Gary Richrath, no pedals, no cutie pie effects. He's one player where it was all in his hands. Still love and appreciate his work all these years later. Brilliant live player. RIP
One of my absolute favorite memories of this song… Early 80’s, A sold out show at the Wisconsin State Fair just outside Milwaukee. A wicked summer downpour happened right before the band was about to take the stage…. Management wanted to cancel, REO said no, we’re playing. An hour delay as the storm cleared, the Wisconsin crowd got more beer in them, the stage was cleared off with squeegees and REO opened with Riding the Storm Out and the place went absolutely ballistic!!!! I still get goose bumps recalling that moment! One of my favorite concerts ever!
As we get a blizzard soon in Wisconsin, put this on to find your story taking me on a journey back in time. Yes, we don't get cold. We get drunk here in WI, lol. Still mourning his brother Sean Cronin telling us the weather. R.I.P.
I was a stage roadie for them in 1978 in Little Rock Arkansas. They are as nice and cordial as they are great musicians. Too bad Gary left. He is still, to me, one of the top 5 guitarists to ever live.
Gary was won of the best lead guitarist that most people don't know. REO had their radio play, but many people didn't know the names of the musicians in the band. He and Bruce Hall were phenomenal. RIP Gary.
yes they had a ton of history before that kevin guy ever joined them he was a contract baby .. gary was a great guy sweet kind had a boyish charm twinkle in his eye always very flirty but in a innocent way never came off as a jerk but he was a man not a punk heavy heart just to think about him gee wiz
My first concert was REO 1981 at the Pine Knob music theater just outside of Detroit, blew my mind, started playing drums the very next day! I’m 61 now and still banging on the skins to REO, thanks for the memories!
This video and the one for Roll With The Changes were on MTV regularly and still my favorite videos they showed. I’m 60 and have always been influenced by Gary Richrath and the other usual suspects with the sunburst Les Paul into a Marshall from the 70s. Great stuff
@@suzettemckee4423 Canadian across from Port Huron. I spent a lot of my misguided youth in the 70s at Pine Knob. Too many bands to mention. So glad they returned it to the proper name.
Seen REO several times live and never get tired of seeing how good the band was back n the 80's. No body plays like Gary any more. Damn I miss those days.
@ted ritola Lol this concert was from 1981, the year MTV went on the air. The song came out in 73. I saw them several times live in the 70s & 80s and were among the better live bands.
REO was very underrated. Most people remember them for power ballads like "Keep on Loving You" and "Take it on the Run"....but this song and several others on Hi-infidelity prove that when they wanted to, they could straight out Rock.
I think he was great on about every solo he did. I really like to hear him do back on the road again too. It always comes to mind when I here REO, along with Role With The Changes
Yes REO in 2023. I seen them live in 1981. My goodness they rocked. Beat band I have ever seen live and I have seen a lot of concerts. Tickets were 10 dollars. No ticketmaster.
i feel actually sorry for the kids who never Had the chance to experience music of the 70s and 80s they truly were the Best of Time's in music 🎵🎶❤❤❤❤ aww thank you all who made growing up during this era in music Unforgettable ❤
I say it all the time - it's worth being old now to have been young then. I truly feel sorry for young people today - there seems to be so little joy in their lives.
Nice to read these great and heartfelt comments on Gary..like most of you Reo was one of the many great bands that i grew up listening to and was fortunate enough to see "Live"..along with Zeppelin,,Rush .Golden Earring ..just to name a few..,,for those of us who had the same opportunity I am sure we all miss those times and for those who are getting to know these Bands and their music I hope you enjoy,,,
I saw them 1969 Detweiller Park, Peoria, Illinois. The rains came and they asked for volunteers to hold the plastic over them to keep playing at the outdoor concert. It was one of the best performances I had the privilege to see under the influence of some sort of hallucinogen.......
RIP Gary Richrath,, always one of my favorite guitarist growing up. I could always pick out his playing. One of the most underrated guitarists of the 70’s and 80’s. REO packed full of great musicians as well. RIP my man GR.. you were one of a kind.
Another classic band that sounds better live than they do on their studio albums. I was a teenager in the late '60s and early 70s but my youngest brother turned me on to this band. REO wasn't considered "hard" rock, but they sure left everything on stage. Great tune.
First saw them in Feb. 1975 in Pittsburgh, just turned 14. Was there there to see Humble Pie. Never heard of REO Speedwagon, then they came out and this guy started shredding on his Gibson Les Paul and me and my buddies were blown away. Most underrated rock guitar player ever. Very sad how it ended. R.I.P. Gary Richrath.
@@terrytwibell5560 Absolutely! We were saying who the hell is REO Speedwagon but really didn't care because we were there to see the Pie. The whole arena was freaking out over his hard core jamming. That was over 40 years ago and I'm still playing his jams.
San Diego California 1981 opening act didn't show. REO played for over 3 hours taking liberty to go OFF. Ridin' the Storm Out was 15 minutes long being the 3rd and final encore. Rock and Roll is what we all did that night. Greatest One act concert I ever attended . Reo Speedwagon ROCK ON
That was what they were until songs like CFTF came along. In the cftf video you an see such a difference in Gary. He did not want to play that stuff. He was a rock n roll star, that's what he wanted to do. After he and Cronin had their differences, and Gary left, you could say that was the end of the REAL REOSW. In the early days Gary worked really hard with the original band members to get them off the ground, and how fortunate was Cronin, way back then that Gary/REO hired him. Gary was the standard of REOSW, in so very many ways. What you have now is simply a cover band. The energy that Gary brought is no longer there. While this guitarist has to play songs that Gary wrote night after night, because they sure do tour often, he just can't be or bring what Gary did, which was so much to the band, the concerts, the fans, and his loved ones. Davis I would say that was quite a show, 3 hours long, and a fifteen minute version of Ridin The Storm Out on the third encore. It says so much of what they WERE back then. Will never, ever even come close today in 2019. Rock On to you as well! R&R D&G S&K
Now to me this is a great hard rock song. I can feel this tune, Gary’s on fire he knows it.just look at the smile on his face,this songs been on my play list since it came out this version with Kevin singing
He was a guitar God though. Imagine what he's doing now? I read someplace where his wife showed him that he was worth something. If he only knew how we felt about him then, maybe things would have turned out better for him!
Gary was talented even back in High School. On You Tube music channel, put in Suburban 9 to 5. Only a couple of videos with still pictures. Gary's talent still shines through. Got to know him through the lead singer of Suburban 9 to 5 who was an old friend. This was around 1967. Their rendition of Elevator Operator is my favorite. Gary had dark brown hair back then! Edited for type-o's.
@@ohmama1870 I have looked up 9 to 5 and you are correct. The way it sounds Gary was just to nice of a guy, and got taken advantage of by everyone. It's really sad to think of someone so gifted and nice to being taken advantage of like that. Those people have his blood on their hands, and helped him on the direction that he took. I'm guessing that Gary would never think of doing that to anyone, at least not intentionally. I hope and pray that Gary knows now how much his music and playing was loved, and how many lives he changed for the good.
@@edarnold1426 Gary could be a nice kid but he also pulled some stunts that resulted in several of the Peoria, IL music scene not like him. They admired his talent and were happy that he made it in the big time but his stunts were not nice. He also was beginning to get a big head, which is easy to do when constantly praised for his talent. The ones who really treated him badly and what I think (right or wrong) were the ones in California. Kevin Cronin professes he loved Gary like a brother but sure didn't treat him that way. Lots of jealous feelings on Kevin's part. Lost track of Gary before the drinking took it's toll. I also worked at the same place his Mom did and she kept me informed until she retired. Never got to see him after he moved back to the Peoria area but heard he was back to being more like the Gary we all learned to like and love so long ago.
I don't understand why people rag on people that are successful and put out music that gives people hope and good music to their ear That's what music is all about and these guys do it again and again when we're gone we want to have heard that
I grew up a metalhead and guitar player but this was the first video on MTV that got me interested in guitar playing. Gary was unbelievable and will be sorely missed. The guy just looked cool playing the guitar
Gary Richrath would have turned 73 today. Gary Dean Richrath October 18, 1949 Peoria, Illinois - September 13, 2015 Gary was originally a sax player. And self taught himself on the guitar.. I'm glad he did that.. Rock In Peace Gary..
REO live in the 70s was one of the best rock n roll concerts! They were on point! And they came to our small town every year. They put on a crowd smashing rock party! Gary was a superstar guitar man. RIP
Saw them several times when i was a teenager, they were huge and one of the favorites in the 70's. My fondest memory is when we graduated in 1977, my best friend bought a black Trans Am with T-Tops just like in Smokey and the Bandit, and we went cruisin with this song playing. Great memories!
Gary's guitar work inspired me in the '70's, I was thrilled when things skyrocketed after "Hi Infidelity" came out. I still listen to REO, but not as much after Gary left in '89. This video shows why I loved Gary's work. God Bless Gary, we'll be we forget you. #RIP
I saw REO probably 20 times in the 70s. They were my favorite band. Gary is so underrated. And he always had a smile on his face. 1 show in Charlotte NC it was REO and the Dobbie Brothers. Well Dobbie came out 1st. and don't get me wrong. Doobie is a great band. But they came out all sitting in chairs. Laid back music. Well REO came out last and it was like BAM...... Everyone was up. Cheering. Women standing on guys shoulders. They brought down the house. Kevin never gave Gary enough credit for being the show. He stole the show. Every night. RIP Gary.
Stephen Robinette I agree! What is up with that? Kevin acts like he wrote all of Gary’s songs! Kevin’s very talented but he’s absolutely no Gary Richrath.
Gary Richrath was incredible!! When you heard him on guitar you knew it was REO!! He wrote many REO songs. He was responsible for 99 percent of their success. I will always love him and his music!!
No question he was incredibly talented, but 99%? The entire rest of the band only gets 1% credit? No. Without Kevin’s voice, you might not even know who Gary was.
I agree, he’s talented. But I don’t think he wrote this song, or sang it on the original album. I remember this song came on the radio while I was at a restaurant in Arlington, Texas and my girlfriend said, “The singer of this band recorded this one album then got dropped for the singer he replaced!” That was a difficult concept for me to process. Good memories!
Due to this pandemic I've been watching alot of oldies from the 80s. Reo was and will always be my favorite rock band. And watching Gary playing his guitar like only he could is awesome. For me he was Reo Speedwagon. RIP.....oh! And he was so cute!
