A
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- Follow me:
Facebook: / spokorney1
TWITTER: sm...
Pay Pal: www.paypal.me/...
Patreon: / user
Website: sandrapokorney....
Please if you like what I do, and would care to donate a buck or two for
coffee or gas....it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for coming along! ~ Sandra.
FOLLOW THISE GUY:
Rikki Starz: You Tube: / rikkistarz
Thank you so so much.
Music from REO Speedwagon
All Rights Reserved©
Music from You Tube Audio Library
All Rights Reserved©
Music from Wondershare
All Rights Reserved©
For my money, Gary Richrath was absolutely the best lead guitarist of all time ! He had a style all his own. Nobody could copy it, including his replacement. REO was no longer REO after Gary left the band! Oh yes, they still play, but with Gary and Alan missing, it never will be the same. I met Gary and somewhat got to know him. They played small venues in my home town when they were just starting out and came out and visited with the audience on their breaks! My hometown was just a short way from where they started out. Gary was one of the nicest and down to earth guys one could ever meet. For me, it was absolute heartbreak to see how his life ended! The first time I saw how he looked in the end, I don’t mind telling you that I broke down in tears! Had I not known that was Gary, I would have never been able to recognize him! I know Gary had his demons, but it could have been handled differently. Bottom line is that Cronin stole Gary’s band! Had that not happened, the end years of Gary’s life would have been much different. I choose to remember Gary as the guy I knew who absolutely set the music world ablaze in the 70s and 80s!! RIP Gary! We will never forget you!😇🙏
He wS a roommate of evh
Amen brother 🙏
I love how Gary put Ghost riders in the sky in his guitar solo
That's what's crazy! Gary hired Kevin's back stabbing little ass!
Born in 75, grew up hearing REO on radio, live right in Pekin, wish i would have been paying attention and went and seen him locally over the years, my Dad scoffs at cronan, likes the tracks way better without him
Gary was supremely talented and played effortlessly. Maybe the most underrated shredder of this era. RIP.
Gary was the king of penatonic scale. Saw him play many times. He always looked so happy when he played. RIP GARY
He was like Eddie Van Halen in that respect. Try to find any video or pics of him not smiling while playing.
You were so lucky Mike. Saw them in 1978 at Cobo hall detroit mi. My 1st concert. I had just turned 18. Gary was right in front of me. I just loved watching him play. Hope he knew how much joy he brought to ppl.
Congrats 😪
If you watch the final year that he was in REO you can find some though. Gary Richrath was not destined to play limp dick songs like the circus director Kevin wanted played. That and Gary couldn't stand to see the band that "he built" destroyed anymore.
They should just be called RECK instead of R.E.O.
Reck = Re Engineered by Cronin "Kevin".
I’m glad to hear someone say what I was thinking. You could say he was somewhat one dimensional in that respect but he played with such passion and technical accomplishment. Thanks for posting!
Live version of Golden Country has one of the most scorching guitar solos ever laid down. Period.
The 1972 studio version of Golden Country was the first song I ever heard by REO and followed them ever since.
Most definitely 👍
Gary is one of the reasons I play guitar. RIP Guitar Titan. You owned the 70's with a few others.
He used a Les Paul through a Marshall and a wah pedal. I don't think he used anything else which is why he was one of my favorite players out there.
When I watch video of live shows I've neve seen a pedal board or saw him stomping on anything. Normally the pedal board is right out front.
I ended up being pretty good friends with him. He ran his guitar through a cable (never wireless), into a Vox way, then to a Marshall stack. He was dead set against other effects.
True Rock old school
just like Rory Gallagher, the effects were in his hands & soul, a monster player for sure, he even made the "pop" music they did sound like no holds barred rock'n'roll
I believe he preferred a Jim Dunlop 'Crybaby.
This kid could play the shit out of a Les Paul. Wow. Thanks for the music Gary, RIP.
Not a bad guitarist! I wonder if he was one of those guys that just plugged a patch cord into his amp from his guitar and played the amp direct! What a compliment to Jim Marshall AND Les Paul that would be!
@@thomasfarrow5203 I believe, thats exactly what he done.
Thomas Farrow that is exactly how he played. He was amazing.
