At age 15, Richrath received his first acoustic guitar as a gift from his uncle Leroy (who played country-western music). I started playing guitar when I was 15 and Gary was my biggest influence.I went to the Army in '79 and anytime I jammed with some of my buddies they would noticed things I would do that they never seen anybody else do and when they would ask about it I'd always say,, 'That's how Gary Ritchrath played.' The family will hold a private memorial service. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Speaking to the Songfacts website in 2017, Cronin disclosed the cause of Richraths 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 didnt make it.. ALWAYS IN TRUST, TRUTH, LONE LAST FLIGHT!".,,. Later, he took up guitar as a teenager and learned guitar skills by himself. Though best known as a guitarist, he was featured as a vocalist on several REO Speedwagon tracks, including (Only A) Summer Love.. Gary was a Great Guitarist loved his playing he will be missed Dearly by all REO fans .. Nobody plays the guitar like Gary does. R.E.O. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I may not of ever started playing if it wasn't for you. Surviving are his beloved wife, Justine; children, Eric (Jen) Richrath, Bryan Richrath and Nicole Van Tine; his brother, Wade (Dawn) Richrath; nephews, Alex (Jenny) Richrath, Aron (Kira) LoCoco and Cody (Samantha Kent) Richrath; and niece, Holly (Terry) Tatum. Gary Richrath married his wife Justine in 1985. LIGHT MAY BE FOUND"! Today (September 13th) marks the sixth anniversary of the death of former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath who died at age 65 of undisclosed causes. REO was my 2nd concert ever & I just fell in love with Gary! Today Mahoney joins you on the same day you left us. I GREW UP LISTENINGTO YOUR MUSIC. Sweet Gary - miss you more all the time. How Michael Galeota Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! How Princess Margaret Died: Date of Death, Age of Death, Birthday, and More! Not only did he take us up front, he took us to 2 chairs on stage and with stars in our eyes, we felt like the band played to us all night. Venus is the planet of love, harmony, money and possessions. Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Eunice and Curtis Richrath. Thank you for the wonderful songs you gave us and your memory will always live on. Gary Richrath was a unique and gifted guitarist. We commit to cover sensible issues responsibly through the principles of neutrality. 157 Riverside Avenue wont be the same. So many great memories are attached to your music. Rest In Peace, sir. Today (September 13th) marks the seventh anniversary of the death of former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath who died at age 65 of undisclosed causes.Richrath, who joined the band in 1970 and recorded 12 albums with the band before splitting with the group in 1989, is best known for writing REO's second Top 10 hit, the Top Five Hi Infidelity classic, "Take It On The Run," and the . You were and always will be my guitar hero. In 1970, Richrathjoinedthe American rock band REO Speedwagon, three years after its formation in Champaign, Illinois. On September 13, 2015, Gary Richrath died of non-communicable disease. He was 65. <3 Marie. A decade of rock and roll. Find out the cause of death and more exciting information regarding the death of this famous guitarist. Such a great guitarist and stage performer. Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. They should have called the album Wives on the Run. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? 6 Where did Dan Fogelberg make REO Speedwagon? Thank you Gary for the blessing of having you on this Earth for the time that we did! I know it's been a while since you past and. The magic was gone. You are missed. How John Harvey Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! Rest in peace my friend. 4 Did REO Speedwagon ever have a number one hit? The soap opera actress Elizabeth Dawn passed away at age 77, this age of death has to be considered respectable. Richrath was born in October 1949, according to . im at 17 year old girl, gary has inspired me to pick up the guitar and within a couple months i am already pretty decent. That was painfully awful. SOme reason he came to mind so i did a little searching on what he's up to you nowdays and found this. I listen to REOs music often and always enjoy Garys playing. The early 1940s were dominated by World War II. Thank you so much for playing lead on the soundtrack of my life. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. God Bless you both forever. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You were one of a kind. Gary Richrath, the longtime guitarist for REO Speedwagon, died September 13, according to band member Kevin Cronin. His smile could light up a room, and it will stay with us always, to comfort us in his absence. In 1968, he started to play in a band named Suburban 9 to 5.. As of this writing, nothing has been released regarding the cause of death, and that's okay by me. RIP, Gary. I'm so lucky to have known him. He was 65. I always played Les Pauls because that's what Gary played. These hippie kids protested against the Vietnam War and participated in the civil rights movement. A lot of these guys were from the coast and back then, REO wasn't well known outside the Mid-west. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Gary Richrath did admit to crossing swords a few times with lead singer Kevin Cronin. His death was 26 years from when he was fired from REO Speedwagon. Keepin' it real. Richarth died on September 13, 2015, in Louisiana. Thanks for the great music and Rest In Peace. I'm so sad to hear of your passing even though I know it was awhile ago now. ,just went to the concert to watch you play. Some of the best memories of my life are associated with your music. "Who ever heard of a 40 year old rock n roll star" I said. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the group's hit song "Take It on the Run," died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. By 1968, he was a lead guitarist and songwriter in his hometown garage band Suburban 9 to 5. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. Richrath died on September 13, 2015 with news of his death confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon bandmate Kevin Cronin. REO Speedwagon's frontman Kevin Cronin revealed the cause of Richrath's death to the Billboard website in 2015, stating that Richrath's wife told him that Richrath had abdominal surgery a few days before his death. He wanted to hear it again. This can never be said enough, you were the most underrated guitarist ever. I of course was in love with Gary. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, A French nun believed to be the worlds oldest person dies at 118, American Idol singer C.J. BOTH SOUND BEYOND REACH,. He was born Oct. 18, 1949, in Peoria, Ill., to. His spirit lives on in the hearts of so many through his music. I was the lead guitar player that Gary replaced in 1969 to start his career in Champaign, Illinois which eventually landed him in REO Speedwagon. Richrath died on 13 September 2015 at age 65. Sorry to just now find out you passed away. Former guitarist and songwriter for rock band REO Speedwagon from 1970 to 1989. You WERE THE BEST GUITARIST IN THE WORLD IN MY OPINION!! Thank you! We were on floor of civic arena like 10 rows back. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist . Gary Dean Richrath (October 18, 1949 September 13, 2015)[1] was an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and a songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989. One of my first guitar guys. - Cause of Death, Date of Death, Age and Birthday, Elizabeth Dawn, R.I.P. GARY RICHRATH OBITUARY EAST PEORIA - Gary Dean Richrath, 65, of California, formerly of East Peoria, passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. Over the course of their career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted 13 Top 40 hits, including the number ones Keep On Loving You and Cant Fight This Feeling. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8SeIARjLF0]Gary Richrath playing with Angeles - YouTube[/ame]. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? He. Though best known as a guitarist, he was featured as a vocalist on several REO Speedwagon tracks, including (Only A) Summer Love.. Doughty retired from touring in 2023. He also wrote songs for the band, including Ridin the Storm Out and Take It On The Run. In addition to playing guitar and writing songs, he also sang lead vocals on several songs, including Find My Fortune and Only A Summer Love.. He was born Oct. 18, 1949, in Peoria, Ill., to Curtis and Eunice Richrath. Beatrice Verhoeven. He attended East Peoria Community High School, from where he graduated in 1967. I was just watching some old videos on YouTube. Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death . Think of you often. How Samuel Adams Died: Cause of Death, Age at Death, and More! You were an awesome musician and the best damned guitar player I ever saw. Gary was born to entertain, and his unique style made him a true one of a kind. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. I grew up listening to Gary. Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death. Plays at a very high level of skill. The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. Without you they just sounded flat, you were and are REO Speedwagon. In 1970, Richrathjoinedthe American rock band REO Speedwagon, three years after its formation in Champaign, Illinois. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I heard in an interview that the burst is gone. Gary Richrath was born in Peoria. How Malcolm Young Died, Date of Death, Age of Death, Birthday, and More! Anyone attend the 1992 LA gig by Gary Moore? The concert was held on December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois. It does not store any personal data. Ruling Planet: Gary Richrath had a ruling planet of Venus and has a ruling planet of Venus and by astrological associations Friday is ruled by Venus. RIP Gary. Thanks for the memories that will last my lifetime. I always noticed his one and only style of how he hed play from the heart and I think his talent Made Reo who they were. We will continue to update information on Gary Richraths parents. Though I'm just a fan that knew him through his music, I was lucky to meet him briefly for a handshake after a concert many years ago. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day, September 13, 2015 I love 9 Lives, and wore that album out after school. - Cause of Death, Date of Death, Age and Birthday, Reggie White, R.I.P. They have a strong faith and can be seen as stubborn in their old ways. I grew up with Gary Richrath since we were both very young. You are using an out of date browser. RIP ~ my condolences to your family. I will always love you and the memories you gave me. Date Of Death: September 13, 2015 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: Unknown Nationality: American Gary Richrath was born on the 18th of October, 1949. Rest in Paradise sweet man, hoping to meet you when I get there! I went to Ball State at that time and let me tell you, Gary was a guitar God to every knew. Singer Kevin Cronin LAST FLIGHT! ``.,, East Peoria High. The most underrated guitarist ever the cookies you were the best guitarist in the World my..., friends, and More, REO was my 2nd concert ever & just... 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