Gary was really great. If you like Gary, search Suburban 9 to 5. This was a local band that Gary was in, very popular in Central Illinois. My favorite is Elevator Operator. You can tell it's Gary, but need to realize he wasn't a seasoned musician but his style was/is still recognizable. Hope you enjoy!
One of the greatest performances with great memories of REO Speedwagon in the early 80's. We used to close parties down listening to this song in 1977 on the "REO Speedwagon, "You Get What You Play For" Live album!
I was actually pissed that when I got my first Les Paul as I had to get it in Black since I could not find a burst like Gary. It was this song, and Gary's Guitar Solo on You Get What You Play For that made me want to play guitar instead of drums.
@@sandipage9525 I think the fact that all the musical instruments are now just made using DJ equipment and the fact they want to pay only one person instead of 4+ ppl.with that one person being beautiful one way looks,they can be taught to perform! I lived n Florida for a few years and found the best station (101.1 WJRR) ORLANDO flo.well back n Ohio so I jam on it on I ❤️ app check it out they play the good alternative rock like the CREW, Zeppelin,stained 7 dust candle box ECT. ✓. It out
@@jondavis9191 I think you're right. As cynical as it sounds, it's easier to make someone sound good than it is to make them look good. Studio tricks can make anything sound like anything. The visual is a little harder to fake. Ever since MTV made the music video mainstream in the 80s, the music industry has become steadily more and more about image than sound.
Although I’ve not followed their career in many years, one of the best shows I ever saw was REO in Greensboro, NC in 1981 with Billy Squier opening. Their energy was unbelievable. I was hip enough even then to recognize when a band was “on” and they were that night. The combination of characters during that period with Richrath on guitar was special. The Hi-Infidelity era was an amazing time and looking back, I realize how much great music was present and released in 1981. Possibly one of the best years ever from start to finish.
Had the privilege to see REO when they were a "Headliner" Great concert.... Glad to see they are Still touring and playing Fantastic Rock and Roll !!We miss you Gary 🙏👍🎸😎
No one talks with their guitar the way Gary did! Absolutely incredible musician. Will always love and miss him. RIP, Gary. Even after almost a year since he's been gone, I am still having a difficult time with it.
My first live rock concert featured REOS at Irvine Meadows Amp in 1981. This same tour, these same players. I was hooked on live rock concerts at that very point as a just turned 14 yo HS freshman. Not a bad introduction to concert entertainment. Someone even started a bon fire in the upper grassy area where we were. Remember it like it was yesterday.
I just shared this with my colleagues, all of whom are working remotely now. The song says it all these days! I was having such a crappy day yesterday, and then I listened to this. And my spirits went right back up -- and remembering when I saw REO Speedwagon in at the old Spectrum in Philly in 1981 or 1982. RIP Gary -- such a great and underrated guitarist in such a great and underrated band!
Saw them at an outdoor theater and it started to pour rain while they were singing Ridin' The Storm Out! It was our 2 sons 1st concert & they loved it! They were performing with Styx! RIP, Gary!
Saw them twice !!! at my county fair in wisconsin. Absolutely destroyed this song! Had my arm up pumping both times! Awesome! Miss these guys and their music.
Most people seem to forget that when Gary was in his prime (before the "Top 10" REO days), back from '73-'78, he was America's best "slide" guitarist, taking over the title after Duane Allman passed on. Didn't get a chance to play slide very much after REO went POP 40, but I remember a show where they opened for Uriah Heep in New Orleans, back in '75. Gary was freakishly great back then. As a pure bluesman, he had only Billy Gibbons of ZZ top as an equal ( the same Billy Gibbons who Jimi Hendrix once called "America's greatest guitarist, and that includes me"). If anyone gets a chance, listen to some original REO, when they were just a band out of Champaigne, Ill., sharing the stage with Styx on local tours throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
I remember 198?, being a kindergartner. My uncle had a Pioneer Super Tuner stereo. It had a digital clock, built into the cassette door. He played this song. Good times back in the 80's before the internet.
Reo i a awesome group grew up.listening to.them now im.59 still.reminiing these gret days what a great era to be livig in life rock.on reo. Jimmy riley
I saw this concert my senior year in HS. One of the best ever at McNichols Sports arena. Wish I could have bootlegged a recording of the concert back then. This band just rocks and always will.
When a friend and I were 16, we went to her house in Marin county for xmas break from boarding school and when we got there, she told me, "hey, my mom wants to know if we want to go see REO but she said Rio Speedwagon" and we both snickered because her mom was old ie in her late 30s. Her mom drove us to the Oakland Coliseum and it was a great concert. What a great mom she was. Rest in peace.
My brother and sister were at this concert. It sucks the way things turned out, but Richrath was the fire, Cronan was just a log. Should have been happy enough to be in the fire.
Gary Richrath was a guitar god! I saw him play many times live in the 70’s and 80’s. After he left, I had no desire to see REO again. A total shame. What a loss. RIP Gary
Oh I love REO Speedwagon and I love this song as well REO Speedwagon the greatest classic rock band that ever was they are great and I love this song as well keep on rockin REO Speedwagon 👍🎶🎵🎸🎵🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
So much respect for this band.They came and Rocked Northern Ireland in the 80's when other so called big bands woudn't give us the time a day.See them at every opportunity i can.Did i say they still Rock! :)
Video number 106 on MTV August they played alot of Reo Speedwagon songs than anyone else baring Rod Stewart who had more and one or two songs got played a few times this was done in 1973 but at that time another leash of life in 81 to be blessed and part of the greatest decade of all time never to forget miss it so much oh hail the 80s
recsec I do! I came here because I was listening to a lot of music from that period tonight. I logged into TH-cam just to look up this video, Triumph’s Fight the Good Fight, Styx and a couple of others. Great memories from watching MTV waaaay back when!
