Classic Rockers and legendary touring band REO Speedwagon surprised their fans and music radio with the announcement yesterday that, due to “irreconcilable differences” between band members, they would retire from touring at the end of 2024.
Industry reactions were predictable and nostalgic for the band formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois.
Fred Jacobs, Pres of Jacobs Media and Classic Rock format founder said, “As a midwestern boy, I always regarded REO as one of our great regional bands. Over the years, I had the honor of working with WCKG in Chicago, KSHE, and other stations in that corridor. And I earned a greater appreciation for how much these guys meant to the locals. I also remember just how radio-friendly they’ve been over the years. You have to hope they’ll figure out a way to get past their current struggles and find a way to “roll with the changes” and “get back on the road again.”
Ken Anthony, Afternoons/Asst Brand Manager KSEG (96.9 The Eagle)/Sacramento, said, “It’s sad to see Classic Rock acts like REO Speedwagon say goodbye to touring. They have been a strong force in Classic Rock for years, and with the recent news about Aerosmith no longer touring, along with the recent Jane’s Addiction meltdown, make sure you do your best to go out and see your favorite Classic Rock bands live before they call it quits as well!”
David Moore, Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX Operations Manager/Brand Content Director Hubbard Phoenix, said, “I was surprised by the announcement. I just listened to a podcast with Kevin Cronin recorded earlier this summer, and he sounded healthy, enthused, and ready to rock. REO is one of the bands we may be guilty of taking for granted. Growing up in the Midwest, you were never more than a few months away from an REO concert, and if you went, you never left disappointed. Mahoney of the ‘Dave and Mahoney Show’ was conceived in a van after an REO concert in Missouri.
Ron Allen, Brand Manager 96-3 JACK-fm WCJK Nashville, added, “In 1980, I was a Sophomore in High School, and I had just started working weekends at my first radio station when the “Hi Infidelity” album was released. I remember the first time I heard it and thought this is the best record ever. Forty-five years later, my opinion hasn’t changed much. The music has stood the test of time, and it’s still one of my all-time favorites. I’ve been fortunate to see them live several times (all great shows) and have enjoyed their music through the years. I would have loved to see a farewell tour, but I’m thankful we had the band for 50 years.
Kevin Robinson, long-time Programmer/Consultant and Owner at Robinson Media said, “One of my very first albums was REO’s 1977 album “You Get What You Play For.” Parts were recorded at the Indianapolis Convention Center near where I grew up. The most underrated live track—ever—is “157 Riverside Avenue” off that live album.
By the time 1978’s “You Can Tune A Piano But You Can’t Tuna Fish” was released, REO Speedwagon became cemented as my favorite band. And who didn’t have every word of 1980’s “Hi Infidelity” memorized?
So, when I snagged an on-air LIVE interview with lead singer Kevin Cronin in mid- 80’s in Louisville (Kevin is one of a handful of artists I’ve interviewed twice), you can imagine how I was ‘all-in’ – starstruck. My vision of Rock Stars was whiskey-drinkin’, burger- eatin’, groupie-totin’ unkept performers who would certainly be a hard-nut conversation.
Far from it. Even though we had plenty of booze waiting in the wings, Kevin strolled in, rail-thin, super sweet, totally present, and generous with his time. As he sat down in front of his mic, he had his assistant order him dinner. A Salmon, Asparagus meal with a sparkling water for his drink. So much for ‘book by its cover’!
Here are the announcements for both camps in the band:
