"Despite my initial intentions of maintaining the group's unity, the difficulties have proven to be insurmountable in my efforts to achieve ticket sales, as stated by Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon"
REO Speedwagon Rebranded as the Kevin Cronin Band: A Decrease in Touring Success and Fan Response
The iconic rock band, REO Speedwagon, has undergone a significant change, rebranding as the Kevin Cronin Band. This shift, however, has had a notable impact on the band's touring success and fan response.
According to Kevin Cronin, the frontman of the band, going out without the REO Speedwagon name has made it harder to sell tickets and created uncertainty among fans. The REO Speedwagon name and its iconic winged logo carry significant recognition and reassurance for audiences, which the Kevin Cronin Band name lacks. As a result, fans appear more cautious about the new name, leading to challenges in maintaining the same level of turnout and enthusiasm.
This difficulty was acknowledged by Cronin, who described the decision to tour as the Kevin Cronin Band as "heartbreaking" because the loss of the established REO Speedwagon brand diminished the draw. The band, featuring longtime members like Dave Amato and Bryan Hitt, still performs much of the same music, but the absence of the REO banner makes people question the experience they will get, impacting attendance.
As a result of these challenges, the Kevin Cronin Band will no longer maintain a full touring schedule after their current commitments in 2025, shifting towards selective performances such as special events and cruises, and taking a step back from extensive touring.
Here's a summary of the impacts after the rebranding:
| Aspect | Impact After Rename to Kevin Cronin Band | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Touring success | Decreased ticket sales; harder to draw crowds | | Fan response | More cautious and uncertain compared to REO Speedwagon | | Brand recognition | Loss of the powerful REO Speedwagon name and logo | | Future touring plans | Reduced touring; focus on selective dates and special shows|
This reflects the significant influence that band identity and brand name have on legacy acts' ability to maintain commercial success on the road.
Despite the challenges, the band's crew will be available for other projects once their current commitments have been fulfilled. Tickets for the Brotherhood Of Rock tour, which features the Kevin Cronin Band along with Styx and Don Felder, are currently on sale. The next date on the tour is this evening at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, ON.
Kevin Cronin leads the Kevin Cronin Band, which includes guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt, both longtime members of REO Speedwagon. However, Cronin is no longer touring under the REO Speedwagon banner due to irreconcilable differences with longtime bassist Bruce Hall.
[1] The Hollywood Reporter [2] Rolling Stone [3] Billboard [4] Ultimate Classic Rock [5] Guitar World
- The Kevin Cronin Band, a rebranding of the iconic rock band REO Speedwagon, has struggled with decreased touring success due to harder ticket sales and hesitant fan response.
- The loss of the powerful REO Speedwagon name and distinctive winged logo has added uncertainty among fans, making them more cautious compared to the original band.
- As a result, the Kevin Cronin Band will scale back their touring after 2025, focusing on selective performances such as special events and cruises.
- The impact of band identity and brand name on legacy acts' commercial touring success has been highlighted by this rebranding situation.
- Reviewers in major music magazines like The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Guitar World have discussed the effects of the name change on the band's commercial standing.
- The band, led by frontman Kevin Cronin, includes longtime members guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt, but Cronin is no longer touring under the REO Speedwagon banner due to disagreements with longtime bassist Bruce Hall.
- Current tickets for the Brotherhood Of Rock tour, featuring the Kevin Cronin Band together with Styx and Don Felder, are available for purchase, and the next tour date is this evening at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, ON.
