Is Bassist *Bruce Hall* To Blame for the End of REO Speedwagon?

[@hgholson6495]

It’s nice how Gary son and Bruce’s daughter have come out and said how this is selfish. It would be nice to have a final lap And go out together as a band on their own terms.

[@LauraBurnam-u8v]

Sara is an outstanding artist in her own right and she is VERY protective of her father.

[@TUSK1157]

Kevin Cronin has always come off to me as a real "princess".

[@theleviathan89]

More like a Diva.

[@TheChef470]

@@theleviathan89 More like a Queen : )

[@saracox6528]

small man -- giant baby child

[@mbtjr]

To say the least. In his current incarnation he looks like a bittter schoolmarm with those glasses, and he hasn't been able to sing like he used to for decades.

[@romanm9718]

No this is all on Kevin Cronin not letting him back in the band.

[@RelaxationNHealth-jo3vh]

If it were left up to me, I would’ve had Bruce Hall sing the majority of the songs.

[@sueoutlaw]

So bummed to see it end this way....shame on you, Kevin

[@rhondathill3900]

On your side Bruce. You deserve to be on this last tour. You’ve given us many great years of wonderful music!

[@DavidMartin-tc1gl]

Hall and Richrath, to me, were the meat and potatoes of REO. When Gary left, the air was let out. I saw them after Gary left and it just wasn't the same energy. Bruce could carry a tune, no doubt, and his songs always seem to have an edge even though not many of them saw airplay.

[@SusanHolland]

There is no REO without Bruce. Bruce, you should be back on the stage again. We don't know the behind-the-scenes details, but we do know that this is a sad state of affairs and feel you are NOT the responsible party, and most REO fans are with you. I hope this situation can heal enough for you to go "Back on the Road Again" for the final curtain call or the renewal of the band. God Bless you and keep you!! You are still amazing!

[@RiverDocs]

Well said!! You speak for many of us!

[@xmichaelxwalkup10]

I was one of the people who discovered Bruce and helped launch his career in my band Feathertrain in Champaign IL. We had formed from the remnants of a local "head band" called White Light which played locally with a light show that later become the house light show for the Kinetic Playground in Chicago. I got together with a local singer, Geoff Poor. and we initially tried to form a booking agency to compete with Blythum Ltd, headed by Irving Azoff and Bob Nutt. This didn't get off the ground as no one would book us if we were not associated with Blythum, . so we joined them and all of a sudden had a full lineup of gigs not only in Champaign but around the state and into IN and IA. Our bass player from White Light was into jazz and improvisational styles which was not suited for what we were now doing which was basically being a Three Dog Night type group with 3 vocalists. so we went looking for another bass player. Geoff somehow had heard of this High School student in a very small town outside of Champaign, so we went to his house and met with him and his parents in their living room. It was Bruce Hall. Initially, Bruce was too young to play in clubs were liquor was served (as was I for a couple of months) so we had to be careful to be ready to wisk him out the back if the cops showed up. Although we did have 3 very good singers, Bruce contributed on backup vocals and even penned a song on one of our gigs in Davenport IA where the crowd was not that enthusiastic about our music, which he called "Mississippi Bummer". We played it for the same crowd the next night. Later, I was forced to quit the band as lead guitar to get back to my pre law studies because, "who ever heard of a 40 year old rock n roll star?:" I was replaced by this guy named Gary Ritchrath, which is another story. I feel badly for Bruce. He gave his all to REO for so many years only to get thrown under the bus it seems.

[@RiverDocs]

Great story. Thanks for sharing. Yea I feel Bruce is getting the shaft here. Hopefully things will work out for him.

[@meganlange619]

Exactly right...Bruce is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. And Kevin Cronin is a selfish, narcissistic BULLY. SHAME on him for doing this to Bruce, the REO ROAD CREW and the Fans. He will get his... 😢

[@danielstrauss6954]

I'm a huge Bruce Hall fan. This still doesn't give me Kevin Cronins take on all this. So I'll reserve who I blame. Hard to believe 70+ years old Rockers fighting ... just play for your fans fellas! We made you millions and still are!

[@vayabroder729]

I always get the feeling that Kevin Cronin is problematic.