MTV came late to my home town. I first saw it when I went to Minnesota for a wedding. The songs I remember then we're Rainbow; Stone Cold(Joe Lynn Turner vocals) and Def Leppard; Mirror, Mirror. By the time it got to my town it was dominated by Thompson Twins and Madonna until Headbangers Ball came on.
Saw them in 77 in Saginaw, Mi and again in 80 in San Antonio, TX. Missed most of the San Antonio concert as I had to be taken to the hospital for a broken ankle. Loved their performance.
This song was tweaked as the band played it untold times and they really began to feel it. At closing time it had morphed into this classic. Same goes for Freebird. The first recorded version sounds like a distant relative of the final years of the live version. RIP Gary.
It's like the studio version of "I want you to want me," sounds gutless compared to the live versions that came better known. The studio version of this song with Mike Murphy is about 40 percent more tame.
This truly the theme song for all of us National Park Service employees who spend the winter in Yellowstone, we may be isolated but we are blessed in these times.
I absolutely love this video. I have it recorded on VHS but now I can finally see it again in all its glory especially Gary Richrath! He is so damn sexy with his guitar moves. Just found a photo of me and him when we met in Park City, Utah in 1987. I got back stage passes and also partied with them at their hotel. Gary was so nice!!!
Gary Richrath, no pedals, no cutie pie effects. He's one player where it was all in his hands. Still love and appreciate his work all these years later. Brilliant live player. RIP
@@stevecontini5386 But their fire and ice, soft and sweet and raw explosive styles melded into some great songs!
He used a wah-wah pedal. I know. I watched him play live before the band descended into syrupy dreck. He and Alex Lifeson inspired me to buy one.
Amen
@@MathHammer any idea what kind of wah pedal he used?
Gary Richrath is one of my favorite guitar players. I love to watch these old videos and listen to him
One of my absolute favorite memories of this song… Early 80’s, A sold out show at the Wisconsin State Fair just outside Milwaukee. A wicked summer downpour happened right before the band was about to take the stage…. Management wanted to cancel, REO said no, we’re playing. An hour delay as the storm cleared, the Wisconsin crowd got more beer in them, the stage was cleared off with squeegees and REO opened with Riding the Storm Out and the place went absolutely ballistic!!!! I still get goose bumps recalling that moment! One of my favorite concerts ever!
That's an awesome story I was born in 82. I wasn't even there but I miss it
As we get a blizzard soon in Wisconsin, put this on to find your story taking me on a journey back in time. Yes, we don't get cold. We get drunk here in WI, lol. Still mourning his brother Sean Cronin telling us the weather. R.I.P.
That's f*cking AWESOME!
That's so Awesome.
this is what I'll be doing next couple of days in NW Wisconsin..2/21/23..except my wine bottle will NOT be low..lol
I was a stage roadie for them in 1978 in Little Rock Arkansas. They are as nice and cordial as they are great musicians. Too bad Gary left. He is still, to me, one of the top 5 guitarists to ever live.
Tragic loss, such a great guitarist and a true gentlemen that I had the pleasure of meeting. I'll never forget how powerful his guitar spoke to me.
Same for me- top 5!!
In the top 5 to me too. I've never heard anyone duplicate his playing. RIP Gary!
First song I ever heard live at a concert. Most underrated band of all time!
And that was their real hair lol
@@carlahicks9650😂😂😂
Gary was won of the best lead guitarist that most people don't know. REO had their radio play, but many people didn't know the names of the musicians in the band. He and Bruce Hall were phenomenal. RIP Gary.
AGREED!!!!!
I knew all the original members of the band! And yes so much talent!
Ur right REO NEVER NEW , 😣
Very well said!!
yes they had a ton of history before that kevin guy ever joined them he was a contract baby ..
gary was a great guy sweet kind had a boyish charm twinkle in his eye always very flirty but in a innocent way never came off as a jerk but he was a man not a punk heavy heart just to think about him gee wiz
My first concert was REO 1981 at the Pine Knob music theater just outside of Detroit, blew my mind, started playing drums the very next day! I’m 61 now and still banging on the skins to REO, thanks for the memories!
Mine was REO at Cedar Falls Iowa 1981.
This video and the one for Roll With The Changes were on MTV regularly and still my favorite videos they showed. I’m 60 and have always been influenced by Gary Richrath and the other usual suspects with the sunburst Les Paul into a Marshall from the 70s. Great stuff
Michigan girl here. Great memories of Pine Knob and all the great bands that played that stage while we watched under the stars
@@suzettemckee4423 Canadian across from Port Huron. I spent a lot of my misguided youth in the 70s at Pine Knob. Too many bands to mention. So glad they returned it to the proper name.
That’s where I’m headed Sunday Pine Knob to see REO
1981, one hell of a year for excellent music 🎶. God I miss that time period
A relic from a vanished era
KIck ass song 🎵 👌 😍
Dude me too
If I make it to heaven, I hope they allow me to see the 80s.