Sandra Pokorney you got to check out the live version on rock and roll machine from triumph and check out his solo,even eddy Van Halen says Rick is the most amazing guitarist!
When Gary was rockin hard. REO was at its best!
I'm so glad this documentary was made. Gary Richrath was so underrated because he was in the wrong band!!!! He was a phenomenal guitarist and should have been known as a guitar legend!!!!
Gary was so underrated as a guitarist. He was the driving force in REO Speedwagon. Without him REO was just a cover band of it's original lineup that created all of the hits. This is information that is 100% verifiable. If you look at REO Speedwagon's hits and charting success you will see that everything pretty much stopped after 1989. Coincidentally the same year Gary left REO. The fact that they stopped charting after 1989 is no coincidence.....RIP Gary, you were the best!!!!!
For the record they did chart one song at 65 but that would hardly count as success.
SGT Andy MP Corp Agreed!
I disagree. How many hits did they have before Cronin joined the band? Take Cronin out of that band and see how many hits they have. Gary’s value to that band is unquestioned no doubt but without Cronin that’s your cover band.
Even Nine Lives only sold 500,000 copies not nearly enough to make 5 guys a good profit. And cronin wrote or co-wrote half of those songs as is the case with Hi-Infidelity. Like him or not the Cronin-Richrath dynamic duo is what made REO. They needed each other to succeed. Their fame pretty much stopped after Wheels are Turnin other than a few hits though I love some of their tunes from Good Trouble, Life As We Know It, and the Earth album from 1990. All the play on the radio around me anymore is keep on loving you and can’t fight this feeling. This band had so many more hits than that its ashame
Thank you for your service. SEMPER FI.
@@djdefsoulmode9443 I would agree to a point that they definitely needed each other professionally. The hits do prove that.
Unfortunately if you know more of the story behind the hits as I do you find that personally Kevin was not a very good friend to Gary. He took advantage of that friendship, and "submarined" Gary out. I know it sounds harsh to say but I happen to have talked with people who were close to Gary and knew him on a personal level. He was a very trusting kind of guy. Kevin definitely had an agenda and he saw it through.
If you watch REO Behind the Music there is a point in the video about 75 to 80% through it where Gary is being blown off by Kevin and what was probably one of their producers. It was really kind of sad to see. Gary had his demons he never denied that, but Kevin just knew how to push him more and more into them.
Gary had been in the band close to 20 years, he was slowly, and methodically being submarined out of the band, to the point where he knew it was happening but couldn't do anything about it without making people think he was crazy. This made him fall deeper into those demons. The demons that probably seemed to get his mind off it. It's no excuse to be sure, but it's more shameful taking advantage of a friends weaknesses. Gary considered them like brothers so he never seen it coming until it was too late.
Maybe the most underrated guitarist of his era. Could have been a great session player in Nashville (country) or Memphis (blues), or basically anywhere. Always was over shadowed by Cronin and the overproduced pop shit. The man could tear on the frets and had one of the most distinctive sounds out there, to this day. Not a bad vocalist as well. I will always enjoy his playing. Thank you Gary, I'll see you on the other side!
The greatest live guitar performance I ever witnessed was Gary Richrath, when REO opened for the Doobie Brothers in '77 or '78 in Charlotte, NC. He was absolutely possessed. They blew the Doobies away that night, thanks to Gary.
I believe you
I know that was the best tour. Never been one that good sense
I have seen them both and REO was a much better performing live band. Their live performances got them famous.
He was underrated Gary was a guitar God
Underappreciated
This man was my guitar hero growing up. A local boy who did good. As you say just guitar into amp... everything else was his hands and soul. I went on a lifetime quest of searching for music and he is certainly cemented on my list of greats. I may have issues with the direction the band may have taken, and I think he did too. Neither here nor there. He was a fearless and honest player. When you here a few notes from Santana, you know it's him. When you here a few notes from Hendrix you know it's him. Same with Gary. I have worked out many guitar parts in my life, and I am always amazed at his. Allmans Fillmore East and REO You Get What You Play For..will be the Pinnacle of live preformance. I hope he will be remembered and honered for his contribution to music. Thanks for posting. His death hit me hard. I never met the man but his art truly touched my life.
