Posted on 09/13/2015 10:20:10 PM PDT by Drew68
"Hi friends, kc here. My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. 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. The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time...kc"
REO Speedwagon - Roll With The Changes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8u4R4VZp1o
Used to work with the wife of a
founding REO band member, drummer
Alan Gratzer. You would never
know this lady had been a rocknroll
princess in her younger years
rock band REO Speedwagon?
That is a stretch
He had substance abuse issues and almost died before didn’t he?
I saw them in 72 on Golden Country tour
Great licks and the vocalist had piles
Huge libtard though
I’m gonna keep on loving you, oooh,oohyoohhhh...
RIP.
wow
I wouldn’t be caught dead with a feathered hairstyle like that. That was a Farrah Fawcett favorite, they looked like they were trying to look like her.
First saw REO in 1973 at a small theater with about 100 people. They were just starting to get some notice and momentum. Very tight show. Got to speak to the band afterward. Gary was out of breath due to the speed of his lighting licks.
Loved his lead on the live version of Golden Country.
Saw them at a free outdoor concert in the midwest. Great time except for the minor car wreck (not my fault at all, in the right place but at the wrong time).
Guitar solo in "Golden Country" used to really knock me out - now I hear it as pleasant but simple. Still have to "turn it up" when an REO Speedwagon song is played on the radio.
I lived close enough that it was "big news" when REO Motor Car Co. went out of business.
How sad....he was my favorite and way back then a cutie......RIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVFgEBq0EKM
None of us do :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7XJI2emkFw
Flying Turkey Trot
Very good guitarist. I saw him with Speedwagon in Lansing and as a band they were exceptional. He was a very good guitarist.
Gary Richrath played at our high school homecoming dance in 1977 in Flora, Illinois. The band that was hired was from the Champaign-Urbana area, where REO Speedwagon was formed, and their guitarist couldn’t play that evening for some reason. Richrath was a friend of the band and offered to fill in. You can bet they played “Ridin’ the Storm Out!” What a great night!
Sad such great memories.
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