Gary Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. He did not give a cause of death. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath," REO Speedwagon's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, wrote on the band's website and Facebook page. Is Gary Richrath ever a member of REO? All Rights Reserved. Everyone thought it was this sort of wimpy piano ballad, he said. Erik Stein confirmed Monday that Richrath diedbut offered no details about the cause. Radioactive roads? It was extremely soothing and at the same time, very,very strong.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In 1992, Mr. Richrath released a solo LP, Only the Strong Survive.. Gary Richrath playing with REO Speedwagon in 1980. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. REO Speedwagons frontman Kevin Cronin revealed the cause of Richraths death to theBillboardwebsite in 2015, stating that Richraths wife told him that Richrath had abdominal surgery a few days before his death. [8] He was 65 years old. 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. Our dedicated Editorial team verifies each of the articles published on the Biographyhost. The callous Florida Legislature should check it out. These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.. Don't miss the big stories. Sept. 14, 2015 3 PM PT. 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. The Tell Ms. K shes show, Do the Tour de Belleville to take in the most beautiful, Blueprint 4 highlights The Sophia Project and the, 70% of people have Periodontal Disease, Troy Family, Freshen Up Finds: Transitioning your skincare routine, Pedal with a purpose! "I'm flattered I was mentioned but I wish it was on a better note!" That touch he had on the guitar, and the vibrato in his left hand, it was sensual. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Gary Richrath Remembering REO Speedwagon Guitarist with Band 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. [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. Gary Richrath, who co-wrote some Gary Richrath You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. It was Gary that called me and asked me if I was ready to join REO, and it wasnt so much that he asked me, he said its time for you to pack up your stuff, youre movin to California.. WebRichrath, who joined the band in 1970 and recorded 12 albums with the band before splitting with the group in 1989, is best known for writing REOs second Top 10 hit, the Top Five Hi Infidelity classic, Take It On The Run, and the bands early favorite Ridin The Storm Out.. He didnt use any effects on his guitar, even when all the wireless equipment became popular, Cronin said. Clark County has big plans in September to celebrate Las Vegas being known as the Wedding Capital of the World for the past 70 years. In a 2013 interview, Cronin called Richrath his rock n roll big brother.. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Hi friends, kc here. The cause of death was not given. Richrath reunited with REO Speedwagon for a performance of the song Ridin the Storm Out in 2013. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'biographyhost_com-box-4','ezslot_5',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-box-4-0'); Richrathwasmarried to Justine. Elmhurst Blotter: Man charged with battery for allegedly punching a security guard at a bar, Hinsdale police blotter: multiple thefts reported by patients at Hinsdale Hospital, Glenview police blotter: Harwood Heights woman charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Richrath died on 13 September 2015 at age 65. Richrath recorded some 12 albums with the band, writing their 1980 hit Take it On the Run and singing lead vocals on tracks including Find My Fortune and Wild as the Western Wind. He left the band in 1989 and released a solo album in 1992. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. When I play live, I rip my fingers up and I love it, he said in 1987. Founding member of REO Speedwagon dies | FOX 2 Hehadone sister named Sheri and one brother named Dennis. Richrath left REO Speedwagon in 1989 amid some acrimony, but he rejoined the band for a 2013 benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, for tornado victims. Former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath dies at 65 Pocket Flipboard In the 1970s and 1980s, REO Speedwagons Gary Richrath was the epitome of a golden How USF football coach Alex Golesh affects Hendon Hookers NFL draft stock, Protection for historic coastal properties could be gutted under Florida bill, 3 questions with Flipturn ahead of Gasparilla Music Festival, Usual suspects fight for design job of $20 million Pier Approach project. Like us on Facebook. Though the band didnt break through to radio until the late 70s, its constant touring earned it a solid core of fans, particularly in the groups native Midwest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Sure, we were only in eighth grade at the time, but you remember how great first love felt, right? Born Oct. 18, 1949, Richrath My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. All rights reserved. Eighties nation is still a little stunned at the sudden death of REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who passed away Sunday at age 65. Former REO Speedwagon guitarist, songwriter Gary Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I just sat there and sang vocals about the effects of gossip and relationships breaking up, which was what was on the tube and all that was similar to what was going on in my life.". "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. REO Speedwagons frontman Kevin Cronin revealed the cause of Richraths death to the [4] He attended East Peoria Community High School, from where he graduated in 1967. He and his Gibson Les Paul deserved kudos for the sound of REOs hits, according to Guitar World. He had a pure sound. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. He had three children, namely Eric (Jen) Richrath, Bryan Richrath, and Nicole Van Tine. It was probably all I deserved. Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Len Goodman, Dancing With the Stars Judge Dies at78, Dragon Bursts Into Flames During Disneylands Fantasmic! Show, Fugees Rapper Pras Launches Defense in Campaign FinanceTrial. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. He was 65. Tampa Bay home sales are down. 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([[336,280],'biographyhost_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Richrath recorded 12 albums with the band. I feel so sad. 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. Born Oct. 18, 1949, Richrath U2s Las Vegas shows were supposed to be affordable, but you need to dig deep to attend. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Known for chair-throwing and bleep-filled arguments, the daytime talk show was a favorite American guilty pleasure over its 27-year run. 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. REO Speedwagons Gary Richrath Dies At 65, Receives As of this writing, nothing has been released regarding the cause of death, and thats okay by me. I was just sitting there, strumming a guitar, thinking, 'God, these guys' relationships are worse than mine.' Released as the fifth single off the 1980 album Hi Infidelity, Take It On The Run shot up to No. 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. 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! . I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath. What are we back in the 1920s? Miles Joseph, the bands lead guitarist in 1989 before being replaced by Jesse Harms, died on December 25, 2012 due to heart failure. REO Speedwagon: We Thought Every Album Would Sell Migrant children have been put to work in hazardous jobs, in violation of child labor laws, according to recent news reports. 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. Along with playing lead guitar, Richrath sang lead vocals on "Find My Fortune" (1973), "Wild as the Western Wind" (1974), "Dance" (1975), "Any Kind of Love" (1976), "Only a Summer Love" (1976), "Breakaway" (1976) and "Tonight" (1976). The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. Speedwagon was taken from a make of an old truck, and REO stood for Ransom Eli Olds, who designed the Oldsmobile. He tore into Ridin the Storm Out., I feel so sad, Cronin said in the Facebook post announcing his death. All Rights Reserved. (The groups manager then was Irving Azoff, who would later take on the Eagles and become a concert and label mogul.). I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath. The cause of death was not given. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Gary Richrath - Wikipedia 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. On this International Workers Day, were committed to fighting for a better future for all workers in our city and state, two labor leaders write. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. Mr. Richrath loved to play live. With the new movie Big George Foreman, the boxing great shares a comeback story fueled by the power of belief: in himself, in a better world, in reinvention. Richrath was 65. Bruce Hall, REO Speedwagons bass guitarist, recounted in his Facebook tribute post how Gary encouraged and inspired him to join the band. Even today, Hi Fidelity still stands as one of rock musics most influential albums, topping the Billboards albums chart for a record 15 weeks. He 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. Punk-rock star dives into new Las Vegas museum, Demand for U2s Sphere production rocks Ticketmaster, Brewery closing after nearly 27 years: This place was like Cheers for us, Wedding Capital of the World: Las Vegas plans 70th anniversary party, Jerry Springers Elvis bit on the Las Vegas Strip revisited, You dont give up: George Foreman refused to be counted out, As demand at The Sphere skyrockets, U2 adds more dates, Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week, Politician-turned-TV ringmaster Jerry Springer dies at 79. 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. The longtime talk show host, who died Thursday at age 79, sang as the King, for real, while hosting The Price Is Right Live!. I was going to tell him the painful love triangle of Janette, Harold and me and see if I could conjur some sage wisdom from my rock 'n' hero. But REO Speedwagon was more than a hair band. 1 singles Keep on Lovin You and Cant Fight This Feeling and 11 other Top Forty hits. Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon as the bands guitarist in 1971, just in time for the bands self-titled debut release. Market data provided by Factset. You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, "Gary Richrath Obituary - East Peoria, IL", "Promoter Jay Goldberg 'in shock' over Gary Richrath's death", "Ex-REO Speedwagon guitarist and East Peoria native Gary Richrath dies at 65", Video of Gary Richrath's performance with REO Speedwagon in December 2013, Video "Rock to the Rescue Benefit Concert", Review of Gary Richrath on Guitar Jam Daily, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, Not So Silent Night Christmas with REO Speedwagon, Not So Silent NightChristmas with REO Speedwagon, The Yule Log DVD, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gary_Richrath&oldid=1147171164, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 08:04. Today (September 13th) marks the sixth anniversary of the death of former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath who died at age 65 of undisclosed causes. He joined the band for its debut album and served the band as the lead guitarist. It was in VH1's "Behind The Music" on REO Speedwagon that Gary pleaded with Kevin to let him rejoin the band. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. In the 1970s and 1980s, REO Speedwagons Gary Richrath was the epitome of a golden guitar god, right down to a crown of curls that seemed made for backlighting. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Richrath was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18, 1949, to Curtis and Eunice Richrath,[1] and grew up in East Peoria, Illinois. Manage Settings Market data provided by Factset. REO Speedwagon performing on Feb. 5, 1981 in Chicago, Il. 