Gary Richrath 1949-2015 (Former REO Speedwagon Lead Guitarist) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 09-14-2015, 02:46 AM

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Gary Richrath, lead guitarist from REO Speedwagon until 1989, has died at age 65.

Richrath wrote the REO Speedwagon hit 'Take It On The Run' and sang lead vocals on the songs 'Find My Fortune', 'Only A Summer Love'.

In a Facebook post REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin wrote, 'My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. 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. 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.kc'

Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970, replacing Steve Scorfina who left for Pavlov's Dog. In his tenure with REO Speedwagon, Richrath recorded 12 albums, the final in 1987 being 'Life As We Know It'.

He went on to form his own band Richrath.

REO Speedwagon had 12 Top 40 hits in the USA in Richrath's time including 'Keep On Loving You' (1980), 'Take It On The Run' (1980) and 'Can't Fight This Feeling' (1984).

Richrath performed one last time with REO Speedwagon in 2013 in Bloomington, Ill for Rock to the Rescue.

Zoneboy · 09-14-2015, 02:55 AM

1960'sTVfan · 09-14-2015, 01:47 PM

Sad to hear about this. R.I.P. Gary Richrath. I was an REO fan during the late 70's and early 80's, the time when REO put out their best music. Gary wrote some great tunes for REO, including Take It On The Run, one of my favorites. The songs from the Hi Infidelity album sounded great when played on FM radio back in the day. But my favorite REO album is the one that preceeded Hi Infidelity, Nine Lives. That album rocks pretty strong, the songs are good, and it also contains what I think is REO's best song of all, the hard drivin' road tune Back On The Road Again.

Bonniegirl · 09-14-2015, 01:50 PM

Sad to hear this! And he was another one that wasn't very old! I liked a lot of REO Speedwagon's songs too!

RIP Gary

Penny Lane · 09-14-2015, 03:28 PM

Take It On The Run is my favorite REO song. Sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace

AB · 09-14-2015, 05:06 PM

Rest in peace.

09-14-2015, 02:46 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	Gary Richrath 1949-2015 (Former REO Speedwagon Lead Guitarist) Link Gary Richrath, lead guitarist from REO Speedwagon until 1989, has died at age 65. Richrath wrote the REO Speedwagon hit 'Take It On The Run' and sang lead vocals on the songs 'Find My Fortune', 'Only A Summer Love'. In a Facebook post REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin wrote, 'My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. 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. 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.kc' Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970, replacing Steve Scorfina who left for Pavlov's Dog. In his tenure with REO Speedwagon, Richrath recorded 12 albums, the final in 1987 being 'Life As We Know It'. He went on to form his own band Richrath. REO Speedwagon had 12 Top 40 hits in the USA in Richrath's time including 'Keep On Loving You' (1980), 'Take It On The Run' (1980) and 'Can't Fight This Feeling' (1984). Richrath performed one last time with REO Speedwagon in 2013 in Bloomington, Ill for Rock to the Rescue.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

09-14-2015, 03:28 PM	#5
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,027	Take It On The Run is my favorite REO song. Sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

09-14-2015, 02:55 AM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349

09-14-2015, 01:47 PM	#3
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,073	Sad to hear about this. R.I.P. Gary Richrath. I was an REO fan during the late 70's and early 80's, the time when REO put out their best music. Gary wrote some great tunes for REO, including Take It On The Run, one of my favorites. The songs from the Hi Infidelity album sounded great when played on FM radio back in the day. But my favorite REO album is the one that preceeded Hi Infidelity, Nine Lives. That album rocks pretty strong, the songs are good, and it also contains what I think is REO's best song of all, the hard drivin' road tune Back On The Road Again.

09-14-2015, 01:50 PM	#4
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,576	Sad to hear this! And he was another one that wasn't very old! I liked a lot of REO Speedwagon's songs too! RIP Gary

09-14-2015, 05:06 PM	#6
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,429	Rest in peace.