@@danielmarinucci7708me as well
I've never seen a guitar player make it look so easy. Miss you, Gary. You were a special, special talent.
He's badass understand
Absolutely. One of the Top 10 greatest non-Metal guitarists ever.
and how! 197...9 summertime, floor, gen admin, blue plastic tarp.... this song and the deluge xo
Hooray for Mister Gary Richrath
Underrated!!!
Seen REO several times live and never get tired of seeing how good the band was back n the 80's.
No body plays like Gary any more. Damn I miss those days.
@ted ritola Lol this concert was from 1981, the year MTV went on the air. The song came out in 73.
I saw them several times live in the 70s & 80s and were among the better live bands.
@@BoltRM they were a GREAT LIVE BAND to see back when Gary was with them.......so true
Yep came out in 1973 LOVE THE 70s ,,
Do You know what an REO Speedwagon was? I do
I've sat in one.
REO was very underrated. Most people remember them for power ballads like "Keep on Loving You" and "Take it on the Run"....but this song and several others on Hi-infidelity prove that when they wanted to, they could straight out Rock.
Yes
Not underrated.... Under appreciated.. Just like Frampton was back in the day
No one talks with their guitar the way Gary does One of the most bad ass guitar players ever.
Agreed! His guitar playing was a very key ingredient to their mega success, he was a beast
one of the most incredible songs ever done....was there 35 years ago at the concert....still today sends chills down the spine.
Caught the same concert. San Diego 1981. REO rocked
Agreed
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN...R.I.P. Gary Richrath you will always be the sound of REO Speedwagon....
the guitar solo he played on the song (keep loving you) that was his trademark for many decades to come, more likely for eternity.
I think he was great on about every solo he did. I really like to hear him do back on the road again too. It always comes to mind when I here REO, along with Role With The Changes
Gary Riff Raff was one of my closest friends that hurt Eddie Van Halen why we leaving our soldiers behind we promised
They're on our way to heaven hello I talked to Valerie just love them I got a new one for you if you like it babe that's who you say you are
@@perrywatkins9251 please elaborate what hurt Eddie Van Halen? And they are already with the father.
The siren sound has always gotten me! 40yrs this never ever ever gets old.
Never🤍
REO Speedwagon will always be Badass. I was at that concert in 1981. McNicoles arena. Gary Richrath you will be forever missed.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you do live, arena rock-n-roll.
Born in the late 60's and being introduced to this material while leaning how to ride a two stroke motorcycle! Rock like this never dies.
Yes REO in 2023. I seen them live in 1981. My goodness they rocked. Beat band I have ever seen live and I have seen a lot of concerts. Tickets were 10 dollars. No ticketmaster.
love this band!
no auto tune...alot of live shows where guitars were still plugged in (corded).
and they still kicked ass...
the best REO Speedwagon song that there ever was
Down by the Dam rocked too....
I Agree Their Best Song!!
My personal fave is "Roll with the Changes" but "Riding the Storm Out" has the best guitar work.
Objectively true
Keep on loving you is the best.
i feel actually sorry for the kids who never Had the chance to experience music of the 70s and 80s they truly were the Best of Time's in music 🎵🎶❤❤❤❤ aww thank you all who made growing up during this era in music Unforgettable ❤
I say it all the time - it's worth being old now to have been young then.
I truly feel sorry for young people today - there seems to be so little joy in their lives.
When ROCK TRULY ROLLED !!!! Thank you for all the great memories Gary . You were the man ....
1970 To 1979 Was Fantastic
Nice to read these great and heartfelt comments on Gary..like most of you Reo was one of the many great bands that i grew up listening to and was fortunate enough to see "Live"..along with Zeppelin,,Rush .Golden Earring ..just to name a few..,,for those of us who had the same opportunity I am sure we all miss those times and for those who are getting to know these Bands and their music I hope you enjoy,,,
I saw them 1969 Detweiller Park, Peoria, Illinois. The rains came and they asked for volunteers to hold the plastic over them to keep playing at the outdoor concert. It was one of the best performances I had the privilege to see under the influence of some sort of hallucinogen.......
Three of the most underrated musicians in rock history...Richrath, Douty, and Gratzer.
I've seen Peart, Colaiuta, Grohl, Thompson (Chester and Paul), both Starkeys, and many more... Alan Gratzer is right up there.
RIP Gary Richrath,, always one of my favorite guitarist growing up. I could always pick out his playing. One of the most underrated guitarists of the 70’s and 80’s. REO packed full of great musicians as well. RIP my man GR.. you were one of a kind.
R.I.P Gary Richrath! Thanks for leaving your mark in Rock n Roll...
Gary richrath
As one gets older you truly understand the meaning of riding the storm out!
Another classic band that sounds better live than they do on their studio albums. I was a teenager in the late '60s and early 70s but my youngest brother turned me on to this band. REO wasn't considered "hard" rock, but they sure left everything on stage. Great tune.
First saw them in Feb. 1975 in Pittsburgh, just turned 14. Was there there to see Humble Pie. Never heard of REO Speedwagon, then they came out and this guy started shredding on his Gibson Les Paul and me and my buddies were blown away. Most underrated rock guitar player ever. Very sad how it ended. R.I.P. Gary Richrath.
Agreed. 1977 in Palladium in NY after Judah Priest. Gary was incredible and mesmerizing. This band rocked.
