Informative Essay On Gary Richrath

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The American rock band that was formed in 1967 - REO Speedwagon, the band's lead guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath died on Sunday at the age of 65. The band's publicist - Erik Stein, confirmed the Gary Richrath's demise, however, no definite words from the band's publicist on the cause of death of the lead guitarist.

Guitarist Gary Richrath was born in October 1949 and before the group recorded their self-titled debut album in 1971, Gary Richrath got on board the REO Speedwagon band.

Kevin Cronin as the lead vocalist and also a rhythm guitarist for REO Speedwagon, wrote on the official Facebook page of the rock band, "My longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier today," Kevin Cronin added, "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." …show more content…

Kevin Cronin stated, "He taught me a lot of what I know about being in a rock band, because I was a folk singer up until then. But Gary Richrath, he was a real rock star, man. He would stand up there with his guitar slung low and just rock."

Gary Richrath did the writing on a couple of REO Speedwagon's hit songs such as, Take It on the Run - that took the No. 5 spot on the Billboard pop singles chart in 1981, and Ridin' the Storm Out - a song that's attached to the band as their concert repertoire.

Additionally, 13 songs of REO Speedwagon got in the Top 40 hits between 1980 and 1988, that includes their No. 1 hits with Keep On Loving You in 1980, and the track Can't Fight This Feeling in 1985.

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