I remember Take It On The Run best for being the theme song for the breakup with my first girlfriend, Janette. REO Speedwagon has become a major concert attraction, filling up every arena in their tours. Richrath was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18, 1949, to Curtis and Eunice Richrath,[1] and grew up in East Peoria, Illinois. Born Oct. 18, 1949, Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970 REO Speedwagon Then one day, Gary decided to plug his Les Paul into a double stack of Marshalls. Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagon Guitarist, Dead at 65 How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? Radioactive roads? The Punk Rock Musuem passes Gogol Bordellos Eugene Htzs test. In retrospect, maybe I should have reached out to Gary, though he'd long departed REO by that time. He also wrote songs for the band, including Ridin the Storm Out and Take It On The Run. In addition to playing guitar and writing songs, he also sang lead vocals on several songs, including Find My Fortune and Only A Summer Love.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'biographyhost_com-box-3','ezslot_1',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-box-3-0'); Gary Richrath was an American rock musician best known as the lead guitarist and songwriter for Illinois-based rock band REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989. When you're 14 years old, there's no forgiveness for heartache like that. Richrath died on 13 September 2015 at age 65. REO Speedwagons frontman Kevin Cronin revealed the cause of Richraths death to the Billboard website in 2015, stating that Richraths wife told him that Richrath had abdominal surgery a few days before his death. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! You're thinking up your white lies.You're putting on your bedroom eyes.You say you're coming home but you won't say when.But I can feel it coming.If you leave tonight keep running.And you need never look back again. I had a plan. REO Speedwagons representative, Erik Stein, confirmed Gary Richraths death on Monday. But once I heard the way the song sounded with the sweet piano melody and the gnarly guitars, the lightbulb went off, and I said, This is it! . When Mr. Richrath contacted the service, Cronin said he pitched the top singer songwriter in my vast stable Cronin himself. When we reunited for a benefit concert in 2013, the bad feelings which had surrounded his departure from REO had finally evaporated. He left the band in 1989. 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Gary Dean Richrathwasborn to Eunice and Curtice Richrath on 18 October 1949 in Peoria, Illinois. He had three children, namely Eric (Jen) Richrath, Bryan Richrath, and Nicole Van Tine. Richrathdiedon 13 September 2015 at age 65. Sure, we were only in eighth grade at the time, but you remember how great first love felt, right? Released as the fifth single off the 1980 album Hi Infidelity, Take It On The Run shot up to No. Eighties nation is still a little stunned at the sudden death of REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who passed away Sunday at age 65. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. He had a pure sound. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagons lead singer, Kevin Cronin, wrote on the bands website and Facebook page. Known for chair-throwing and bleep-filled arguments, the daytime talk show was a favorite American guilty pleasure over its 27-year run. East Peoria is the birthplace of the late great Gary Richrath, and home to the iron bench placed on the banks of the Illinois River in his honor and memory. REO Speedwagon has not had a major hit since Gary left the band. The guitarist died Sunday. 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. U2 is adding five dates at The Sphere, where officials say 60 percent of the tickets will be priced under $300. In 1977, he and other members of the band took over production, which resulted in the band's first platinum album. He was 65. Manage Settings Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death. He is, however, still considered an official member of the band. REO To REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall, Gary Richrath was more than just a bandmate. Gary Richrath NEW YORK REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who wrote the bands 1973 hit Ridin the Storm Out, has died at the age of 65, bandmate Kevin Cronin said. