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Blogs > hotfun_1966 > Adventures in Life

RIP REO Speedwagon's Gary Richrath (1949-2015) :(  

hotfun_1966 57M
247 posts
9/14/2015 4:17 pm
RIP REO Speedwagon's Gary Richrath (1949-2015) :(

If the name Gary Richrath doesn't recall musical memories, his music should...

From 1971-1989, he was the lead guitarist and writer/co-writer of many songs for Illinois super rock band REO Speedwagon. Pick up the albums Hi Infidelity (1980), Good Trouble (1982), and Wheels Are Turnin' (1984) for the three best examples of his performing and writing skills.

Richrath passed away yesterday (9/13), about a month shy of his 66th birthday.

Excerpt from Foxnews:
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"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 REO Speedwagon in 2013, when the band performed a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, to raise money for tornado victims.
--------------------------------------------

He shall be greatly missed.

Hunter4Head 61M
6253 posts
9/14/2015 4:34 pm

 I've seen REO many times........he was a GREAT guitarist......R.I.P. You'll be missed Gary.......another member for the band in rock-n-roll heaven.....


hotfun_1966 57M
3677 posts
9/14/2015 5:20 pm
    Quoting Hunter4Head:
    I've seen REO many times........he was a GREAT guitarist......R.I.P. You'll be missed Gary.......another member for the band in rock-n-roll heaven.....
You were lucky, indeed. So many great guitarists came out of Illinois: Terry Kath (Chicago, who was probably the first to greet him up there), James "J.Y." Young (Styx), and Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Survivor) are three that come to mind.


hotfun_1966 57M
3677 posts
9/14/2015 5:25 pm
    Quoting  :
Me too. He did keep pushin' on through this life to the end.


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