Larry Reinhardt
July 7, 1948 – January 2, 2012
Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt was a psychedelic rock guitarist who is most often recognized for his time spent playing in both Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond. Born and raised in Florida, Reinhardt began playing professionally during the mid ’60s. His earliest bands of note were the Thunderbeats, the Load, and the Second Coming which also included Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, and Reese Wynans. Betts and Oakley would later play in the Allman Brothers Band while Wynans would go on to play with Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1970, Reinhardt replaced Erik Brann in Iron Butterfly and played on their Metamorphosis album released that same year. The following year, he helped form Captain Beyond which would ultimately include Lee Dorman of Iron Butterfly, Bobby Caldwell of Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter fame, and Rod Evans who previously sang lead on such Deep Purple songs as “Hush.” The group released a handful of albums and built a sizable loyal cult following along the way. Throughout the rest of his career, Reinhardt participated in Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond reunions while putting out a few albums of his own. Reportedly suffering from multiple ailments, Larry Reinhardt passed away on January 2, 2012. He was 63.
Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.