You are ever so welcome. He is missed, greatly.
Gary was Blessed 🙏🙏😇 to play the guitar amazing man Gary was 💯🔥🔥💯
Very true. I'll put their live album on the short list of all the great live albums that I've ever heard. In the late 70's, they were as good as anyone, and much better than most.
I grew up lessoning to REO Speedwagon
@Turkee G. I agree with everything you’ve said. If I was stuck on an island and could only have 1 album to listen to for the rest of my life it would be “Live - You Get What You Play For”. I appreciate that his play ‘touched your life’ - I feel exactly the same way, and it was at the right time (in the 70’s). RIP Gary.
Gary was way a head of his time his playing was original nobody played like him listen to golden country his playing in that song was awesome and the solo you could feel his emotions in that solo love him and miss his music
Yes.
Played guitar just like a ringing a bell. My favorite since the 70s. Born for it
Perhaps he wasn't the most technical player, but he was a great guitar player....so creative and spontaneous, intuitive, fiery and melodic.....and TONE.
Gary was such an incredibly talented guitarist and songwriter !!!!!! What stage presence. Just a brilliant guy. Was very sad when his demons overtook all of this and just … him as a person. Godspeed
Thumbs up for anything that brings Gary attention. So underrated, such a great player and performer! Such a tragic story the latter years.
One of my favorite guitar players. Gary had his own style, it was unique and he OWNED it.
R.I.P. my friend
Sandra, God bless you for doing this video. We don't see enough about this amazing musician!
thank you Debbie.
I went to a dozen REO concerts during the 80's... the best parts were always Gary's solos.
It's sad that Gary all but disappeared for many years after REO. He was one of the greatest in my opinion, great tone, amazing solos. Glad I saw him live during High Infidelity. He was a powerhouse.
Thanks for the tribute. He deserved a whole lot more than he got.
Gary was the Eric Johnson’ of 70’s and 80’s with a Les Paul. Flying turkey trot,Ridin the storm out,golden country.
Gary was without a doubt one of the best guitar players of any generation, he was not only a great player, he had an incredible understanding of tone and how to get it. That being said he didn’t just plug straight into a marshal amp, he was far to brilliant for that, the following is exactly what he used, wha pedal typically in a fixed position about 3/4, a phaser pedal, a compressor, and an echo, not a reverb. Everything thing else came from to tone of the head and 58, 59, & 60s Humbuckers, he turned the gain wide open. Take a listen to him playing with REO in Bloomington I think in 2013, notice the tone is off, he was playing through joe Amoto’s amp, and a newer les Paul, the tone is not his, Gary was an avid vintage man. Most guitar players have numerous guitars ( I’m kid a pro and I have 11) Gary owned 6 guitars, 4 of the were early 1960s, the other two were newer, all les Paul’s, and yes he was a true genius of the fret board
@@djb1273
No not is not just my opinion, I just happen to know first hand what he used. Did you know also know Joe Walsh played slide guitar with him on the first album?
Gary is my number one guitar player of all time...
Is there any other 😢
And you're a rush fan!
@@yyz125 Yes and been one since Fly By Night was released. Alex is 2nd..
@@mwales2112 rush can't just be listened to..it's an experience
@@yyz125 Agreed.... My first experience was in 1977 when we drove up to Toronto from Michigan for "A Farewell to Kings". I do regret only seeing them 6 more times after that, but military life does not always put us close to the shows...
Gary didn't need any pedals he just had raw talent
Gary liked his coke and didn't care who saw him use it.
After a show just before they release 'Tuna Fish', we followed them to a little bar in Grand Rapids MI. (I've come to learn this was a common practice of the band, where they would walk into a bar, virtually unrecognized, and take over the stage for a couple songs)
Anyway Gary sat at the bar and I took the open seat next to him. Of course I struck up a conversation, telling him I was at the show and it was my birthday. As he was listening to me shower him with praise (I was just a kid of 19....it was the 6 year period when Michigan's drinking age was 18 ) he pulled out a folded paper with coke and did a pinch. (I would like to say I did some coke with Gary Richrath that night, but he didn't offer)
He did ask if I had a song I wanted to hear for my birthday. When I suggested something from 'REO Two' he just chuckled and said.. "Not with these instruments." He suggested Johnny B. Goode, and who was I to say no?
