Died On This Date (September 13, 2015) Gary Richrath / REO Speedwagon
themusicsover Gary Richrath
October 18, 1949 – September 13, 2015
Gary Richrath is best remembered as the lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989, the period that included the band’s most fruitful years. Richrath, a prolific songwriter, grew up near Chicago, Illinois. As the ’70s dawned, he got the attention of local up-and-coming band, REO Speedwagon, who brought him on board to take over lead guitar and many songwriting duties. One of his early songs that the band recorded was “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” which went on to become their first hit and signature tune. His contributions helped the band break out of the local market and become a huge regional, and then, national act. In 1980, REO released Hi Infidelity – it included four Top 40 hits and went on to sell over 10 million copies. Rochrath wrote three songs (plus one co-write) on the album, including “Take It On The Run,” which reached #5 on the US singles chart. The band went on to sell over 40 million albums to date. Richrath left the band in 1989 and released two solo albums. He reunited with the group for a couple of songs at a local flood benefit in December of 2013. Gary Richrath was 65 when he passed away on September 13, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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