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. To report about any issues in our articles, please feel free toContact Us. Cronin was advertising through a Musicians Referral Service that he created. Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagon Guitarist, Dead at 65 Richrath recorded some 12 albums with the band, writing their 1980 hit Take it On the Run and singing lead vocals on tracks including Find My Fortune and Wild as the Western Wind. He left the band in 1989 and released a solo album in 1992. [3], By 1968, Richrath was in a band called Suburban 9 to 5.[3]. 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. The story behind Gary Richrath and REO's hit 'Take It On NEW YORK (Reuters) - REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who wrote the bands 1973 hit Ridin the Storm Out, has died at the age of 65, bandmate Kevin This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. 1:59. REO Speedwagon has become a major concert attraction, filling up every arena in their tours. Gary Richrath Memorial Peoria, IL The song, which became a huge hit for the band, was Gary's answer to frontman Kevin Cronin's monster ballad Keep On Lovin' You. Why are real estate prices still rising? Gary Richrath, founding guitarist and songwriter of classic rock band REO Speedwagon, died on Sunday, the LA Times reports. By continuing to browse or by clicking I Accept Cookies you agree to the storing of first-party and third-party cookies on your device and consent to the disclosure of your personal information to our third party service providers or advertising partners to optimize your experience, analyze traffic and personalize content. REO Speedwagon, Boz Scaggs Latest To Sue Sony Music Over Digital Downloads, I feel so sad. Kevin listened to the story politely and then chuckled. 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 publicist for the band. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. 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 [2] Originally playing saxophone in the school band, he took up guitar as a teenager, becoming self-taught. He was 65. King Charles coronation intimate guest list includes notable snubs, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry 'disloyal' for 'trashing royal family,' need to 'find their own identity': ex pal, Katy Perry says she and fianc Orlando Bloom 'continuously put in the work to keep their relationship strong, Prince William will honor King Charles in his coronation role, Willie Nelson at 90: Texas legend shares a birthday to remember with George Strait, Snoop Dogg, and others, Padma Lakshmi slams body shaming after posing topless online: 'be a little more grown-up'. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath.. 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. U2 is adding five dates at The Sphere, where officials say 60 percent of the tickets will be priced under $300. 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). Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Richrath, who joined the U.S. rock band in 1970, died on Sunday, Cronin said in a message on the bands official website. Gary Richrath (left), formerly of REO Speedwagon. 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 Gary Richrath Ridin the Storm Out Gary Richrath, Former Guitarist with REO Speedwagon, Copyright 2023 The Inquisitr. 5 on the charts. [7] Families affected by the storm and first-responders sat near the stage at this concert. What can you tell me about the project? Six Years Gone: REO Speedwagons Gary Richrath But REO Speedwagon was more than a hair band. The group had a string of hits that combined bombast with ballad rock, including Time for Me to Fly and songs Mr. Richrath wrote or co-wrote: Ridin the Storm Out, Keep on Lovin You, Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight, and Take it on the Run. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I feel so sad. New Gary Richrath music has been released, almost six years after the death of the East Peoria native. 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. Below is all you want to know regarding the death of Gary Richrath and more! Former guitarist and songwriter for rock band REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. In addition to his wife, Mr. Richrath is survived by two sons, and a brother, Wade, in East Peoria. Born Oct. 18, 1949, Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970 I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath. The cause of death was not given. , 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. Gary Richrath, former REO Speedwagon lead guitarist (left), and Kevin Cronin, frontman (foreground). He was my friend and my musical big brother and if it werent for Gary, I doubt that I would have been asked to join REO Speedwagon way back in 1977. The guitarist died Sunday. Richrath released a solo album, "Only the Strong Survive," in 1992. It's also "technically" the ninth video that MTV played when the network went on the air back on Aug. 1, 1981. Former REO Speedwagon lead guitarist Gary Richrath (left), frontman Kevin Cronin (foreground). 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. To REO Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall, Gary Richrath was more than just a bandmate. Gary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died Sunday, Sept. 13, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 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 group formed in 1967 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Gary Richrath playing with REO Speedwagon in 1980. Both songs were written at a time when the friends were going through hard times with their marriages. We can do more to protect workers, a labor executive writes. All rights reserved. There are very few memories I have from the early '80s that don't follow along with an REO Speedwagon soundtrack, especially the Richrath-penned hit, Take It On The Run. He joined the band for its debut album and served the band as the lead guitarist. By 1968, he was a lead guitarist and songwriter in his hometown garage band Suburban 9 to 5. 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..