It was a great night and a birthday I'll never forget.
Gary Richrath my guitar hero forever
Gary Richrath was an amazing man 👍😁👍 👍 one of my favorite always be my favorite one
He was a natural rock star. I miss bands that made you smile.
Sandra, thanks for covering a 6-string genius. What always struck me about Gary, was the sheer joy in his face, when he played.
Thank you Bruce, for watching, and yes you can!
@@SandraPokorneyCmonDude Gary did use what sounds like a wah wah pedal on Country Live.
I got the chance to meet Gary Richrath in a Florida Airport we were in a weather delay, He is to my wright and we struck up a conversation I knew who he was and we got to talk about playing Guitar we both have the same kind, Told me neat stories I could not match any thing like what he did as a Band Member of R.E.O Speedwagon He is so very underrated and the band will never find anyone to replace him , What a nice person to talk to and never acted like he was a big shot in the world of Rock and Roll. I told him that I am a Sign maker and I make Neon Signs and he got such a kick about that and that it is so neat to bend tubes and fill them with gas and let it rip...You will be missed very much. Peace and Love....
I had the opportunity to open up for Gary in '92 while he was touring to support his solo album and you are correct, Les Paul's through Marshalls. The only thing I can add is that he preferred vintage Les Paul's and didn't modify them in any way, kept them original. His guitar tech was a busy guy though. He told me they wouldn't stay in tune at all and he changed guitars with a freshly tuned one after every song. RIP Gary, your one of the reasons I started playing guitar.
I was his guitar tec during 93’ tour. I fixed that problem Gary’s guitars always going out of tune, he was so use to switching guitars every song, after a few songs we’d switch guitars I’d check on the tuner, it would still be in tune…😂 for me it was great fun switching guitars, Gary Used No Effects at all. Just a waa pedal for one song. Just pure talent, so underrated. I’d be right at it amp with his spare guitar ready night after night after night, I did 2 U.S. tours with him. & a showcase in Vegas. Best times of my life Touring with the Richrath Band.
Gary Richrath was my hero.
He was a legend / my number one guitarist. I saw him with REO at SIU in Carbondale, Illinois back in late 70s, we camped all night for those shitty tickets. Didn’t care, the mere fact that I was able to hear and see him live. I just wish he stayed together with REO and he and Kevin Cronin could’ve gotten along better.
It seemed like he just deteriorated and faded away. Such a sad ending for such a talented dude.
Great job putting this video together. Very well done...and thank you.
RIP Gary.
Gary was a heart and soul player.
REO was always a big deal here in central IL. living in Pekin just south of Peoria Garys music was always a welcome listen. Playing guitar for 50 years myself, Gary was always an influence on many of local players. Seemed like there was a guitar player on every block back in the day and many are excellent at their craft. Garys passing was not only shock to our community but a brother lost. Garys falling out of REO was mainly contributed to drinking and disagreement over the bands future direction. Yes, Gary loved to play Les Pauls through a screaming Marshall amp. RIP Gary.....You will never be forgotten.
I'm from Peoria and saw them play quite a few times. I always felt like Gary never got the credit he deserved for his musicianship or his writing. A lot of garage bands got started because of Gary. There will never be another like him!
I was maybe 17 or 18 and huge Hendrix fan....but Man I Heard REO and Gary's playing I was hooked big time....when you can tune a piano but you can't tune a fish show came to Mpls me and my buddies bought the live album and got it autographed by the band at the music store....and tben went to the show that night
Wow....I was in love with
"Like you do" and "keep pushin on" and others....
Such great music....thanks Sandra for Sharing his story
I hope he knew Jesus so we can hang out in Heaven
Dude, that's awesome!! Thanks for watching!!
Gary’s the reason I picked up a guitar and the guy I go back to every time I need to set myself straight musically. I wept the day he died.
I thank you so much for watching. He is missed.
Sandra Pokorney Thanks so much for doing this Sandra-from Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee? Dont know where you got that from, but I'm not from Milwaukee.
