He had severe issues with alcohol, which is why he left REO. REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who wrote the band's 1973 hit "Ridin' the Storm Out," has died at the age of 65, bandmate Kevin Cronin said. Kevin Cronin, a former bandmate in REO Speedwagon, wrote about the cause of Gary's death: "Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold.". REO Speedwagon shows have been, not surprisingly, emotional affairs since longtime guitarist Gary Richrath's death on Sunday. The band's Facebook page announced news early Monday of the death of lead guitarist Gary Richrath, who was 65. written by REO Speedwagon January 20, 2016. Gary Richrath, songwriter and lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon for decades, has died, the band announced on its Facebook page Sunday. A cause of death has not yet been released. rock band in 1970, died on Sunday, Cronin said in a message on the band's official website. Richrath showed interest in music at a young age. gary richrath cause of death wiki gary richrath cause of death wiki. Answer (1 of 3): As far as I've known, from decades ago, the group has always written their own songs under the REO name. On demand has a German REO Speedwagon show from '79. The cause of death has not yet been determined. NEW YORK - REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath, who wrote the band's 1973 hit "Ridin' the Storm Out," has died at the age of 65, bandmate Kevin Cronin said. Originally playing saxophone in the school band, he took up guitar as a teenager, becoming self-taught. Richrath wrote many of the band's songs including "Golden Country" from 1972, Ridin' the Storm Out (1973), "Son of a Poor Man" (1973. He went on to release a solo album, "Only The Strong. Someone posted clips of Gary jamming with REO months ago, as well as with other local bands, and he looked terrible fat, bloated and old, sorry to say. "My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today. Band frontman Kevin Cronin said in a message that "my. His band, Richrath, had 11 songs in the Top 40 hits and two No. Richarth died on September 13, 2015, in Louisiana. Gary Richrath died on September 13, 2015, at the age of 65. how did ben and cindy daughter die on the waltons. Sunday (September 13th) marks the fifth 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. Administrator Weeks, 58, never met Richrath but became a fan decades ago. In 1977, Gary Richrath and other members of the band took over their own production. I think the main reason that I got the gig, was that REO had released one album, and they were working on songs for their second album for Epic Records.
The few interviews I read (like in Guitar Player) he came across as a meat and potatoes type of player - Les Paul - Amp (mostly Marshall - sometimes Orange, once in a while a Fender Showman). REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath has died at age 65.