[@TheTownspeople]

Cronin is a head case.

[@kevincrozier8625]

Hell Cronin was let go after his first stint with REO because of him and Richrath butting heads. They brought in Michael Murphy and then brought Cronin back in. Cronin's ego has always gotten in the way.

[@theleviathan89]

He is. Far from cool.

[@flyingburritobro68]

Cronin ruined the band when he pushed out founding member Gary Richrath the heart and soul and rock in the band. REO died at that point

[@TheTownspeople]

@@flyingburritobro68 but boy could they push out those love songs.

[@GeorgeSawtooth]

Cronin is a diva! He's always been REO's problem!

[@martintaylor9271]

As a fellow bassist, I'm on your side, Bruce!

[@Tomchichi1975]

This has Kevin all over it! Bruce has been up front and honest since day 1. Cronin refuses to answer and talk. I feel so bad for Bruce as this is just wrong

[@RiverDocs]

I agree with you! Thanks for your comment.

[@nancystevens4334]

I feel bad for Bruce, Bryan and Dave ,Derrick. Kevin is being hypocritical problematic person.

[@Tomchichi1975]

@@nancystevens4334 I don’t feel bad for Amato, Hitt, or Hilland. They have bought Cronins lies hook, Line, and sinker. Bryan Hitt going as far to say Bruce was responsible for him losing pay and Bryan Hitt for telling fans to F off.

[@meganlange619]

Amen😢

[@ShorLine]

When Kevin Cronin couldn't force Bruce Hall out of his rightful place in REO, even though he co-owns it with Neal Doughty and Kevin, KC quit so he can go solo. Now he plans on touring with Bryan Hitt and Dave Amato and his new bass player all as paid employees. Gotta wonder how that's gonna go now that it's come out KC forced Bryan and Dave to take a pay cut in 2024 to meet Matt Bisonnette's salary demands - while lying to them that Bruce was getting a raise! What a gaslighting narcissist!

[@RiverDocs]

Sounds like a plan for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@kennethfinnegan2978]

I’ve known The Cronin family since 1991. Kevin has a huge ego and is problematic. Bruce is a sweetheart. I have no doubt Kevin is behind it all.

[@ga8426]

Seems like a repeat of what happened to Gary. Gary was a HUGE part of the success and the songwriting that made the band, and was just tossed aside and now it's happening to Bruce as well. As soon as someone is down on their luck...opportunity strikes for Kevin. No new songs so you can just tour with a cover band.

[@VanEgan]

Why would Kevin Cronin want to downgrade to being a solo act that draws fewer crowds though

[@svkyseth1]

I suspect that Kevin, finally having REO Speedwagon to himself this year with Neal's retirement and Bruce's surgery, realized he didn't need either of them, could have "sole" control and just didn't want to share anymore.

[@hgholson6495]

Very well could be I don’t doubt that

[@cindygerstenberger3995]

So very sad! I have had back surgery and for Bruce to be out of the band because he had to have back surgery, is not a very good reason for what KC is doing! My husband and I were very lucky to see Bruce one last time when REO played at the Hard Rock Orlando, FL earlier this year! I will never forget that night and being surprised that he came out to sing "Back on the Road Again" and the encore songs! He probably had no idea that it would be the last show he would be allowed to play with the Band! Bruce Hall Rocks! God Will Bless Bruce! ❤🎶🎸🎤❤

[@danielbohland5271]

They should have never let Kevin Cronin back into the band as they kicked him out because of poor attendance he wouldn't show up Gary should have did vocals or hired anybody but Kevin

[@acertainkindoflight]

Hall’s daughter, Sara, is a BA. Great to see.

[@darinkasaboski6829]

Next summer Kevin Cronin's REO Speedwagon will be on the road. Kevin probably enjoyed being the only boss with Bruce not around

[@bobbyboykin7137]

Kevin cannot use the name REO Speedwagon. He can only refer to having been in that band.

[@SeanMorrisonRocks]

Kevin is at fault😊

[@scottnugent4791]

The fact that KC is an arse should be clearly evident to all .