Sandra Pokorney oh, I didn’t mean anything by that Sandra. I was just saying hi from Milwaukee, which is where I’m from. In the early 70’s all the big ‘Chicago’ based bands played the clubs here (according to my Aunts and Uncles-I was still a bit young). So I was just kind of making reference to the geographical familiarity. Apologies for the confusion. Although I had Mr. Pokorney as a teacher in high school. Great guy!!!
I actually live in Madison. Don't know this teacher, but glad he was nice to you!
If it wasn't for Gary there wouldn't be no REO Speedwagon. He's what made them who they were for sure. With his song writing.
His Les Paul’s had “Humbucker” pickups & he toggled back & forth with them.
Best guitar player I ever saw.
In early years Gary had a fascination with Jeff Beck who at the time played Les Pauls, which led Gary to finding these early guitars for his own playing... Paired with Marshall amps from the late 60s, this was always the core of his sound.. Add a wah wah pedal (which could always be heard in his solos) and I believe probably some type of EQ with a boost, to goose the front end of his Marshall amps would of rounded out his sound..
The word “underrated” is so overused it’s lost it’s meaning, except with Gary Richrath. Totally & sadly underrated
Absoutely ...well put !!.
So fucking true I saw them at least a dozen times in the 70s and80s and he was the guitar player Cronin has always been a holder
Saw Gary perform with REO in 1973 at a bar in Milwaukee. Thought to myself, these guys are waaay better than the bar scene. Watching him play was mesmerizing.
So glad he made it to the big time. Well deserved.
Great memories 💕
Thanks for this.
Thank you for watching. Appreciate it.
Thanks for all this información
🎸Freaking Legend!!! Gary basically taught me how and what to play as I learned and along the way…Suck a inspiration & Luv ✊
RIP Gary Richrath
I'm 67 and was fortunate enough to see REO 4 or five times, all but once before You can tuna a fish, and the last in support for the same. During the Riding the Storm out tour, I was a young wannabe guitar player trying to decide between a Strat and Les Paul as my first guitar. The sounds that he was delivering, (Hara arena Dayton OH), made me go to the edge of the stage to see his "pedals". I could see the Les Paul, and see and hear the delicious sounds emanating from his Marshall. I saw an original "Cry Baby Wah" and nothing else. My mind was made up and I purchased a Les Paul and my first, and only pedal, that same Cry Baby. Unfortunately I could never afford the Marshall. But he influenced me to buy that guitar and pedal. I sucked, but enjoyed it immensely. years later, and many guitars later, I still suck, but loved the way he played. A most under rated rock guitarist.
My "brush with fame" is that I used to care for the lawn of Gary's parents back in the early '80's. His father Curtis was a very down to earth, cool guy who raised homing and racing pigeons. When I showed sincere interest, he eagerly showed me what they could do. I'm not sure who had more fun that day, he or I.
That guitar got the punishment it was begging for! R.I.P. Gary....ROCK ON, Brother!
That's about right.
He was the best guitarist I have ever heard! Rock on in heaven ❤😅 Garry!!!!!!!!!!
Watch the video, the crowd was glued to him.
He developed his own sound.
Shame Kevin Cronin had too much pride for a reunion.
Hi Sandra, like many others I also remember the first time I heard him play. I was absolutely blown away. He was different. I'm obviously a female but I love a good guitar sound/player just like any man. The early sounds of REO are absolutely amazing. Gary was the fuel to the fire. He was also adorable with that smile. You could tell he loved to play. Thanks, for sharing this video.
Thanks for that Sally, much appreciated, and thanks for watching!!
I was always a fan of Gary he was much like Keith Richards both are the foundation and driving force of their bands when Gary left their best years were over.
@Michael Stewart and you probably look like Keith Richards.
I saw REO many times in the seventies and early eighties. I was lucky enough to meet him once. He was (along with Alice Cooper) the nicest rock star that I ever met. He was so down to earth and spoke to us like we were old friends. What a great guitar player and an even greater human being.
