REO Speedwagon guitarist, Gary Richrath, passed away on Sunday.
REO’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin, posted the news on the band’s Facebook page saying “My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. 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.”
Richrath is responsible for writing some of REO’s biggest hits, including Take it on the Run and Time for Me to Fly. He joined the band in the late 60’s but the band didn’t reach its peak popularity until 1981 with the release of their best selling album Hi Infidelity. The album sold over nine millions copies, with six singles reaching the Billboard charts. Two of those singles include Take It on the Run and In Your Letter, which were both written by Richrath.
REO Speedwagon went on to sell out arenas and release a total of 16 studio albums with 29 singles reaching the US Charts.
Gary Richrath would later leave the band in 2008, only later to regroup with the band in 2013 for a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, for tornado victims.
The band is currently touring, and there has been no word on if the band will cancel their tour due to their former members passing.
Gary Richrath was 65 years old, the cause of his death has yet to be released.
Take a look at one of REO Speedwagon’s greatest hits below:
