REO lost its edge and the music shows after Gary was kicked out of the band,you can all ways get some one else to play,but the heart is gone,that Gary has.He is one of those guys that just can not be replaced.
Gary was one of those special guitarists who knew how to make his guitar "sing"!! Gary and David Gilmour were masters at using bends and sustain whereas other guitars just ran through scales as fast as they could. He was one of the greats.
I never was into REO (except a handful of songs) but always loved Richrath. It wasn't that he was one of the "greatest" guitarists from a technical standpoint (who cares anyway). But he played with so much FEELING. I also loved how he made it look so effortless. Also he got great tone out of his guitar/amp/whatever.
I saw this live in Nashville on the "Good Trouble' tour. i was about 6 feet from Gary. He played to the crowd more than this recording. He was really having a good time with us. Gary, we miss you, man.
I think the Chicago Sun Times said it best, "In the 70's and 80's...he was the epitome of a golden guitar god, right down to a crown of curls that seemed made for back-lighting." RIP Gary Richrath
Gary, thanks for the decades of great music. From the Red Lion to around the world; Heaven just got another great guitarist. You'll be missed, Love, Respect and Prayers for your family. R.I.P. brother. That's one storm we all will have to ride out. G Stokes
Was huge fan back in the 157th Riverside days....but not once Cronin assumed control of the band’s direction with the sappy ballads....Richraft was the shining light...
The most melodic lead guitarist ever. And THAT is what a LP should sound like. Saw em on the tour after this 85 or so, when I was 14. Probably the biggest iinflunce on me as a guitar player to this day. Saw gnr in 88 and have to admit slash/ richrath very similar styles.
Will always miss and love him. He was a great guitarist and pure heaven to look at. I am still torn up by his passing. Wish things could have been different for him. He deserved so much better.
I played this so much in my car that I magnetized the tape and my deck. I would crank up Gary and listen to him with his awesome guitar riffs. None of my friends knew why I liked them and when they got on the Top 40 stuff all my friends were all on board and I was like where did the music go?
I know what you mean. I used to ride around in my nephew's '67 Camaro back in the late 70's, early 80's with the 8 track of this cranked up on his Pioneer Super Tuner and Jensen tri-axle speakers. Back before their ballad days came around.
One of my top 5 concerts of all time.1979-1980ish I'd say when I saw them,Cobo Hall,Detroit,MI.Gary Richrath was Bad as Hell.One of the Greats that's for sure.
I got his autograph in 1987. REO was playing a charity basketball game against a radio station in Bloomington, Indiana. We got pictures with Alan when he was using a putting green around the pool. I went to the lounge and Gary was in there. I said "I hate to ask you, but can I get your autograph"? He signed a Ramada Inn napkin, NO PROBLEM...
You wouldnt have believed how much you're gonna be missed, man. Like a part of my best memories died with you. As I watched this video I realized how much I owe you for my playing style. Rest In Peace, Buddy! Hope the Les Paul is still with ya.
saw them live in Madison WI. Came out and said they dedicated this performance to all the folks that came to see them in the bars. Words cannot describe the show. They were the warm up band and the crowd brought them back for two encores Wishborne Ash was next and the crowd really thinned out. I was back about 25 feet on Garys side of the stage. Unforgetable
my old man's favorite guitarist. I grew up listening to REO via my old man. I've only recently grown to understand how incredibly brilliant Garys style was. the guy they have now does a very respectful job of playing and honoring Garys parts. I seen them live two weeks ago and had a blast. the old dogs still got it. RIP Gary.
Growing up in the Midwest I was fortunate to see Gary play many times. Was always one of my favorites, so underrated for his time... RIP Gary and thank you for some great memories.
i loved this band, used to play the cassett all the time, and gary was one of my inspirations for wanting to play a guitar, the way he would roll the strings was phenomnal
Thanks for posting this 1016Vortex, I sooooooooooooooooo LOVED Gary Richrath's guitar playing & style & ALWAYS have for the last 35+ years. Seems I could have it cranked to the point of my ears wanting to bleed, yet I'd STILL be lookin' for more volume as I could simply never get enough for some reason!?! RIP Gary & THANK YOU for a lifetime full of some of the GREATEST music I will ever know!!!
Still can't believe this is the song I got interested in REO-Speedwagon...way back in the 70/s...Best memory Gary.... R.I.P. He's a gohstrider in the sky ......now
I saw REO back 79 or 80, Molly Hatchet opened up for them in Denver what a concert that was. Gary was awesome that night. Was a huge REO fan back then, but when they went top 40 that was it. Such a great band before. I'll never forget Gary playing in the spotlight. RIP
I saw REO Speedwagon in the mid 70s (maybe 74?) in Colorado Springs. Gary WAS REO Speedwagon back then (to me). Still have pics from that night - very close up.
