REO Speedwagon have played their finals show under their current name – see the full setlist and footage of their farewell gig below.
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In September, REO Speedwagon announced that though “heartbroken” to do so, they will cease touring at the end of the year, bringing an end to the beloved rock band due to “irreconcilable differences” between frontman Kevin Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.
Earlier this month, Cronin revealed that he “didn’t want to end REO Speedwagon… I just got outvoted and… have to stop calling it REO Speedwagon at the end of this year.”
On December 20 and 21, the band played their final show at Las Vegas’ The Venetian Theatre under the REO Speedwagon moniker. At the December 21 show, Cronin said during a parting speech: “The REO Speedwagon name is being retired tonight.”
“But the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin. We hope you join us on that adventure.”
They split their set into two portions: the first half saw them perform 1980’s ‘Hi Infidelity’ in full, while the second half saw them play an assortment of career hits.
Among these were ‘Time For Me To Fly’, ‘Golden Country’, ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘Roll With The Changes’.
REO Speedwagon’s December 21, 2024 setlist was:
‘Don’t Let Him Go’
‘Keep On Loving You’
‘Follow My Heart’
‘In Your Letter’
‘Take It On The Run’
‘Tough Guys’
‘Out Of Season’
‘Shakin’ It Loose’
‘Someone Tonight’
‘I Wish You Were There’
‘Music Man’ (Acoustic)
‘In My Dreams’ (Acoustic)
‘Time For Me To Fly’
‘Keep Pushin”
‘Live Every Moment’
‘Golden Country’
‘Ridin’ The Storm Out’
‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’
‘Roll With The Changes’
Leading up to REO Speedwagon’s end, ownership interest in the band was controlled by three members: Cronin, sole remaining founding member Neal Doughty, and longtime bassist Bruce Hall. Hall has been absent from tour since November 2023 due to back surgery, and Doughty retired from touring last year. Doughty and Hall have voted to bring an end to REO Speedwagon, outvoting Cronin two-to-one.
Cronin will make his solo debut in January, and hopes to continue on with REO’s current touring roster – which includes Matt Bissonette, Dave Amato, Bryan Hitt and Derek Hilland – albeit under a different name.
Cronin has also suggested that he can see a case in which Hall joins the bands for select shows here and there, but doesn’t consider Hall’s return as a full-time member “as an option”.