@@terrytwibell5560 Absolutely! We were saying who the hell is REO Speedwagon but really didn't care because we were there to see the Pie. The whole arena was freaking out over his hard core jamming. That was over 40 years ago and I'm still playing his jams.
San Diego California 1981 opening act didn't show. REO played for over 3 hours taking liberty to go OFF. Ridin' the Storm Out was 15 minutes long being the 3rd and final encore. Rock and Roll is what we all did that night. Greatest One act concert I ever attended . Reo Speedwagon ROCK ON
That was what they were until songs like CFTF came along. In the cftf video you an see such a difference in Gary. He did not want to play that stuff. He was a rock n roll star, that's what he wanted to do. After he and Cronin had their differences, and Gary left, you could say that was the end of the REAL REOSW. In the early days Gary worked really hard with the original band members to get them off the ground, and how fortunate was Cronin, way back then that Gary/REO hired him. Gary was the standard of REOSW, in so very many ways. What you have now is simply a cover band. The energy that Gary brought is no longer there. While this guitarist has to play songs that Gary wrote night after night, because they sure do tour often, he just can't be or bring what Gary did, which was so much to the band, the concerts, the fans, and his loved ones. Davis I would say that was quite a show, 3 hours long, and a fifteen minute version of Ridin The Storm Out on the third encore. It says so much of what they WERE back then. Will never, ever even come close today in 2019. Rock On to you as well!
R&R D&G S&K
Now to me this is a great hard rock song. I can feel this tune, Gary’s on fire he knows it.just look at the smile on his face,this songs been on my play list since it came out this version with Kevin singing
Love it!! Im 14 and I tried out for the talent show with this song and I made it!!!! I am so excited to play it in front of my entire school!!!!!!!
Thanks for passing the torch of Rock & Roll young man! Very proud of you! Rock on
@@roaldyboy
That was ten years ago. He's a old geezer now🙂
My favorite REO song! My lord they are so awesome in concert!! This song ......oh man...no words!!!
So unbelievably sad to hear of Gary's passing. He may not be the "guitar god" to most, but he left an indelible mark on my teen years. Thank you Gary.
He was a guitar God though. Imagine what he's doing now? I read someplace where his wife showed him that he was worth something. If he only knew how we felt about him then, maybe things would have turned out better for him!
@@edarnold1426 I agree 100%. Thanks for your wonderful comment.
Gary was talented even back in High School. On You Tube music channel, put in Suburban 9 to 5. Only a couple of videos with still pictures. Gary's talent still shines through. Got to know him through the lead singer of Suburban 9 to 5 who was an old friend. This was around 1967. Their rendition of Elevator Operator is my favorite. Gary had dark brown hair back then! Edited for type-o's.
@@ohmama1870 I have looked up 9 to 5 and you are correct. The way it sounds Gary was just to nice of a guy, and got taken advantage of by everyone. It's really sad to think of someone so gifted and nice to being taken advantage of like that. Those people have his blood on their hands, and helped him on the direction that he took. I'm guessing that Gary would never think of doing that to anyone, at least not intentionally. I hope and pray that Gary knows now how much his music and playing was loved, and how many lives he changed for the good.
@@edarnold1426 Gary could be a nice kid but he also pulled some stunts that resulted in several of the Peoria, IL music scene not like him. They admired his talent and were happy that he made it in the big time but his stunts were not nice. He also was beginning to get a big head, which is easy to do when constantly praised for his talent. The ones who really treated him badly and what I think (right or wrong) were the ones in California. Kevin Cronin professes he loved Gary like a brother but sure didn't treat him that way. Lots of jealous feelings on Kevin's part. Lost track of Gary before the drinking took it's toll. I also worked at the same place his Mom did and she kept me informed until she retired. Never got to see him after he moved back to the Peoria area but heard he was back to being more like the Gary we all learned to like and love so long ago.
I don't understand why people rag on people that are successful and put out music that gives people hope and good music to their ear That's what music is all about and these guys do it again and again when we're gone we want to have heard that
I grew up a metalhead and guitar player but this was the first video on MTV that got me interested in guitar playing. Gary was unbelievable and will be sorely missed. The guy just looked cool playing the guitar
Gary Richrath would have turned 73 today.
Gary Dean Richrath October 18, 1949 Peoria, Illinois - September 13, 2015
Gary was originally a sax player. And self taught himself on the guitar..
I'm glad he did that.. Rock In Peace Gary..
REO live in the 70s was one of the best rock n roll concerts! They were on point! And they came to our small town every year. They put on a crowd smashing rock party! Gary was a superstar guitar man. RIP
Incredible....I saw them on this tour at Madison Square Garden, tickets were a gift from my girlfriend for my 21st birthday. Unforgettable night!!!
How could any rockin roller not love that tune. Many others. Many tame. This band has always touched my soul.
Saw them several times when i was a teenager, they were huge and one of the favorites in the 70's. My fondest memory is when we graduated in 1977, my best friend bought a black Trans Am with T-Tops just like in Smokey and the Bandit, and we went cruisin with this song playing. Great memories!
Effin' band! So glad to have survived this era of my life.
😅
SO I AM FLIPPING THRU SONGS ONHERE AND SEE A COMMENT FROM 4 YEARS AGO BY ME ..........wow life can kick your ass and fast .....