Gary Richrath has not been given enough credit as a guitarist. He was freakin awesome. My favorite band of all time though it Journey but Gary would give Neal Schon a run for his money.
I was a Rock Show and Event Security Supervisor during this band's greatest years (late70s-mid80s) and handled several of their events(McNichols Arena in Denver and Thomas and Mac Arena in Las Vegas), and they inspired me to return again to my roots as a performing Guitarist after seeing the chemistry that Cronin and Richrath had live on stage. I consider Reo's magic to be the two of them TOGETHER doing exactly this, any less on either's part detracts from what I enjoyed....
I was always ground level at the KC Royals/KC Arrowhead Stadium and Municipal Auditorium venues when these guys came to KCMO... and this was '75 through '79... no Better Days than these! Period! No other recordings, Live Albums or concerts... and the ONLY other FINE guitarists that come close or hold their own with Richrath are Pete Townsend, Rik Emmett, Lindsay Buckingham and, of coarse... Ronnie. You know... The Speed of Sound... Ronnie Montrose... RIP Ronnie.
@jacobwalters85 AMEN to that! I could not have stated it better myself. People, please believe! This was/is the real deal. How could there not have been tension in the band. Gary is a true guitar hero and He was basically out voted by the rest of the band in regards to the bands direction.There is an interview from the late 80's where KC states this very fact. Imagine needing to be able to shred like Gary does and being stifled. Gary is one of the BEST. ROCK ON!!!
REO lost its edge and the music shows after Gary was kicked out of the band,you can all ways get some one else to play,but the heart is gone,that Gary has.He is one of those guys that just can not be replaced.
Gary made that band.hands down.rip brother.
the smile on his face says it all he is haveing a blast
Gary played to the audience. He was a true showman.
Had his own sound. One hell of a guitar player R.I.P. Gary !!
Gary you are truly missed and deserved more acknowledgement than yyou received. You were REO.
If you were a die-hard REO fan back in the day, this was definitely one of the songs you wanted to hear. Thanks for the notes Gary. RIP.
Gary was one of those special guitarists who knew how to make his guitar "sing"!! Gary and David Gilmour were masters at using bends and sustain whereas other guitars just ran through scales as fast as they could. He was one of the greats.
Gary is definitely on the short list of musicians that come to mind when I think of iconic guitarists who've played the Les Paul guitar.
I never was into REO (except a handful of songs) but always loved Richrath. It wasn't that he was one of the "greatest" guitarists from a technical standpoint (who cares anyway). But he played with so much FEELING. I also loved how he made it look so effortless. Also he got great tone out of his guitar/amp/whatever.
I saw this live in Nashville on the "Good Trouble' tour. i was about 6 feet from Gary. He played to the crowd more than this recording. He was really having a good time with us. Gary, we miss you, man.
gary was a great guy,,,, rip brother you are missed so much
I still miss this guy !!!!
I don’t think he was considered underrated. He got the recognition back then. I love and miss him. )Gary(
I think this solo really shows Garys genius with the guitar rip
I am so glad I got to see him play more then once! The man had a gift for sure! RIP, Gary!
Such an underrated and unrecognized guitarist. Miss you Gary...
One of the best gutarists by far. R I P Gary.
This is Gary's "Eruption"
I think the Chicago Sun Times said it best, "In the 70's and 80's...he was the epitome of a golden guitar god, right down to a crown of curls that seemed made for back-lighting." RIP Gary Richrath
Saw REO on the Tuna Fish Tour in Joplin, MO. Was front row, but opposite side of the stage of Gary. He was killing that Les Paul!!
Gary, thanks for the decades of great music. From the Red Lion to around the world; Heaven just got another great guitarist. You'll be missed, Love, Respect
and Prayers for your family. R.I.P. brother.
That's one storm we all will have to ride out. G Stokes
RIP Gary. Such a underrated guitarist You will be missed.
RIP Gary. You were one of my first guitar heroes back in the late 70's. Thanks for all the great music and the great concerts over the years.
Was huge fan back in the 157th Riverside days....but not once Cronin assumed control of the band’s direction with the sappy ballads....Richraft was the shining light...
The most melodic lead guitarist ever. And THAT is what a LP should sound like. Saw em on the tour after this 85 or so, when I was 14. Probably the biggest iinflunce on me as a guitar player to this day. Saw gnr in 88 and have to admit slash/ richrath very similar styles.
One of the greatest classic rock guitarist I ever saw.
this never gets old. RIP Gary!
RIP Gary. Thanks for all the music you gave us.
Just watched on the occasion of Gary's death. Certainly one of the most under rated guitar players of his era. Gone too soon...
exactly
+Phil Tackett Absolutely one of the most underrated guitarists.
+Phil Tackett got that right RIP we love you GARY
Will always miss and love him. He was a great guitarist and pure heaven to look at. I am still torn up by his passing. Wish things could have been different for him. He deserved so much better.
for sure!
I played this so much in my car that I magnetized the tape and my deck. I would crank up Gary and listen to him with his awesome guitar riffs. None of my friends knew why I liked them and when they got on the Top 40 stuff all my friends were all on board and I was like where did the music go?
I know what you mean. I used to ride around in my nephew's '67 Camaro back in the late 70's, early 80's with the 8 track of this cranked up on his Pioneer Super Tuner and Jensen tri-axle speakers. Back before their ballad days came around.
Amazing talent. He will be missed. Thank you for the music, Gary Richrath. RIP
OMG When REO was REO... GARY RICHRATH IS THE FN BOMB!!! So effortless, changed the face of rock as we know it..........
One of my top 5 concerts of all time.1979-1980ish I'd say when I saw them,Cobo Hall,Detroit,MI.Gary Richrath was Bad as Hell.One of the Greats that's for sure.
Rest in peace Gary you were one of the greats
He was so much fun to watch on stage. 100% superstar
Gary was a great guitar player.
Amazing tone! The guys always was above the curve.
Rest in peace - sorry for your loss to your band, family and friends and to all of us out here who appreciated your playing!
I got his autograph in 1987. REO was playing a charity basketball game against a radio station in Bloomington, Indiana. We got pictures with Alan when he was using a putting green around the pool. I went to the lounge and Gary was in there. I said "I hate to ask you, but can I get your autograph"? He signed a Ramada Inn napkin, NO PROBLEM...
Wasnt aware he had passed on. Loved this song since i was a teen. awesome guitarist.
Sad beyond words. So glad I had the opportunity to see him play.
You wouldnt have believed how much you're gonna be missed, man. Like a part of my best memories died with you. As I watched this video I realized how much I owe you for my playing style. Rest In Peace, Buddy! Hope the Les Paul is still with ya.
When Rock truly ROLLED !!!! Thanks for all the memories Gary . You were to man .
Back in 1980 I would have paid just to watch Gary play!
+Vernon Johnson Didn't like the band much so I did pay just to see him play...and it was worth it! RIP Gary!
+TheDogpa I paid to him play in 1982 and it was well worth it. RIP Gary
saw them live in Madison WI. Came out and said they dedicated this performance to all the folks that came to see them in the bars. Words cannot describe the show. They were the warm up band and the crowd brought them back for two encores Wishborne Ash was next and the crowd really thinned out. I was back about 25 feet on Garys side of the stage. Unforgetable
my old man's favorite guitarist. I grew up listening to REO via my old man. I've only recently grown to understand how incredibly brilliant Garys style was. the guy they have now does a very respectful job of playing and honoring Garys parts. I seen them live two weeks ago and had a blast. the old dogs still got it. RIP Gary.
Had the pleasure of seeing Gary in Casper Wyo. Wish he would have stayed with the band longer.
Growing up in the Midwest I was fortunate to see Gary play many times. Was always one of my favorites, so underrated for his time... RIP Gary and thank you for some great memories.
Very underrated guitarist here! Gary with a Les Paul is the bomb!
geneseesolorider Some of the biggest tones committed to record.
I miss Gary One of the all time greats for sure
GREAT SONG AND A GREAT SOLO TOO!!!
Wish I would have seen you live in concert Gary! Rest in Peace and Thank You!!
Richrath can absolutely play the hell out of a Les Paul 👍 🎶🎸
Well . Here I am again playing in the fond memoried of my high school days
Dude wails!
R.I.P. Gary Richrath.
He's got those pinch harmonics nailed doesn't he!
i loved this band, used to play the cassett all the time, and gary was one of my inspirations for wanting to play a guitar, the way he would roll the strings was phenomnal
Thanksgiving, will never be the same. We'll miss ya Gary
R.I.P. Gary, great player and performer
Thanks for posting this 1016Vortex, I sooooooooooooooooo LOVED Gary Richrath's guitar playing & style & ALWAYS have for the last 35+ years. Seems I could have it cranked to the point of my ears wanting to bleed, yet I'd STILL be lookin' for more volume as I could simply never get enough for some reason!?! RIP Gary & THANK YOU for a lifetime full of some of the GREATEST music I will ever know!!!
