Gary Richrath obit

Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon dies

 

He was not on the list.

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.

Richrath was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18, 1949, to Curtis and Eunice Richrath, and grew up in East Peoria, Illinois. Originally playing saxophone in the school band, he took up guitar as a teenager, becoming self-taught. He graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1967.

By 1968, Richrath was in a band called Suburban 9 to 5.