Gary's guitar work inspired me in the '70's, I was thrilled when things skyrocketed after "Hi Infidelity" came out. I still listen to REO, but not as much after Gary left in '89. This video shows why I loved Gary's work. God Bless Gary, we'll be we forget you. #RIP
Man I loved Gary's style he was a very gifted player......... hate that he's gone
Gary did So much for REO! RIP Gary, you did not sell out to what they have become...your fans miss you much....R&R
I saw REO probably 20 times in the 70s. They were my favorite band. Gary is so underrated. And he always had a smile on his face. 1 show in Charlotte NC it was REO and the Dobbie Brothers. Well Dobbie came out 1st. and don't get me wrong. Doobie is a great band. But they came out all sitting in chairs. Laid back music. Well REO came out last and it was like BAM...... Everyone was up. Cheering. Women standing on guys shoulders. They brought down the house. Kevin never gave Gary enough credit for being the show. He stole the show. Every night. RIP Gary.
Stephen Robinette I agree! What is up with that? Kevin acts like he wrote all of Gary’s songs! Kevin’s very talented but he’s absolutely no Gary Richrath.
Gary Richrath was incredible!! When you heard him on guitar you knew it was REO!! He wrote many REO songs. He was responsible for 99 percent of their success. I will always love him and his music!!
No question he was incredibly talented, but 99%? The entire rest of the band only gets 1% credit? No. Without Kevin’s voice, you might not even know who Gary was.
Gary was the King of Cool!
He just played so beautifully and effortlessly! One of a kind!
Kevin Cronin just does NOT get enough credit for being a hell of a rock & roll song writer. Listen to some of the lyrics of their songs. BRILLIANT
I agree, he’s talented. But I don’t think he wrote this song, or sang it on the original album.
I remember this song came on the radio while I was at a restaurant in Arlington, Texas and my girlfriend said, “The singer of this band recorded this one album then got dropped for the singer he replaced!” That was a difficult concept for me to process.
Good memories!
Gary Richrath wrote this song.
Every great 70's rock band had a signature rock anthem. This was REO's.
Boooo on the 80s , REO Rocked in the 70s ,,,, Not at all in the 80s ,,
Gary was a gifted musician, such style and flair
They all were.
One of the best ever.
Gary is one helluvah guitar player! He can rejuvenate your spirit!!
no one could rock this song like GARY RICHRATH....he could flat out play the guitar like no other....RIP GARY!
Due to this pandemic I've been watching alot of oldies from the 80s. Reo was and will always be my favorite rock band. And watching Gary playing his guitar like only he could is awesome. For me he was Reo Speedwagon. RIP.....oh! And he was so cute!
Gary was really great. If you like Gary, search Suburban 9 to 5. This was a local band that Gary was in, very popular in Central Illinois. My favorite is Elevator Operator. You can tell it's Gary, but need to realize he wasn't a seasoned musician but his style was/is still recognizable. Hope you enjoy!
He was GORGEOUS!
One of the greatest performances with great memories of REO Speedwagon in the early 80's. We used to close parties down listening to this song in 1977 on the "REO Speedwagon, "You Get What You Play For" Live album!
double live!
Going to see Reo again in July!! Remembering the good times all over again.
One of the reasons I play guitar still to this day. Gary was a blast on that old Les Paul
I was actually pissed that when I got my first Les Paul as I had to get it in Black since I could not find a burst like Gary. It was this song, and Gary's Guitar Solo on You Get What You Play For that made me want to play guitar instead of drums.
I love that the common theme in REO videos is how awesome Gary is!! REO was my very first concert back in 1979 and Gary just fucking shredded it.
The time when talent was a requirement to be in the music industry
Amen and Amen !
Born n 72 I wish I was a teenager n the late 70's although I would b ten years older but it would have been worth it!!!
Yeah, what happened ?...
@@sandipage9525 I think the fact that all the musical instruments are now just made using DJ equipment and the fact they want to pay only one person instead of 4+ ppl.with that one person being beautiful one way looks,they can be taught to perform! I lived n Florida for a few years and found the best station (101.1 WJRR) ORLANDO flo.well back n Ohio so I jam on it on I ❤️ app check it out they play the good alternative rock like the CREW, Zeppelin,stained 7 dust candle box ECT. ✓. It out
@@jondavis9191 I think you're right. As cynical as it sounds, it's easier to make someone sound good than it is to make them look good. Studio tricks can make anything sound like anything. The visual is a little harder to fake. Ever since MTV made the music video mainstream in the 80s, the music industry has become steadily more and more about image than sound.
Although I’ve not followed their career in many years, one of the best shows I ever saw was REO in Greensboro, NC in 1981 with Billy Squier opening. Their energy was unbelievable. I was hip enough even then to recognize when a band was “on” and they were that night. The combination of characters during that period with Richrath on guitar was special. The Hi-Infidelity era was an amazing time and looking back, I realize how much great music was present and released in 1981. Possibly one of the best years ever from start to finish.
I'm riding the storm out with, Jesus Christ! Couldn't think of a better friend to Be with during a storm! HE IS AWESOME!!!!!!
Absolutely!! There is no other name then Jesus the Christ Amen!!@
His name is Gary Richrath.
I seen them over 100 times in the Midwest of Michigan to Virginia !! Always a great show !!!
Gary richrath was one of the most underrated Rock God lead guitar players on Earth! The 1970s were a blast! By far the best decade for classic rock!
