Gary Richrath , founding guitarist and songwriter of classic rock band REO Speedwagon, died on Sunday, the LA Times reports.
REO Speedwagon’s representative, Erik Stein, confirmed Gary Richrath’s death on Monday. The cause of death was not given. Gary Richrath, who co-wrote some of REO Speedwagon’s greatest hits such as “Take It On The Run” and “Time for Me to Fly,” died at age 65, according to public records.
REO Speedwagon’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin, posted a heartfelt tribute on the band’s official website and Facebook page.
I feel so sad. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath.
Bruce Hall, REO Speedwagon’s bass guitarist, recounted in his Facebook tribute post how Gary encouraged and inspired him to join the band.
He was my friend and my musical big brother and if it weren’t for Gary, I doubt that I would have been asked to join REO Speedwagon way back in 1977. It was Gary that called me and asked me if I was ready to join REO, and it wasn’t so much that he asked me, he said “it’s time for you to pack up your stuff, you’re movin to California.”
The band’s keyboardist Neal Doughty recalls in his Facebook post a happy moment with Gary around the time when the band re-united for a benefit show in 2013.
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. When we reunited for a benefit concert in 2013, the bad feelings which had surrounded his departure from REO had finally evaporated. We joked around like no time had passed. We were friends again.
Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon as the band’s guitarist in 1971, just in time for the band’s self-titled debut release. REO Speedwagon gained a solid fanbase through constant touring, especially in the Midwest area where the band originated. The band enjoyed heavy radio airplay around the late 70’s, thanks to major hit singles such as “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Time for Me to Fly” (both co-written by Gary Richrath).
REO Speedwagon reached the apex of their popularity by the time they released their 1980 album Hi Infidelity , which sold more than 10 million copies. Even today, Hi Fidelity still stands as one of rock music’s most influential albums, topping the Billboards albums chart for a record 15 weeks. REO Speedwagon has become a major concert attraction, filling up every arena in their tours.
Gary left REO Speedwagon due to “differences in musical direction and creativity” with the band’s vocalist Cronin. REO Speedwagon has not had a major hit since Gary left the band. In 2013, Gary would re-unite with REO Speedwagon in a benefit concert for tornado victims in Bloomington, Illinois.
[Photo by REO Speedwagon /Facebook]