Kevin Cronin Denies Turning Down REO Speedwagon Reunion Present

• Months after REO Speedwagon’s touring retirement announcement, a “live performance retrospective” that includes Bruce Corridor, Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Corridor, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy and Steve Scorfina is ready for June
• Kevin Cronin shouldn’t be on the lineup and instructed followers he is “being requested to take part in an occasion on a date once I can’t presumably be there in-person” and “being falsely accused of turning down the invitation”
• Corridor has since shared his ideas on the matter
• Cronin tells PEOPLE he needs the band “all one of the best” with the present
  

Which members of REO Speedwagon will seem on the band’s upcoming reunion present?

In December, the “Cannot Struggle This Feeling” band introduced its retirement from touring on account of a rift between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Corridor. Nevertheless, a “live performance retrospective” that includes Corridor and varied different former REO Speedwagon members — however not Cronin — has been introduced for June 14 in Champaign, Illinois. Now, the 2 musicians are sharing completely different views on the matter.

The upcoming live performance, that includes Corridor, Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Corridor, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy and Steve Scorfina, was introduced on March 18 as a celebration of “the place all of it started” and a tribute to late band members Greg Richrath and Gregg Philbin. A poster for the occasion additionally teases “particular friends.”

In a touch upon a Fb publish selling an upcoming efficiency together with his personal band, Cronin instructed a fan on March 27, “The organizers of the Champaign occasion may have picked a date when all the former members of REO have been accessible to take part.”

“As a substitute they selected June 14, 2025, a date the place it was public information that I used to be beforehand dedicated to carry out with Styx and Kevin Cronin Band in Bend, Oregon,” continued the musician, who’s touring North America from April 25 by way of Aug. 24. “Backside line, I’m being requested to take part in an occasion on a date once I can’t presumably be there in-person. After which being falsely accused of turning down the invitation.”

“I’m deeply disturbed and harm by all of this,” added Cronin. “In spite of everything I’ve completed to assist construct the legacy of REO Speedwagon, I really feel I’ve earned and should be included in any occasion honoring that legacy. As a substitute, I’ve been knowingly excluded.”

He concluded the remark, “PS. 35-year REO veterans Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt weren’t even proven the respect of being invited to the Champaign occasion.”

Corridor responded to Cronin’s feedback in his personal Fb publish. “Blissful to set the file straight. We have been all (together with Kevin) invited to take part on this occasion in early January. Kevin states he’s been ‘falsely accused’ of turning down the invitation. I’ve seen no the place it’s been mentioned he turned it down and I do know he’s been requested to take part nearly. I actually hope he does,” he wrote.

“This occasion was created to supply the founding fathers, unique singers and traditional REO lineup an opportunity to reunite and say a correct goodbye. An opportunity to honor Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin’s reminiscence,” continued the bass participant. “Most significantly, proceeds are going to the REO Speedwagon fund for uncommon GU Most cancers Analysis at Moffitt Most cancers Middle. The hospital that saved my son’s life. How anybody will be ‘deeply disturbed and harm’ by that is past me.”

Corridor’s publish concluded, “Neal, Alan and I usually are not being paid. We’re thrilled to have this wonderful probability to rock collectively one final time and lift cash and consciousness for such a beautiful trigger.”

In a press release to PEOPLE following Corridor’s newest remark, Cronin says, “My June 14th Kevin Cronin Band live performance with Styx in Bend, Oregon was introduced lengthy earlier than the invites for the Champaign occasion have been despatched out.”

He continues, “This scheduling battle prevents me from collaborating within the occasion, both in-person or nearly. That being mentioned, I want all of them one of the best in fundraising for the Moffitt Most cancers Middle.”

In September 2024, the rock band shared a Fb publish saying the top of their touring profession. “To our followers: Bruce has meant to be Again On the Highway Once more by now. If it have been as much as simply him, he’d be again on tour… but it surely’s less than simply him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to have the ability to carry out on the degree the followers have come to anticipate,” started the assertion.

The publish continued, “Bruce revered that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been round to maintain the Wagon rolling by way of the summer season tour. Bruce by no means had any intention of retiring or strolling away from the band, followers, and crew he has beloved for nearly 50 years.”

“For Kevin’s half, he too has by no means had any intention of leaving the band, and the followers and crew imply the world to him, as properly,” added the band. “Resulting from this complicated state of affairs, irreconcilable variations arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it’s with nice disappointment that we announce REO Speedwagon will stop touring efficient January 1, 2025.”

The notice concluded with “Neal, Kevin and Bruce” exhibiting their appreciation for his or her followers’ “loyal assist” over time.