Thank you Gary. Still pushing on after all this years. Still hard, still rocks. Rest in Peace brother
First time I saw REO SPEEDWAGON was in 1977 at a small venue in Traverse City, Michigan. Glacier Arena was the name of the venue. My cousin and I worked our way to the stage and were right by Gary. I was absolutely enthralled with his playing ability. Totally blown away. I seen REO many times over the years. 28 times. Gary was truly the heart and soul of the band. His stage presence was second to none. Charismatic is the word I like to use to describe Gary on stage. He knew how to whip the crowd into a frenzy. He loved how the crowd loved him. I was deeply saddened when I first heard he had passed on. He will always be missed by me. God Bless You Gary!!! Hoping you are jamming in heaven!!!
One of my inspirations along with Terry Kath, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page, Ted Nugent and Ace Frehley.
Saw REO with Gary back in 1978. it was in Central High School in a small Michigan town called Bay City. I guess just before they were really getting popular. Man, how the time flies. It touched me kinda deep to hear of his passing.Well, we all shine on......
Thanks so much for watching. Yeah, its a sad loss for sure. I would have loved to have seen him live.
i saw em in Flint, same tour
Same tour Cobo Hall Detroit Mi November 1978. My 1st concert. I had just turned 18. What an awesome memory!
Saginaw Civic Center 1979 for me.🎉
In 1987 Gary was using a Gibson US-1 guitar along with his LES Pauls. The US-1 was designed by Wayne Charvel for Gibson. This guitar can be seen in the videos from this tour.
That was interesting. He was so underrated by some people. Incredible talent. RIP
I agree, and thanks for watching.
@Susan Rasmussen • I keep hearing how under rated Gary was and I don't get it because Gary was never under rated by his peers, talk to any of the top guitar players or just the working stiffs who play in bar bands on the weekends like myself and everyone of them will tell you Gary was a monster talent and his sound is immediately recognizable he was one of the greats, and if anybody is under rating him it's the soft rock fans and not anybody that plays guitar. The Air Supply fans and such but not by anybody who knows Rock & Roll and Rock Guitar.
Yes, Gary used 1958-1960 Gibson Les Paul's into Marshall amps. He would occasionally use a wah wah pedal but mainly guitar straight into amp.
Gary is the essence of rock and roll with charisma unmatched. Exciting guitar playing with speed and style is what he made happen!
That boy could play! He knew that that les paul better than he knew himself. Became a fan in the early eighties. Got every album REO made! I learned of his death this past year! He had some demons to conquer. It was sad! He was my rock star crush!
I've never seen these guys live but I do truly love their music. I started listening to them in the late 70's and still do till this day. I love all of the songs they do. R.I.P. Gary gone but not forgotten you'll live on through the songs. Long Live REO Speedwagon.
I got to see them twice. I consider myself lucky indeed.
First saw REO in Milwaukee Wi about 1973 as lead-off band fo Siegal- Schwall Blues Band. About year later I saw them in Milwaukee as lead band. Best rock band of all time with Gary. Rest in peace Gary
thank you.
I saw them in Beloit.
When I watched REO SPEEDWAGON I WAS ALWAYS FOCUSED ON GARY BECAUSE HE ALWAYS LOOKED HAPPY PLAYING THAT GUITAR AND HE REALLY GOT DOWN WITH IT, HIS SOUND WAS ALL HIS OWN. RIP, GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳😍😍😍😍😍
From southern Illinois....my father would tell me about seeing these guys play at high school dances and small clubs when he was a teenager....before they hit the big time.
Not surprised they went over well in Southern Illinois. I always thought they sounded more like Southern Rock--especially with Kevin's nasaly twang--Gary's guitar, too, has kind of a southern twang to it, as well
Gary Richrath my guitar hero forever ❤️💙
YES HE WAS. ONE OF THE GREATS.
I'd say that you have an unhealthy obsession
Gary never let the faithful of
Rock-n-Roll down. Always the perfect licks and solos on albums, and live shows always rocked your balls off. You can’t ask for more than that. RIP. You earned it.
Nice job I was born in Elgin il REO was always one of my favorites
I saw Reo Speedwagon in 76/77 Gary is one of the best guitarist I ever saw in person. I love their early stuff and I still got my You Get What You Play for album. Just listened to it today! Gary Ruled!
