for the reunion concert approaches, various questions loom large over the future of REO Speedwagon. Will this event serve as a stepping stone to healing past wounds, or will it further entrench the divisions that have long existed?

Hopes for Reconciliation

Cronin has expressed a desire for reconciliation, indicating that he ultimately hopes for forgiveness from his bandmates, particularly Hall. Such sentiments reveal that while professional partnerships may fracture, the hope for resolutions can persist.

"My intention is to ask forgiveness for anything that I’ve done or any hurt that I have caused Bruce,” he remarked. “I don’t like to have grudges with people. I like to forgive and be forgiven.”

Whether these aspirations bear fruit remains to be seen, particularly in an industry that thrives on both individual artistry and collective success.

Conclusion

In sum, the unfolding drama surrounding Kevin Cronin's exclusion from the upcoming REO Speedwagon reunion event is a poignant reminder of the human emotions at play behind rock and roll's public personas. It reflects the need for understanding, respect, and recognition—principles that should guide not just band reunions but personal interactions within the world of music. As fans watch this situation develop, it sparks discussion about the complexities involved in celebrating a shared history that is often shadowed by personal dynamics.

FAQ

Why is Kevin Cronin not participating in the REO Speedwagon reunion concert?

Kevin Cronin has publicly stated that he has a prior commitment to perform with Styx and the Kevin Cronin Band on the same date as the reunion concert, making it impossible for him to attend.

What has Kevin Cronin said about his exclusion from the reunion?

Cronin expressed that he feels "deeply disturbed and hurt" by the decision to exclude him from the reunion event, suggesting that he earned the right to be included due to his contributions to the band's legacy.

Who else is expected to participate in the REO Speedwagon reunion concert?

The reunion concert is set to feature other past members of REO Speedwagon, including founding drummer Alan Gratzer, past vocalists Terry Luttrell and Mike Murphy, and current members Neal Doughty and Bruce Hall.

What led to the breakup of REO Speedwagon before their announced retirement?

The band cited health issues with bassist Bruce Hall and "irreconcilable differences" among the group as key factors leading to their retirement from touring.

Can we expect further collaboration or reunions in the future?

The future of REO Speedwagon remains uncertain. While Kevin Cronin has expressed a hope for reconciliation and healing within the group, only time will tell how their relationships develop post-reunion.