Gary Richrath
Gary Richrath | |
|---|---|
vocals, slide guitar | |
| Years active | 1968–2015 |
Gary Dean Richrath (October 18, 1949 – September 13, 2015)[1] was an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and a songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989.
Early life
Richrath was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18, 1949, to Curtis and Eunice Richrath,[1] and grew up in East Peoria, Illinois.[2] Originally playing saxophone in the school band, he took up guitar as a teenager, becoming self-taught.[3] He graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1967.[3]
By 1968, Richrath was in a band called Suburban 9 to 5.[3]
As lead guitarist and songwriter for REO Speedwagon
Richrath wrote, performed on and sang on some of REO Speedwagon's early hits, including "Golden Country" (1972), "
Solo career
Richrath left the band in 1989,[3][5] and with his new band named Richrath, released the album Only the Strong Survive in 1992.[3]
Later years
On November 22, 2013, REO Speedwagon and Styx announced a benefit concert titled "Rock to the Rescue" to raise money for families affected by a tornado in central Illinois. The concert was held on December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois. Richrath reunited with the band for a performance of "Ridin' the Storm Out" to end their set at the sold-out concert.[6] Richrath stayed on stage to help with the encore of "With a Little Help from My Friends" along with REO Speedwagon, Styx, Richard Marx and others.[7] Families affected by the storm and first-responders sat near the stage at this concert.
Death
Richrath died on September 13, 2015, with news of his death confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon bandmate Kevin Cronin.[8] He was 65 years old. 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."[9]
Discography
with Richrath
- Only the Strong Survive (1992)
with REO Speedwagon
- R.E.O. Speedwagon (1971)
- R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972)
- Ridin' the Storm Out (1973)
- Lost in a Dream (1974)
- This Time We Mean It (1975)
- R.E.O. (1976)
- Live: You Get What You Play For (1977)
- You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish (1978)
- Nine Lives (1979)
- Hi Infidelity (1980)
- Good Trouble (1982)
- Wheels Are Turnin' (1984)
- Life as We Know It (1987)
- The Hits (1988) (2 new songs: "I Don't Want to Lose You", "Here with Me")
References
- ^ a b c d e "Gary Richrath Obituary - East Peoria, IL". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
- PJStar.com. Peoria, Illinois. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
- ^ PJStar.com. Peoria, Illinois. Retrieved 2018-01-30.
- ^ Steve Turner (January 28, 1983). "REO Speedwagon climbing back to No. 1". The Ledger. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
- ^ Shane Harrison (June 13, 2006). "Where are they now?". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
- ^ Video of Gary Richrath's performance with REO Speedwagon in December 2013 Retrieved 9-19-2015.
- ^ Video "Rock to the Rescue Benefit Concert" Retrieved 9-26-2015.
- ^ "Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon dies". Music-News.com. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
- ^ "Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon". Songfacts.com. 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
External links
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