Last time I saw Gary he looked good and was playing smaller clubs after leaving REO. He was playing thru mesa amps, a wah pedal and les paul. I was able to actually talk to him. Great show!! RIP Gary
Thanks for this video. Love REO and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Gary!
Glad you enjoyed it!
My older brother said he saw REO play at a club in Chicago in the early 70s, then he saw them again later at another club in Wisconsin. Gary recognized my brother and said "Hey, I know you!" at the show in Wisconsin. My brother turned me on to REO when they still rocked before they sold out with Hi Infidelity. Gary's solos on Riding The Storm Out, Keep Pushing, Flying Turkey Trot, and Golden Country always sent shivers down my back. Truly one of the best guitar players in rock history.
No one. Not one, could lay down a line completely out of no where, like this man. No One. Such a loss.
Never forget those iconic riffs and that beautiful 59’ burst.
Thank you Sandra. Mr. Richrath stroked and finessed his guitar like it was a beautiful, fertile young woman! The man was Godlike!
I first met Gary when we were in different high school's but playing in different bands in 1967-68. He was in Suburban 9 to 5 and I just getting my feet wet as a drummer. Saw him many times back then and he was clearly the best rock and roll guitar player in town. I remember thinking I should learn to play guitar too because he made it look fun. When I moved a year later to Arizona and our apartment neighbors didn't appreciate my drum practicing, I started learning to play guitar. RIP Gary.
Golden Country is one of those songs that has just "stuck" with me. Someone asked me a few years ago if I am still playing "Ridin the Storm Out" on guitar ( acoustic version mostly way back then ). Man those were great songs to learn and play as a teen ager in 70s & 80s small town America. God has blessed my life richly and this is one aspect of it.
My dad was good friends with Gary and his brother, Wade. Growing up, their music was always playing around our house. I didn't quite realize just how good Gary was until I was probably in my mid 20's. The guy was a monster.
That's soo cool!!
@@SandraPokorneyCmonDude Yeah. I'm sure I probably met him as a kid but don't remember. There is even a bench placed by the river in his honor about 10 minutes from my house.
I've always loved speedwagon ..but always considered Steve howe...Alex lifeson...page, the guitar masters until I started paying attention to ritchrath ...and he is right there
Gary also wrote a few songs for REO Speedwagon such as Ridin' the Storm Out and Take It on the Run.
Without even watching this, I know this is going to be one sad tale. I know the story…RIP Gary.
One of my favorite guitarists and was one of my guitar hero’s growing up. RIP Gary!
Such a great guitar player!! Just listen to You Get What You Play For! What a great live album and still is.....
Underrated indeed...
When i was in the 7th grade a friend of mine took me to a reo concert at valparaiso university . It changed me 360 deg . and worked on his amazing guitar solo for weeks after the show . Wow he was a inspiration like no other . That was cool on top of cool and will never forget that . I called my best friend and said " and i called him on the phone and said " then put the phone up to the amp and tried to do him . The flying turkey trot was his solo and if you ever seen him do it live you wood never forget it . Thank you gary and may your fans bless you .
Not having Gary's in REO would be like not having Micheal in UFO or Dime in Pantera
Gary played Les Pauls through Marshall amps and to the best of my knowledge the only effects he ever used was a basic wah pedal. His use of the wah pedal can be heard mostly on the 70's material such as Golden Country and 157 Riverside Ave. RIP Gary, you were vastly underrated.
Yes, he definitely used a wah pedal although I'm not sure which one.
I never had a chance to see him play but I definitely admired him and his playing.
An incredible talent lost much too soon. Few people master the guitar like Gary did. Few people are as original or make the difference that Gary did. His music lives on in sound and video and we have the privilege of continuing to enjoy his phenomenal talent and skill. Gary, you left quite a mark.
RIP Gary🌹 Thank you for the music
Saw REO at Marlins bar in Carbondale Illinois while attending Southern Illinois U. At the end of their set Gary was at the bar and I walked over and told him how much I enjoyed the music. He bought me a beer and had a nice conversation. Not bad for an 18 year old under age kid.d! Great young man.
Sandra,seen them in their prime in Anchorage Alaska, I will s always remember the turkey trot,simply amazing,he was an underrated,amazing guitarist,simple!!!
Man that must have been awesome!!! hey, thanks for checking it out!
