Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 18, 1949 – Sep 13, 2015 (Age 65)
Gary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died Sunday, September 13, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was 65. Richrath wrote and co-wrote 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. By MESFIN FEKADU, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the group's hit song "Take It on the Run," died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. He was 65. Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death. Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. Richrath co-wrote some of the band's songs, including "Take It on the Run," which became a Top 5 pop hit on the Billboard charts. "I feel so sad. 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," REO Speedwagon's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, wrote on the band's website and Facebook page. "The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time." Richrath last played with the band in 2013, when the band performed a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, to raise money for tornado victims. REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980's "Hi Infidelity," which sold 10 million copies in the United States. Richrath released a solo album, "Only the Strong Survive," in 1992.
Gary, I can't believe that it's been 10 years since your passing! I wish I had gone to a REO concert during the time when I was going to concerts! Then I could witness the genius in your guitar performances! Sadly I only have videos! Happy Heavenly birthday! Karen B.
Karen G. Benigar
October 23, 2025
I was a teenager in the early 1970s when a bunch of bands were popular. I have to admit, I was infatuated with Three Dog Night during that decade, sorry Gary! I was aware of Reo, but didn't listen much. Now that I am a grandma, I saw a commercial for a bank card or some such, and one line was "it's like winning front row seats to a reo Speedwagon concert" Cut to a girl in front row seat standing and screaming "I love you Gary!" So after seeing that commercial I started researching...
Karen
May 17, 2023
I know this is late but my first album ever was R.E.O. Speedwagon's Hi infidelity I was,10 and when I heard the guitar solo on take it on the run that Les Paul guitar touched my soul Gary's guitar playing was so under rated he made that guitar talk i had the opportunity to see them play live I was 16 and I hopped on stage at great wood s in Mansfield mass I sang roll with the changes with Kevin and I had the opportunity to walk up to Gary and watch him play with that big smile of his...
Ann Botelho
October 18, 2022 | Middletown, CT | Friend
Red Lion Inn, Champaign, IL. REO Speedwagon. Gary Ritchrath. One of the best guitarists. Had such a crush on. So much fun those days. There was a video of Gary on Tiktok a few days ago. So many memories. RIP Gary
Dede Bencriscutto
September 12, 2022 | Sullivan, WI | Friend
How much fun my friends and I had and how we were so excited when REO played at THE RED LION INN in Champaign,IL. Terry Latrell on lead vocals and of course Gary on Guitar. What fantastic music. RIP Gary. You will never be forgotten by me. Much love to your family.
DeDe Bencriscutto
September 12, 2021 | Sullivan, WI | Acquaintance
I tried to call Wade,so so very sorry. I lost a brother last Sep. to.
Eric Butler
September 12, 2018 | Yuma, AZ | Friend
Thank-you so much for all the wonderful memories of watching you with reo speed wagon. You and your guitar created breathtaking entertainment. You always looked sexy but classy and that beautiful smile could tame the wildest mustang. You are sorely missed by so many people but you will live on in all our hearts that you touched so beautifully. May your wife and family, your friends and fans find peace and Gary, may you find your peace in the arms of the Angels. God Bless you, Gary
Donna Cataldo
October 19, 2016 | Brookfield, MA | Friend
I started playing air guitar because of Gary and later when I could afford it I began playing Les Pauls and emulating Gary... Seems like the best times of my life.
Wes Jones
August 09, 2016 | Elkhart, IN | Friend
