Kevin Cronin: It’s Tougher to Sell Tickets Without the REO Speedwagon Name
via Fragile Undertow / YouTube
Kevin Cronin’s decision to part ways with REO Speedwagon marked the end of an era for both the frontman and the band’s devoted fanbase. After announcing in 2023 that he would no longer tour under the REO Speedwagon banner due to irreconcilable differences with longtime bassist Bruce Hall, Cronin launched the Kevin Cronin Band. The lineup still included familiar faces—guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt—but the change in name created unexpected challenges.
While the Kevin Cronin Band’s current stint on the Brotherhood of Rock tour alongside Styx and Don Felder has been met with enthusiasm from attendees, Cronin admits that drawing audiences without the REO Speedwagon name has proven more difficult than anticipated. The winged logo and brand recognition of REO carried decades of trust, something that’s harder to replicate when performing under a new name.
Cronin has been open about the reality of his situation, acknowledging that audiences approach the Kevin Cronin Band with curiosity rather than certainty. “When people see REO Speedwagon, they know exactly what to expect,” he explained. “With the Kevin Cronin Band, there’s that question mark—people wonder what they’re going to get.”
The Business of a Band Name
According to Cronin, the REO Speedwagon brand is more than just a title—it’s a powerful marketing tool that instantly connects with fans and promoters alike. He noted that even though the Kevin Cronin Band delivers the same music and energy, the absence of the iconic name significantly impacts ticket sales. This brand recognition, built over decades, has made it challenging for him to keep the same touring model alive under his solo banner.
As a result, Cronin has decided to scale back operations. The Kevin Cronin Band will not continue as a full-time touring act, and crew members have been told they are free to take on other projects after the current tour commitments wrap up. This shift has already led to several show cancellations, including dates in Evans, GA, and Mobile, AL, as well as a 2026 appearance in Sparks, NV.
Despite these cancellations, Cronin still plans to fulfil certain obligations, such as his booking on the Rock Legends Cruise in February 2026. While the move may be a disappointment for some fans, Cronin is candid about the financial and logistical hurdles of sustaining a tour without the REO name. “With REO Speedwagon, booking dates for the fall or winter would be no problem,” he said. “With the Kevin Cronin Band, it’s a whole different story.”
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Band Dynamics and the Road Ahead
The shift away from REO Speedwagon has also brought renewed attention to the internal tensions that led to Cronin’s departure. Bruce Hall, who had been temporarily replaced by session bassist Matt Bissonette during REO’s final tour due to recovery from back surgery, disputes the notion that the band mutually decided to stop. Hall insists he and keyboardist Neal Doughty voted for REO to continue with its 2023 lineup, and that Cronin’s withdrawal was his own decision.
For now, the possibility of Cronin returning to REO Speedwagon remains uncertain, particularly given these differing accounts. Still, the shared history between the members and the enduring popularity of the REO name leave the door open—if not for a full reunion, then at least for a one-off collaboration down the road.
Meanwhile, the Kevin Cronin Band continues its run on the Brotherhood of Rock tour, with upcoming dates across the Midwest and beyond. Whether performing under the REO Speedwagon banner or his own, Cronin remains a seasoned showman whose voice and presence have been central to countless rock anthems. The challenge now is finding the balance between his personal artistic identity and the undeniable power of a legendary name.