He never gets his credit! He changed music forever into the late 70s/early 80s with his amazing riffs tied into rock & roll ballads. Every band tried to capture his style , from The Rolling Stones to glam bands.
There is no REO Speedwagon without Gary Richrath, period. I saw REO twice live. Both were excellent shows. R.I.P. Gary.♥️ I probably have a guitar pick of his in my memorabilia. I know I have pictures.
Gary didn't need any extra help. A Les Paul through a Marshall, and maybe a wah-wah for their encore 'Golden Country.' The rest was just him. I saw him several times, the first one being at Anaheim Stadium supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd and Ted Nugent on a bill that also included Foreigner. Gary smoked the entire line up, and they were all great also, but he ruled the day as far as axe men were concerned. Probably the best festival concert that I've ever attended, and there were more than a few...
I was there...great concert!
Exactly. He rarely used any pedals or effects other than what he did with his right hand. He was an old school lead, I'm old school lead.
I grew up listening to REO and styled a lot of my playing after Gary's.
He's sorely missed.
@@nickdamit Bro, I am old school too. My main influences are Page, EVH, Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons,Jeff Beck and Brian May. You can still use some effects like echo or delay to make your sound a bit fuller, or to do some neat timing phrases. You can also use an overdrive pedal to boost your solo signal. And a phase pedal is pretty fun for solo`s as well as pick scrapes. That is all I use . Otherwise it is guitar straight into my Marshall JVM 205H half stack. Can`t get much simpler than that.Cheers!!
I apologize for not looking up the interview, but early on, Gary commented about the bands manager not allowing any special effects. It was all pretty much gary. I followed REO until Gary left, probably saw 6 concert? Never saw him use a pedal, but maybe he did at some time. Just that switch above his strumming hand.
@@jefflinderer9853 That is just his pickup selector on the guitar. A Les Paul has 3 pickup options. #1 switch down is the bridge pickup alone(treble sound and most used pickup) #2 straight ,middle position, both pickups on and you can control both pickups volume and tone with the 4 knobs on the bottom of the guitar. #3 neck pickup only, switch upward. neck pickup only, gives a fat,warm sound. Least used selection by 90% of players, or used for fat, beefy blues type solo`s. These are not effects, just part of the guitars design.
157 riverside avenue was a favorite because of the guitar
I met the whole band when I actually lived on "Riverside Ave" (Baton Rouge, LA. The Riverside Apts) during the High Fidelity tour.
I just had to mention that fact to the band.
Definitely a favorite of mine.
Gary and band mates were super, super nice.
RIP sweet Gary.
I was at UI in Chambana, IL from 77 to 84. So I became a HUGE REO Fan. Decided in a dorm room in ‘79 iirc that RWTC was the ‘Greatest Rock n Roll Song’ ever written!! I saw REO probably ~6 or 7 times with Gary. Never saw them before Kevin, so my total evaluation is maybe incomplete. My Rock ‘expert’ roommate used to bash my admiration for Gary and say he was no Jimmy Page nor Pete Townshend! However, my guitar-rockin’ admiration continues to this day!! I even went to see him solo at the Illinois State Fair beer tent once, but left early to get up at 4 AM to show cattle! If I would have known what lay in store, I would’ve stayed All Night! Now I’ve seen REO probably another 8-10 times post-Gary and they are still entertaining, and asked them about new music, but seems unlikely at this point! Gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN!! RIP Gary R.!
As far as I’m concerned he was definitely one of the best. He had his own unique way of playing.
My only question..Why do the best die young? I know Gary was 65 but still young. Moore was young. Hendrix was really young. Duane was only 25 on that motorbike. Randy died young in that plane and so did Buddy and members of Skynrd. SRV was only 35 and from my neighborhood. The list is long. Very sad.
It is awfully sad. I feel the same way. All of them gone too soon.
Why?
It’s fate..we have no free will whatsoever. We only make decisions as fate is upon us and it reacts accordingly..
I No one thing one That is a fact When Gary left REO I left REO.
That’s a great question, why do the best die young and what are we missing from them? I have often wondered if they are taken from us in there prime so the best in them shines, who really knows why. It is truly sad though isn’t it?