[@TheLexluthier]

I mean how much longer will they be able to tour physically anyways? 5 more years? Even Amato is in his 70's. Why not just let Bruce back in, keep the ball rolling, do a final tour and call it a day? If it's about the $$$, more people will go see an REO show than a Cronin solo show.

[@kristinastudley4287]

Even in the Dan Rather interview, Kevin was dominating the narrative, making himself out to be the decision maker for who got hired and how. He describes Bruce’s hiring without any reference to Gary at all. Bruce describes it as Gary being the driving force. Kevin’s a control freak who tries to take credit for everything.

[@RiverDocs]

Agree. But I think more and more people are now realizing that.

[@kimpillischafske4095]

It’s good to hear the truth coming out. How does KC sleep at night, or Dave and Bryan for that matter?

[@meganlange619]

Kevin Cronin and the Traitors...

[@TheCountofToulouse]

It's hard to believe I saw them at a county fare back in 1993, they were in that rough phase, post 80's success and trying to make it in a 'grunge' world. It was in Michigan and they PACKED out the place. They were as good as any band I ever saw, tight, professional and sounding amazing. Most band would have quit by then but they made it trough and went on to sell out big places again.

[@mysticchordz8846]

I was never a Kevin Cronin fan, don’t rightly know why🧐

[@martron1962]

Could be because he is not a good singer, (especially these days) he’s not a good guitarist, very basic , although he acts like he’s playing lead in concert, and he’s not a good pianist, there’s really nothing special about him, he’s got all this ego, and nowhere to put it.

[@MikeBUSA]

If I were to guess, it's economics. They can't afford to give the guys who retired a cut and still be able to pay who they have adequately. It's likely Bruce can play, but not stand the entire show. Since he's been there so long and it was him who help make them what they are, he should be able to play if he can regardless of how he gets it done. But Kevin Cronin probably wants someone who can help hide how ancient they really are to sell more tickets. A shitty deal all around. "Loyalty" is not part of Keven Cronin's vocabulary, it seems.

[@kevincutway]

I met these guys at a hotel hey we're staying . As I checked in I noticed a tour bus out back . Bruce hall had been using my room before the show that night . We had a nice visit before they got on the bus and the show was amazing . I'm hoping when 2025 comes around there's plans for a new record and tour. No way they can be done . I'm an 80's rocker and play their songs in a cover band .

[@joannehoward5834]

This is all on Kevin. He has caused trouble in the past. I am sure he was the reason for the first bass player to be let go and fo Gary leaving the band. If he wants to quit then let him and let the rest of the band continue

[@michelecochran1102]

I definitely believe this is all Cronin, after Covid, I saw their first show back in CT, Cronin didn't perform well, and I have seen them several times since then and he just wasn't they same, Yet Bruce and band were amazing. I didn't see them this year and very disappointed that this all happened and Bruce wasn't welcomed back for new tour dates in 2025. I have now seen Kevin book solo show. He has a big ego and has now hurt many fans that loved REO. I will not be going to a Kevin Cronin show, but definitely would if Bruce could pull the other band mates together for shows.

[@TrailToughTrailers]

All bands will stop sooner or later. Sad to see the good ones like this one go. It's especially sad to see them fighting at the end over "$$$." Hall and Oates is one that troubles me at this time... I certainly understand how it can happen, but DAMN it is still troubling!!!

[@jmcbeady8210]

I feel the same about Hall & Oates as well.

[@ferdberfle5069]

I haven't seen REO in person since 1974 before Bruce was in the band. I bought most of their later albums starting with the "Tune a Fish" album. I really didn't follow them that closely, but I did enjoy their music. The last time I saw them was a video of them touring in collaboration with Chicago and they sounded prtty good then. Good video RD! You're holding up to your usual standards, which is pretty damn high!! Thanks brother!

