Gary-Richrath-Obituary

Gary Richrath

1949 - 2015 (Age 65)

About

AGE
65

Obituary

Gary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died Sunday, Sept. 13, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was 65.

Born Oct. 18, 1949, Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970, when they had been playing live for several years but had not yet recorded their debut album, "R.E.O. Speedwagon." The Illinois-based band received minor chart success with the single "Sophisticated Lady" from that album, co-written by Richrath.

Richrath continued to write and co-write popular songs for the band, including 1973's "Ridin' the Storm Out" and 1981's "Take It on the Run," a No. 5 Billboard single that was one of the first videos played on MTV. Richrath remained one of the band's principal songwriters, penning multiple tracks on each of their albums for the nearly 20 years he was a member. He left the band in 1989 after a dispute over the band's direction.

After leaving REO Speedwagon, he released one solo album under the name Richrath, titled "Only the Strong Survive." He reunited with REO Speedwagon briefly in 2013 to play at a benefit concert, "Rock to the Rescue," raising money for victims of tornados that affected central Illinois towns including Richrath's hometown of East Peoria.

Richrath's death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Kevin Cronin, who wrote on the band's Facebook page: "Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath."

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I am a rock music fan, too, and I also love R.E.O.Speedwagon.My deepest condolences to the entire Richrath family as to all the members of R.E.O. Speedwagon,past and present. Stay strong.

RIP Gary! I enjoyed every one of your shows at the Indpls Convention Ctr, probably 10 for me because you were my favorite. I never missed your shows. You were best guitarist that the Midwest EVER produced. And your lyrics were great too.

Eternal peace , joy and happiness be with you. Amen

Gary is, was and will always be REO SPEEDWAGON!!! Nobody can take that away from him. RIP Gary!

He is missed!!RIP

I LOVE ROLL WITH THE CHANGES AND THE WAY HE KISSED HIS PICK BEFORE PLAYING THE MEAN STRINGS WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved Gary in 8th grade. He was the band. He started it and found Kevin in Chicago later. His guitar playing was exceptional! I loved what he wrote and sang as well. Early-mid REO is the best!

Sometimes you hear a song and immediately love it and never forget it. CCR's "Up around the bend" is one of those but number one in my mind has to be "Roll with the changes" and Gary's guitar playing is the primary reason. He was the best and will never be imitated well or replaced. His excellence comes to mind each time I hear that song.

Never met Gary or seen him live . But everything I seen and heard through videos and interviews and through the fans he was an inspiration to everyone. He blew my mind away with his explosive guitar solos his vocals!! The one thing that caught my eye was his smile and how he connected with his fans and loved what he was doing!! Gary u are so truly missed and loved!! Thanks for all the memories!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