Citing “irreconcilable differences” between bassist Bruce Hall and singer Kevin Cronin, REO Speedwagon, a frequent visitor to our area, will cease touring when their tour ends Dec. 21.
The band, consisting of Hall, Cronin, guitarist Dave Amato, touring keyboardist Derek Hilland, and drummer Bryan Hitt, made the announcement on their website, detailing the process behind what led to the group’s retirement from live performances.
Issues with the band began in November, when REO Speedwagon announced Hall needed back surgery and Matt Bissonette would take over as touring bassist.
“Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years,” the statement said.
Cronin, meanwhile, also “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.”
REO were one of those bands you thought you would be able to see for years and years to come, even though they have already had a 50-plus year career. Sadly, that will not be the case.
It is just a reminder you need to see your favorites whenever you can because you never know when it will be the last chance.
Catch one of the last shows when REO Speedwagon visit Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Nov. 6 or Huntington Center in Toledo on Nov. 12.
Metallica extend M72 Tour
Metallica are getting a lot of mileage out of their M72 Tour, adding dates for a third year.
It’s not like they have been touring non-stop though, each year involves just a few dates with 2025’s portion adding just 21 more, including two shows at Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, on May 9 and May 11.
In descriptions of the shows that are dripping with hyperbole, various publications have hailed them as “an altogether life-affirming experience,” “impossible to leave unsatisfied,” “a stone-cold stunner of a show,” “the mother of all summer concerts,” and “as tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages.”
In short, if you are a fan, you won’t want to miss them next summer.
Maniscalco adds dates
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has expanded his ongoing It Ain’t Right stand-up comedy tour with a new run of dates in 2025 that include Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Feb. 7, Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 8, Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Feb. 16, Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati on March 21, Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on March 22, and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on March 23.
If you can’t wait until then, the current leg of his tour is scheduled for Chicago’s United Center on Nov. 8-9 and Dayton’s Nutter Center on Nov. 10, but those tickets may be harder to get.
Maniscalco said in a press release that “the response to this tour has been nothing short of incredible — the crowds have been electric, and the energy is just through the roof. We’re gearing up to bring you even more on the second leg, and I can’t wait to get back out there.”
Road Notes covers concerts within driving distance of Northeast Indiana. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