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Bootradr]

Those are my thoughts exactly! I wish I knew what was really going on within REO Speedwagon. With Bruce claiming he's ready to go now, what is it that is keeping whatever band members from allowing him to come back in and finish? Especially since they won't be around anymore after 2024 apparently. One article I saw was making it sound like this is Kevin Cronin's decision but it didn't exactly state that. So who knows? Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@Blantar]

I’ve been following the band and Bruce on FB since last December. Bruce had back surgery last fall and was planning on coming back. I saw him play with them on Orlando, FL in April and although Bruce wasn’t running all over the place, he sang and played great. The months after that had people waiting for him to be back with the band and wondering where he was. Bruce had said since the spring that he was released by his doctor to play, but “the band” said he wasn’t ready. He, Neal, and Kevin own it and Neal was all for Bruce returning, so……. There’s only one piece missing. From comments Bruce has made, Kevin just won’t talk about it and us ending the band’s tours in 2024. So, using our critical thinking skills, I think we can figure out what’s going on. There’s a big ego in the way and it’s not Bruce’s or Neal’s.

[@barbschneider9737]

It is just not right to blame this on Bruce's back. If you have been a loyal fan through the years you could plainly hear Kevin's voice change and not be able to hit the notes the last 5 years. But you know what? The fans didn't care!! We want the band back together! Kevin stop your ego trip! We love all of you! This is from the lady with your signature tattooed on her shoulder!! Please make peace and go out together!!

[@nancystevens4334]

I hope that karma will hit Kevin for doing this to Bruce Hall. They shouldn’t have taken Kevin in the band in 70s if he is problematic in this band. I know if I was lead singer in this band I would let Bruce sit if he needed to at times. I know am not the a singer at all. Kevin is a hypocrite cause he sat down when he hurt his foot. I am glad Kevin leaving now.

[@nancystevens4334]

I am sad that Reo speedwagon is my favorite band. And if I was lead singer I would let Bruce back cause I would let him sit . I don’t think that Bruce would let fans down at all . Kevin should be ashamed of himself and try to reconcile with Bruce. I wish they let Kevin.back in then . I hope Bruce and Dave and Bryan Derrick team up with Neal and Alan and form a new band .

[@jasongudgel456]

Kevin turned the band into REO greedwagon

[@Tipp_Of_The_Mitt]

As far as I'm concerned, the end of REO was when Gary left. I have not bought or even listened to any of their albums after Hi Infidelity.

[@RiverDocs]

Yeah I never bought or listened to anything new after that. Just listen to the old stuff. Loved REO Two and The live album.

[@rachelhale5736]

Good Trouble, Wheels Are Turnin’, Life As We Know It, and the 2 new songs on The Hits all have Gary on them.

[@richarddelconnor]

Hello guys, I worked on all the REO Speedwagon music videos in the 1980s produced by Cinesong and Kevin Dole. I found them all to be enjoyable and energetic and fun to be around. I was known as Richard O’Connor back then.

[@RiverDocs]

Hi Richard. Sounds like a fun job to have. Thanks for stopping by the channel!!

[@richarddelconnor]

@ it was a lot of fun. I worked on music videos for Smokey Robinson Stanley Clark did lots of commercials, special effects… And then I got married. Ouch.

[@RiverDocs]

@richarddelconnor I backed off from the music business myself and got married 34 years ago. But I always kept in it just not as serious or as full time. Guess it was ok..I'm still married to her LOL.

[@richarddelconnor]

@ i’ll check out what you’re up to in the music business I am personally living alone on a 3000 foot high mountain and I’m going to be finishing and releasing over 1000 songs that I’ve written since 1970. So that’s my hobby along with poetry, publishing books, and 33 audiobooks I recorded a year ago. I even filmed a live concert movie of me last year that I’m looking forward to releasing. Now that I’m not 24/7 Mr. Mom I can devote myself to my music career again. I was shocked this last month to discover I have 700 copyrights.

[@CC-ys8qq]

kevin cronin can stick it

[@bethneiss1993]

We saw REO several years back at a casino. Rode the elevator up with Bruce who was very kind, then after the show I ran into Brian who was so sweet and let me take a selfie with him. As we were talking I saw Kevin come out to get on the bus and yelled to him, and he completely ignored me. So ironic considering how he end the show telling us how much he loved us...