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Reo Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath has died, the band announced on its website and Facebook page Sunday. He was 65. Band frontman Kevin Cronin said in a message that "my longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier (Sunday)." Richrath was the guitarist for REO Speedwagon, a group that actually formed in the early 1970s, but had its biggest success between 1980 and 1986. He spent nearly 20 years with the group before leaving around 1990 and relocating to California. Gary left REO Speedwagon due to differences in musical direction and creativity with the bands vocalist Cronin. "The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends and fans, Cronin wrote on Sunday. He was 65. He would hole up in his home studio and just write and write, Cronin said. Gary Richrath, who co-wrote some of REO Speedwagons greatest hits such as Take It On The Run and Time for Me to Fly, died at age 65, according to public records. Speaking to the Songfacts website in 2017, Cronin disclosed the cause of Richrath's death: "He had some stomach problem or something and he went in the hospital to get treated for a stomach ailment and there were complications and he didn't make it." We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. When he first met Mr. Richrath in 1972, He was a total rock star, Cronin said. Richrath reunited with the band for a performance of "Ridin' the Storm Out" to end their set at the sold-out concert. Jeff Beck was Mr. Richraths idol, but his earliest guitar influence was his Uncle Leroy a country picker, Cronin said. Richrath co-wrote some of the bands songs, including Take It on the Run, which became a Top 5 pop hit on the Billboard charts. The guitarist died Sunday. Richrath was 65. Sadly Gary passed away in 2015 and his singer and co-writer from that time, Michael Jahnz and his new band Richrath Project 3:13 is releasing a tribute/posthumous collaboration featuring several of Gary and Michaels unreleased songs, as well as some of his own songs and a couple reworked REO songs. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon "I feel so sad. In addition to his wife, Mr. Richrath is survived by two sons, and a brother, Wade, in East Peoria. By the late 70s, singles such as Ridin the Storm Out and Time for Me to Fly many written by Cronin started making the charts, preparing the band for its 1981 blockbuster, Hi Infidelity. That album sold more than 9 million copies, according to Allmusic.com, and the band became an arena-filling headline attraction. or redistributed. Gary Richrath In 1992, Mr. Richrath released a solo LP, Only the Strong Survive.. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Upcoming Birthday All Rights Reserved. I'm sorry. Gary Richrath provided much of the creative and driving force in the REOSpeedwagonPlans HiInfidelty30thAnniversary Reissue, Tour. He joined the band for its debut album and served the band as the lead guitarist. Richrath released a solo album, "Only the Strong Survive," in 1992. REO Speedwagon gained a solid fanbase through constant touring, especially in the Midwest area where the band originated. The callous Florida Legislature should check it out. The Inquisitr is a registered trademark. "I'm flattered I was mentioned but I wish it was on a better note!" Born on October 6, 1951 in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Cronin has experienced the best of times and the worst of times with REO Speedwagon. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath. The band enjoyed heavy radio airplay around the late 70s, thanks to major hit singles such as Ridin the Storm Out and Time for Me to Fly (both co-written by Gary Richrath). Im not writing to talk about the cause of his death. 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NEW YORK REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who wrote the bands 1973 hit Ridin the Storm Out, has died at the age of 65, bandmate Kevin Cronin said. , Charges filed in MetroLink train homicide, Police: 2 dead in suspected murder-suicide in STL, 3 teens, 1 adult killed in Hwy 79 collision in Lincoln, When states limit care, some trans people do it themselves, Cities with the worst commute in Illinois, 2 people hospitalized after house fire in south St., Sip wine in a cave at this stunning Missouri vineyard, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, Newborn reported missing, endangered person advisory, Argument leads to deadly shooting on MetroLink train, Fatal rural Missouri teen shooting after online fight, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Sep 18, 2015 at 10:10 pm. Erik Stein confirmed Monday that Richrath diedbut offered no details about the cause. [3], By 1968, Richrath was in a band called Suburban 9 to 5.[3]. The last album he recorded with the band wasLife As We Know(1987). REO Speedwagon's Bruce Hall on Gary Richrath "Sorry, dude!" Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. Remembering REO Speedwagon Guitarist with Band Hehadone sister named Sheri and one brother named Dennis. [8] He was 65 years old. How did Gary Richrath Die? All Rights Reserved. Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon as the bands guitarist in 1971, just in time for the bands self-titled debut release. Family Life Gary was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. It was extremely soothing and at the same time, very,very strong.. Even today, Hi Fidelity still stands as one of rock musics most influential albums, topping the Billboards albums chart for a record 15 weeks. But REO Speedwagon was more than a hair band. Mr. Richrath loved to play live. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. Three years later, he released his solo album titledOnly the Strong Survivein 1992. We'll miss you, Gary. Gary Richrath playing with REO Speedwagon in 1980. Registration is now open for, his notethe bands official Facebook page. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. In a 2013 interview, Cronin called Richrath his rock n roll big brother.. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'biographyhost_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Richrath showed interest in music at a young age. Harold?!? REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980's "Hi Infidelity," which sold 10 million copies in the United States. I feel so sad. Gary Richrath - Wikipedia Kevin Cronin wrote this notethe bands official Facebook page. 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Gary Richrath Memorial Peoria, IL Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. 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 In addition to playing guitar and writing songs, he also sang lead vocals on several songs, including Find My Fortune and Only A Summer Love. Gary Richrath was an American rock musician best known as the lead guitarist and songwriter for Illinois-based rock band REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989. The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends and fans, Cronin wrote on Sunday. Gary Richrath Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. NEW YORK 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, Mr. Richrath reunited with his former band in December 2013, when REO and Styx played a Rock to the Rescue benefit in Bloomington to raise funds for tornado victims. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the groups hit song Take It on the Run, died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Both songs were written at a time when the friends were going through hard times with their marriages. Legislature considers flooding our streets with cancer-causing chemicals | Column, Heres why the Weeki Wachee River needs stronger protections | Editorial, Floridas dental deserts leave millions without access to oral care. WebTwo notable members of REO Speedwagon that have died are: Gary Richrath, the bands original drummer and founding member, died on September 13, 2015 due to complications from surgery. Why do I remember these things? As lead guitarist and songwriter for REO Speedwagon. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "When I wrote that, I woke up one night, half asleep, and sat down in front of the TV," Gary once explained to an interviewer. That touch he had on the guitar, and the vibrato in his left hand, it was sensual. My bandmates and others have been telling their favorite stories about Gary and here is mine: The last time I saw him, he was happy. Richrath joined REO Speedwagon, which formed in the late 60s, in time for its 1971 debut album. Richrath died on September 13, 2015, with news of his death confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon bandmate Kevin Cronin. The group formed in 1967 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was my first real kiss, first real crush, first real love? Sept. 14, 2015 3 PM PT. What can you tell me about the project? Gary Richrath was 65. That name may or may not mean anything to you, but if you liked pop/rock back in the 1980s, you definitely knew his work. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. 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 Another brother, Dennis, a worker at Caterpillar, died in 2013. He was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. Gary Richrath lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon dies 1 singles Keep on Lovin You and Cant Fight This Feeling and 11 other Top Forty hits. Decades later, I interviewed Kevin Cronin a few weeks before REO was set to play in Tampa Bay. Why are real estate prices still rising? The cause of death was not given. Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. RIP. was the most he would offer that day. 5 on the charts. We assure our audience that we will remove any contents that are not accurate or according to formal reports and queries if they are justified. Gary Richraths guitar work was a signature element of REO Speedwagon 's sound throughout the Illinois bands glory years, and he remained a favorite even after his departure in 1989. He and his Gibson Les Paul deserved kudos for the sound of REOs hits, according to Guitar World. Thousands of American workers are sickened or injured on the job every day. If were in the studio or rehearsing for too long, my fingers get all tender and I dont play as loud., In a 1991 interview with the Sun-Times, Cronin said, I was a melodic folk singer; Gary likes to turn up the guitar as loud as possible.. Gary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died Sunday, Sept. 13, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Doughty retired from touring in 2023. All rights reserved. Arrangements are pending. Copyright 2023 The Inquisitr. Gary Richrath He was 65. Market data provided by Factset. Speedwagon was taken from a make of an old truck, and REO stood for Ransom Eli Olds, who designed the Oldsmobile. With Richrath, the band had two No. Offers may be subject to change without notice. [2] Originally playing saxophone in the school band, he took up guitar as a teenager, becoming self-taught.