Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagon’s Lead Guitarist, Dead at 65

Gary Richrath, the former guitarist and songwriter for REO Speedwagon, played a key role in shaping the band’s signature sound from 1970 until his departure in 1989. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Richrath was a local talent whose passion for guitar and songwriting fueled many of the band’s early hits.

Before joining REO Speedwagon, Gary was already making a name for himself in the Peoria music scene, writing material that would later help fill the band’s growing catalog. His searing guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and emotional solos became trademarks of the group’s arena rock success in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

While most fans knew Richrath for his guitar work, he also occasionally stepped up as a vocalist. One notable example is the track (Only A) Summer Love, where his voice added a different texture to the band’s sound.

Together with lead singer Kevin Cronin, Richrath helped propel REO Speedwagon to international stardom. The band scored major hits like Keep On Loving You and Take It On the Run, with Richrath’s guitar work providing both the muscle and the heart behind their chart-topping success.

Cause of death

Gary Richrath passed away on September 13, 2015, at the age of 65. He died from complications related to a stomach ailment while under medical care in Louisiana. At the time, he and his wife, Justine, were in Louisiana assisting her elderly mother.

Family

Richrath was married to Justine until his death and had children from previous relationships: sons Eric and Bryan, and a daughter, Nicole Van Tine.

For many fans, Gary will always be remembered as the fiery guitarist whose riffs lit up stadiums and whose songs continue to play on rock radio today.