REO Speedwagon breaks up due to ‘irreconcilable differences’

I guess being in a rock band is similar to being in a marriage. This is especially true if you claim ‘irreconcilable differences’ for breaking up.

That’s the sad news out of the REO Speedwagon camp yesterday. After the upcoming scheduled dates that go through part of 2025, they are breaking up.

Here’s the bands official statement:

“To our fans: Bruce has intended to be Back On the Road Again by now. If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour… but it’s not up to just him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years.

For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well.

Due to this complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever.”

For those of us (especially those who work at this radio station) who are fans of the band, this is really bad news. Many of us have spent our entire career idolizing and looking up to the mega rock and roll stars of the 80′s and this is a blow. But I am reminded that these people don’t really owe us anything. The music they’ve recorded will live forever and we always have access to it thanks to technology.

We actually owe them, our thanks. Thank you REO. If you ever decide to regroup for a farewell tour, we’ll be right there.