Gary Richrath
| Gary Richrath | |
|---|---|
Gary Richrath, 1980.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gary Dean Richrath |
| Born |
October 18, 1949 Peoria, Illinois |
| Died |
September 13, 2015 (aged 65) Bloomington, Illinois |
| Genres | Hard rock, Rock, Pop rock |
| Occupation(s) |
Musician Songwriter Producer |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals, Slide Guitar |
| Years active | 1970–2015 |
| Associated acts | REO Speedwagon, Richrath |
| Notable instruments | |
| Gibson Les Paul Sunburst, Gibson US-1, Charvel Guitars | |
Gary Dean Richrath (October 18, 1949 – September 13, 2015) was an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and a songwriter for the band R.E.O. Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989.
Richrath wrote, performed on and even sang on some of REO's early hits, including "Golden Country" (1972), "Ridin' the Storm Out" (1973), "Find My Fortune" (1973), "Son of a Poor Man" (1973), "Wild as the Western Wind" (1974), "(Only A) Summer Love" (1976), "Flying Turkey Trot" (1976), "Only the Strong Survive" (1979) and "Take It On the Run" (1981). In 1977, he and other members of the band took over production, which resulted in the band's first platinum album.
Along with playing lead guitar Gary also sang lead vocals on "Five Men Were Killed Today" (1971), "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)
He left the band in 1989, and released a solo album titled Only the Strong Survive in 1992 under the name "Richrath."
On November 22, 2013, REO and Styx announced a benefit concert titled "Rock to the Rescue" to raise money for the affected families of the tornado in central Illinois. The concert was held on December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois and produced by Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment. Richrath reunited with REO for a performance of "Ridin' the Storm Out" to end REO's set at the sold-out concert. Richrath stayed on stage to help with the encore of "With a Little Help From My Friends" along with REO, Styx, Richard Marx and others. Richrath was originally from the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the storm. Families affected by the storm and first-responders sat near the stage for this special concert and REO reunion.
Richrath died on September 13, 2015; news of his death was confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon bandmate Kevin Cronin. He was 65.
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Wikipedia