[@bumpdunlop]

Nobody believes that it is Bruce's fault. The One Eyed Jacks were a good band. An R & B band during the time Bruce was with them. They played Back on the Road Again and Lost in a Dream. I remember them doing Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Me and My Woman, a blues. In earlier years, I remember them playing Deep Purple's Hush. They also put out about four or five singles as a teeny bopper pop band, and later as a horn band with Murphy singing. That 45 was good stuff. When Bruce played with them they had some issues though. They would get drunk on their asses at their gigs. Not sure about Bruce. Never saw him do anything stupid. Mike Murphy had switched to guitar and added his younger brother Terry on organ. I saw Mike drop his Les Paul and break the neck off of it at a mostly teen club called the Dream Museum (also saw the Finchley Boys up there). Someone who lived nearby went home and got his own Les Paul and loaned it to Murphy to finish the gig. Murphy dropped that one also and broke the damn neck off of it! I have other stories but that one is the most outrageous one.

[@RiverDocs]

Awesome story thanks for sharing. Most of us know it isn't Bruce's fault. I hope you watched the whole video as I stood up for him.

[@keithw7542]

REO Speedwagon has always been one of my favorite groups. There is no point in bad mouthing anyone, rather I would just like to praise Bruce for being a talented and kindhearted guy who always made any of the fans that the band met not only feel welcome but appreciated. I wish that was true of everyone, but personal experience has proved otherwise. Thank you Bruce for the best memories! Hope to see you at Disney sometime!

[@psykodj67]

There is a rumor going around(sorry forgive me cant remember the print source) that possibly Terry Lutrell (OG singer and later Starcastle),Neal Doughty,Alan Gratzer,Mike Murphy(One Eyed Jacks,REO late 72 -early 76),Steve Scorina(OG member),Gary Richraths son on occasional guitar and possibly Bruce Hall for a one off tour(?).That would be a good way to finish REO at least IMO..great video thanx for sharing and take care

[@RiverDocs]

I've heard that too. Wouldn't that be something if it happened?

[@psykodj67]

@RiverDocs you bet

[@bigshowradio_550]

Sounds like a power play from Kevin. Like many older bands, that no longer want to tour, they negotiate to sell their catalog of music. With Bruce out of the way, as a founder, Kevin would be the only one at the negotiation table and with end up with the lions share of money. And, Kevin‘s voice is failing. REO, Speedwagon Facebook page no longer allows comments because they were being deluged with thousands of comments against Kevin and in support of Bruce.

[@RiverDocs]

I just hoped this video would help Bruce out a little. I think he is really getting the shaft. Thanks for your comment.

[@43loudman]

@@RiverDocs P.o.s. KC is screwing Bruce. so sad, and kc gets to keep all the money, that how you do it,. fuck the guy that was a supposed friend,... so very sad,.. I would be very angry if I was Bruce..

[@kc0lif]

i don't blame bruce sometimes gotta take care yourself. reo speedwagon seems like good guys.

[@xtreme4stringbass]

Cool reference to Ted's Wharehouse. Played there a lot in different bands and we, Crow Jane, did the final show ever after Ted passed before the building was sold.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks..Glad it brought back some good memories.

[@mikerivera7509]

Excellent work

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you.

[@suefields4254]

Kevins lies are getting deeper and deeper...also when Gregg died😢Kevin put out a statement saying Greggs style of playing didnt fit in anymore, instead of saying something nice. Who the heck does that!!! Oh yea Kevin😡

[@RiverDocs]

Agree. The guy just digs himself deeper into the hole everytime he opens his mouth now.

[@richpaydirt]

I think that age and time were probably the end of REO SPEEDWAGON. Every geriatric rock band has to eventually pull the plug.

[@dennisellis968]

Always liked R.E.O. but like others from that time. Power Ballads started to be all ya heard from everyone.not a fan of whole power ballad albums. although ,That's something I heard from a friend ,who heard It from a friend. Thanks R/D I'll keep the bell on.

[@rickfletcher5053]

Kevin’s voice just isn’t there anymore, it’s time to stop

[@FLHawk]

Maybe Bruce should get in touch with Terry Luttrell, that would sting Kevin's arse!!

[@izzimichaels2892]

they had a long run. its time to call it a day.

[@The_Amnesiac_Philosopher]

"The person" behind this can't even do his part any longer without electronic/computer help...

[@otterrufus]

Is this the man we should all send our thank you cards to for this act of mercy?

