Sad news today for rock fans around the world and especially in his home area of central Illinois.  Former lead guitarist of REO Speedwagon, Gary Richrath, an East Peoria native, died yesterday at the age of 65.  Unconfirmed reports are he died after a surgical procedure.

The news came via lead singer Kevin Cronin’s Facebook post.  Cronin wrote:  “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. The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends and fans.  These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.”

Richrath joined the band in 1970 and departed the group in 1989.  He was the main writing and driving force of the band in the harder-rocking 70’s and was in REO through all their hit-making years which produced 12 Top 40 hits. He wrote most of the hits you heard on their live break-though album, including “Riding the Storm Out,” “Golden Country,” “Son of a Poor Man” and “Flying Turkey Trot.”  He also wrote “Only the Strong Survive” and “Take it on the Run.”

When REO hit it big, the band moved to California, where Gary lived for around 25 years or so before returning to central Illinois a couple years ago when his mother became ill.  Richrath reunited with the band two years ago for the tornado relief show at the U.S. Cellular Colliseum in Bloomington, a show produced by longtime promoter Jay Goldberg. I spoke with Jay today about Gary Richrath.  Hear the interview in its entirety by clicking HERE or on the podcasts button at the top of our home page, under the “Shows” category.

Doc Watson