Gary Richrath Passes Away
REO Speedwagon announced recently that guitarist Gary Richrath has passed away on Sunday at the age of 65. A message sent by frontman Kevin Cronin indicated that his collaborator and long-time friend passed away earlier. He did not reveal the cause of the death of the guitarist.
Cronin said through the message that Richrath was an exceptional guitarist and songwriter, who embodied a tough guy with a golden heart. He added that Richrath taught him most of the things he knew about being a part of a rock band. He also said everyone in the band is mourning his death and they share the grief felt by his fans, friends and family.
He also said that a photo showing the two of them performing on stage has been on his music room table for a long time and it will continue to stay there.
Gary Richrath became a part of the band in 1970 three years after it was formed. One of the most popular songs of the band is “Can't Fight This Feeling.” Aside from being a guitarist, he was also a songwriter, who played a part in the increasing popularity of the band.
He brought a number of songs to Speedwagon, including “Ridin the Storm Out.” He also wrote “Take It On The Run” while he was with the band. He was the lead vocalist for “Only A Summer Love” and “Find My Fortune.” Before he left the band in 1989, he recorded his last album “Life As We Know It” in 1987.
Gary Richrath was able to release a solo album, “Only the Strong Survive,” in 1992. He had a brief reunion with Speedwagon in 2013 during a benefit concert for displaced residents of central Illinois.
Cronin indicated during this time that Richrath was excited when he went into the dressing room. He added that they hugged each other and told the former guitarist he was happy he arrived. Richrath thanked him for the invitation. When Richrath was introduced to the crowd, the audience went crazy. Cronin added that response from the crowd was electrifying and he enjoyed seeing Richrath playing on stage each time he looked at his left side. After the passing of Gary Richrath was announced, tribute tweets started to come out nearly immediately.
Hi friends, kc here. My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. I feel so sad... pic.twitter.com/ZFTSsV6W7h
— REO Speedwagon (@kcreospeedwagon) September 14, 2015
@JamesRosenFNC Very sad to hear of Gary Richrath passing today. He was one of the most underrated guitarists of the 70's. RIP
— Keith Drake (@Oilfielder) September 14, 2015
One of the signature songs of REO guitarist Gary Richrath, the pride of Peoria who died today https://t.co/v2Re7qOIjE @kcreospeedwagon
— Norm Sanders (@NormSanders) September 14, 2015
RIP, Gary Richrath. I'll have the guitar solo from Ridin' the Storm Out in my head all day. #REO. http://t.co/k6VT2mbrbV
— Stacy McDermott (@StacyPhD) September 14, 2015
RIP Gary Richrath. A shred master and a gentleman. http://t.co/9TXJwaDx8z
— Tom Higgins (@pophiggins) September 14, 2015