[@TCgoneCrazee]

Oh boy an internet comic. Here's some attention for you.

[@GarySixSixty]

if they do a final curtain call..hope he’s back on the road again 😁

[@carolannjames6725]

Am I the only one who thinks Bruce Hall is HOT ?!! 🔥

[@catfishcooler1566]

The last time I saw REO Speedwagon in concert (2019 or so) the band didn't sound very good because the BASS GUITAR was too high in the mix. You could hear the bass over everything: guitars, drums, keys, and at times, even the vocals. I made the comment to my wife that it was a bad mix because the BASS was too loud. I'm a bass player. I've played bass in dozens of bands over the past 3 decades. I like bass. But this was too much bass. Almost like an original member was demanding bass in the monitors, mains,and subs. Related?

[@RiverDocs]

Nope. You're reaching. REO for the last 10 years or so leased sound companies for each show last I knew. Basically different sound equipment and crew every show.

[@daveAgosti-is4rr]

I think it sucks how Kevin is treating him they ought to replace the both of them and go on with the band they done it before

[@philburton7145]

Cronin is the problem, Bruce Hall is REO

[@bobbyboykin7137]

Theres more to this than is being explained. Its just not being said by the band.

[@RiverDocs]

I think you're right. A lot going on behind the scene. Just heard Kevin is going on a 40 show tour with Styx and Don Felder next year. Bruce came out and said Kevin told the band back in May that he was getting out at the end of the year...seems like new news about this coming out every week now.

[@casedismissed8581]

if he WAS responsible, then thank him because they were horrible !!

[@TCgoneCrazee]

How do you know they were horrible? Were you one of the ones stupid enough to pay money to go see a 70+ year old rock band? lol

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

FYI. Gary was not an original member.

[@ttgone1135]

FYI nobody gives a fuck about Joe Matt lol He was part of a high school band that became famous once they got the right quality of members in it. He is nothing but a teeny, tiny footnote NOBODY but someone like you would care about.

[@ttgone1135]

You must be Joe Matt's one and only fan ha ha ha. Have a crush on him in high school?

[@flyingburritobro68]

He was as far as recording goes. Gary got them the record deal

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

Original member means that person co founded and formed the band. Not matter if they not recorded . Replacement member is just that. A replacement not original

[@davidmorris2470]

You should do some more research on why Gregg Philbin left.

[@RiverDocs]

There is a few more videos on my channel that talks about Gregg a little more. I've done a lot of research and even spoke to Gregg himself once before he passed. Gregg basically wanted no controversy. It was behind him and he wanted it that way. I respected that.

[@ronaldhambrecht]

This is so similar to Journey dumping Perry after hip surgery

[@RiverDocs]

Yep

[@ericjencson9489]

No, Kevin Cronin is

[@HeavyMetalTom]

Not to be a dick , but after 1982😮40 years off one decent record 🎉🎉🎉

[@RiverDocs]

Only one decent record?? You probably need to stick to the heavy metal. Their music from the early 70's was very good. Maybe not to your taste but seriously you don't sell over 40 million units with one decent record.

[@ttgone1135]

1 decent record? maybe you weren't trying to be a dick but you seem to have the brains of one.

[@vadenhaze29]

REO existed before Bruce, they can exist after Bruce. If your unhealthy and cant perform you cant perform, just call it quits and move aside for the others to continue.

[@meganlange619]

This is all Kevins fault. Bruce was cleared by his Doctors to perform no if's and's or but's several months ago. Kevin is very selfish and thought of noone other than himself. Period.

[@BarryDearborn]

Why is almost everybody blaming just kevin?? Nobody knows for sure that kevin is responsible for letting Bruce go.

[@TheLexluthier]

Bruce has the support of Doughty, Gratzer, & the Richrath family, so it isn't hard to figure out where the problem lies.

[@AbeStephan]

WTF ? I heard they broke up because someone in the band switched from Vitamin D milk to 2% low fat milk .

[@lungloogie]

Bruce is jacked up. Is borderline dementia

[@meganlange619]

No he is NOT. All of his Doctors cleared him to play Several months ago.... know the FACTS.