Rest in peace Gary, long live Rock & Roll.
Still can't believe this is the song I got interested in REO-Speedwagon...way back in the 70/s...Best memory Gary.... R.I.P.
He's a gohstrider in the sky ......now
What a gift he has...
REO needs to give the You Get What You Played For the updated version and include this song on it!!
So effortless.......RIP Gary.
True talent with a raw les paul and lots of power!!
I saw REO back 79 or 80, Molly Hatchet opened up for them in Denver what a concert that was. Gary was awesome that night. Was a huge REO fan back then, but when they went top 40 that was it. Such a great band before. I'll never forget Gary playing in the spotlight. RIP
Long live your music, Gary. We'll miss you here on earth.
Love His Guitar Solo With The Band & R.I.P. - GOD Bless You !!!! One Of The Best Guitar Players !!!! LOVE *NORTHERN*STAR*
Seen REO 14 times in Madison WI!!!
I saw REO Speedwagon in the mid 70s (maybe 74?) in Colorado Springs. Gary WAS REO Speedwagon back then (to me). Still have pics from that night - very close up.
+Cathy Hegeman CHERISH THEM PLEASE
+Cathy Hegeman Glad you saw him close up, great guitarist,great guy and a damn shame he passed.The man was SO under rated, i saw him 7 times.
I've just learned of Gary Rickrath's passing. I never got to see him Live but on video then I said "Wow, Awesome guitarist REO has got!
i never got to see rhem with Gary either but i did see them in concert last year
just keep looking i found it so will you
certainly one of the most under rated bands!
Gary is the best of the best!
see ya later Gary.Nice meeting you in Peoria after the show at Bradley Field house in 1978! You were THE man!
I have never seen this before. He was the man back in those days.
Gary has left the building.
One of the guitarists I wanted to sound like when I was a kid. Still trying to.
I so miss Gary in REO.
Love the old R.E.O. Seen them in the summer of 81. Memphis, TN. Mid South Coliseum!! He did pretty much the same solo.
Hey sweet the guitar man Gary Richrath Rest in peace my man
RIP Gary, you rocked!
one of the greats, RIP
Watching him play is a TOTAL turn on. Very hot.
RIP Gary. .......Legend
I think Gary had his Les paul go through a wah pedal and then into his Marshall heads . Simple set up , but awesome tone !!
Amazing player
Gary Richrath has not been given enough credit as a guitarist. He was freakin awesome. My favorite band of all time though it Journey but Gary would give Neal Schon a run for his money.
Ok, that guy can play a little, eh? Wow, REO was blessed!
REO Speedwagon always struck me as a humble group of faceless musicians with a unique brand of rock.
most underrated picker of all time Loved GR in the early days
Nice. Tasteful. This is what modern players need to adopt. Feeling over flash.
I was a Rock Show and Event Security Supervisor during this band's greatest years (late70s-mid80s) and handled several of their events(McNichols Arena in Denver and Thomas and Mac Arena in Las Vegas), and they inspired me to return again to my roots as a performing Guitarist after seeing the chemistry that Cronin and Richrath had live on stage. I consider Reo's magic to be the two of them TOGETHER doing exactly this, any less on either's part detracts from what I enjoyed....
I was always ground level at the KC Royals/KC Arrowhead Stadium and Municipal Auditorium venues when these guys came to KCMO... and this was '75 through '79... no Better Days than these! Period! No other recordings, Live Albums or concerts... and the ONLY other FINE guitarists that come close or hold their own with Richrath are Pete Townsend, Rik Emmett, Lindsay Buckingham and, of coarse... Ronnie. You know... The Speed of Sound... Ronnie Montrose... RIP Ronnie.
Every band needs a good lesd guitar player.
Legend!
Awesome Rest in peace Gary Richrath
Sad day for the music industry. Farewell Gary
Gary!!!! I witnessed this!!!!!! Gary is an awesome player.......Page Bonamassa Richrath......
one of the best guitarist around!
@jacobwalters85 AMEN to that! I could not have stated it better myself. People, please believe! This was/is the real deal. How could there not have been tension in the band. Gary is a true guitar hero and He was basically out voted by the rest of the band in regards to the bands direction.There is an interview from the late 80's where KC states this very fact. Imagine needing to be able to shred like Gary does and being stifled. Gary is one of the BEST. ROCK ON!!!