Gary Richrath Cause of Death Wiki: The Life and Legacy of REO Speedwagon’s Guitarist

Gary Richrath was an American rock musician who rose to fame as the lead guitarist and songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989. He was responsible for some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “Ridin’ the Storm Out”, “Take It On The Run”, and “In Your Letter”. He also sang lead vocals on several songs and produced some of the band’s albums. He left the band in 1989 and pursued a solo career, releasing one album in 1992. He reunited with REO Speedwagon for a charity concert in 2013, which turned out to be his last performance. He died on September 13, 2015, at the age of 65, due to complications from abdominal surgery.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Gary Dean Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Eunice and Curtice Richrath. He had one sister named Sheri and one brother named Dennis. He developed an interest in music at a young age and played saxophone in the school band as a child. Later, he switched to guitar as a teenager and taught himself how to play. He graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1967.

By 1968, he was a lead guitarist and songwriter in his hometown garage band Suburban 9 to 5. He was influenced by rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck. He also admired country music stars like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.

Joining REO Speedwagon and Achieving Success

In 1970, Richrath joined the American rock band REO Speedwagon, three years after its formation in Champaign, Illinois. He replaced the original guitarist Steve Scorfina and became the band’s main songwriter. He joined the band for its debut album REO Speedwagon (1971) and served the band as the lead guitarist until 1989.

He wrote, performed on, and sang on some of REO Speedwagon’s early hits, such as “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), “In Your Letter” (1980) and “Take It On The Run” (1981). His guitar playing was characterized by powerful riffs, melodic solos, and slide techniques.

In 1977, he and other members of the band took over production, which resulted in the band’s first platinum album You Can Tune a Piano but You Can’t Tuna Fish (1978). The band achieved even more success with their next albums Hi Infidelity (1980) and Good Trouble (1982), which sold over 10 million and 2 million copies respectively. Hi Infidelity featured four US Top 40 hits, including “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On The Run”, both written by Richrath.

Leaving REO Speedwagon and Going Solo

Richrath left the band in 1989, reportedly due to creative differences and personal issues. He had long battled alcoholism and struggled with his weight. He also had a strained relationship with the band’s lead singer Kevin Cronin, who had become more dominant in the songwriting process.

Richrath formed his own band called Richrath and released one solo album Only the Strong Survive in 1992. The album featured guest appearances by former REO Speedwagon members Gregg Philbin and Graham Lear. The album received mixed reviews and did not achieve much commercial success.

Richrath continued to perform live with his band until his death. He also occasionally collaborated with other artists, such as Michael Bolton, Ted Nugent, and Survivor.

Reuniting with REO Speedwagon and Final Performance

On November 22, 2013, REO Speedwagon and Styx announced a benefit concert titled “Rock to the Rescue” to raise money for families affected by a tornado in central Illinois. The concert was held on December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois.

Richrath reunited with the band for a performance of “Ridin’ the Storm Out” to end their set at the sold-out concert. It was his first appearance with REO Speedwagon since 1989. He received a warm welcome from the crowd and his former bandmates. He stayed on stage to help with the encore of “With a Little Help From My Friends” along with REO Speedwagon, Styx, Richard Marx and others. Families affected by the storm and first-responders sat near the stage at this concert.

Death and Legacy

Richrath died on September 13, 2015, with news of his death confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon bandmate Kevin Cronin. He was 65 years old. Speaking to the Songfacts website in 2017, Cronin disclosed the cause of Richrath’s death: “He had some stomach problem or something and he went in the hospital to get treated for a stomach ailment and there were complications and he didn’t make it.” According to Songfacts.

Richrath was mourned by his fans, friends, and family. He was survived by his wife Justine and his three children Eric, Bryan, and Nicole. He was also remembered by his fellow musicians, who paid tribute to him on social media and in interviews.

Richrath left behind a legacy of memorable songs, impressive guitar skills, and passionate performances. He was one of the most influential guitarists of his generation and inspired many aspiring musicians. He was also a generous and kind person who cared about his community and helped those in need.

He was inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in 2018. He was also honored with a street named after him in East Peoria, Illinois, in 2016.

Gary Richrath Cause of Death Wiki: The Life and Legacy of REO Speedwagon’s Guitarist is an article that celebrates the life and achievements of one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time. He will be forever missed by his fans and loved ones..

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