Had the privilege to see REO when they were a "Headliner" Great concert.... Glad to see they are Still touring and playing Fantastic Rock and Roll !!We miss you Gary 🙏👍🎸😎
No one talks with their guitar the way Gary did! Absolutely incredible musician. Will always love and miss him. RIP, Gary. Even after almost a year since he's been gone, I am still having a difficult time with it.
My first live rock concert featured REOS at Irvine Meadows Amp in 1981. This same tour, these same players. I was hooked on live rock concerts at that very point as a just turned 14 yo HS freshman.
Not a bad introduction to concert entertainment. Someone even started a bon fire in the upper grassy area where we were.
Remember it like it was yesterday.
I just shared this with my colleagues, all of whom are working remotely now. The song says it all these days!
I was having such a crappy day yesterday, and then I listened to this. And my spirits went right back up -- and remembering when I saw REO Speedwagon in at the old Spectrum in Philly in 1981 or 1982.
RIP Gary -- such a great and underrated guitarist in such a great and underrated band!
Same😊 i saw them in 1980 at the El Paso coliseum.....memories
Saw them at an outdoor theater and it started to pour rain while they were singing Ridin' The Storm Out! It was our 2 sons 1st concert & they loved it! They were performing with Styx! RIP, Gary!
Saw them twice !!! at my county fair in wisconsin. Absolutely destroyed this song! Had my arm up pumping both times! Awesome! Miss these guys and their music.
What a great song that is now 50 years old..
How dang fun must it be to be in a band with hits like this, and what you love to do makes people jump around for joy. Max self actualization.
Most people seem to forget that when Gary was in his prime (before the "Top 10" REO days), back from '73-'78, he was America's best "slide" guitarist, taking over the title after Duane Allman passed on. Didn't get a chance to play slide very much after REO went POP 40, but I remember a show where they opened for Uriah Heep in New Orleans, back in '75. Gary was freakishly great back then. As a pure bluesman, he had only Billy Gibbons of ZZ top as an equal ( the same Billy Gibbons who Jimi Hendrix once called "America's greatest guitarist, and that includes me"). If anyone gets a chance, listen to some original REO, when they were just a band out of Champaigne, Ill., sharing the stage with Styx on local tours throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
The early stuff rocks
Yes indeed!
gary is bad azzz i didnt realize how good he was until i saw a few videos wish i could have seen him in person back in the day!!! RIP rock on gary
I remember 198?, being a kindergartner. My uncle had a Pioneer Super Tuner stereo. It had a digital clock, built into the cassette door. He played this song.
Good times back in the 80's before the internet.
One of my favorite albums of my youth, You can tuna a piano but you can't tuna a fish!
Yes Girl!
Gary is a guitar god. REO was never the same after he left. He was the Rocker of the band.
RIP Gary Richrath. You were one of the greats, and it was never REo Speedwagon without you.
Reo i a awesome group grew up.listening to.them now im.59 still.reminiing these gret days what a great era to be livig in life rock.on reo. Jimmy riley
I saw this concert my senior year in HS. One of the best ever at McNichols Sports arena. Wish I could have bootlegged a recording of the concert back then. This band just rocks and always will.
When a friend and I were 16, we went to her house in Marin county for xmas break from boarding school and when we got there, she told me, "hey, my mom wants to know if we want to go see REO but she said Rio Speedwagon" and we both snickered because her mom was old ie in her late 30s. Her mom drove us to the Oakland Coliseum and it was a great concert. What a great mom she was. Rest in peace.
My brother and sister were at this concert. It sucks the way things turned out, but Richrath was the fire, Cronan was just a log. Should have been happy enough to be in the fire.
Gary Richrath was a guitar god! I saw him play many times live in the 70’s and 80’s. After he left, I had no desire to see REO again. A total shame. What a loss. RIP Gary
I saw them in Dallas in '81, and they rocked the house. One of my favorite concerts ever!
Oh I love REO Speedwagon and I love this song as well REO Speedwagon the greatest classic rock band that ever was they are great and I love this song as well keep on rockin REO Speedwagon 👍🎶🎵🎸🎵🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
So much respect for this band.They came and Rocked Northern Ireland in the 80's when other so called big bands woudn't give us the time a day.See them at every opportunity i can.Did i say they still Rock! :)
Video number 106 on MTV August they played alot of Reo Speedwagon songs than anyone else baring Rod Stewart who had more and one or two songs got played a few times this was done in 1973 but at that time another leash of life in 81 to be blessed and part of the greatest decade of all time never to forget miss it so much oh hail the 80s
This is the video that made the rounds on MTV back when they were music oriented.
Who remembers that??
recsec I do! I came here because I was listening to a lot of music from that period tonight. I logged into TH-cam just to look up this video, Triumph’s Fight the Good Fight, Styx and a couple of others. Great memories from watching MTV waaaay back when!
Old enough to remember when MTV played music videos all day.
Now those VJ's arw hosting shows on SXM Classic Rewind.
I was at this concert! April 26, 1981!!!!!
Fish Gutz lbt*;:k
MTV came late to my home town. I first saw it when I went to Minnesota for a wedding. The songs I remember then we're Rainbow; Stone Cold(Joe Lynn Turner vocals) and Def Leppard; Mirror, Mirror. By the time it got to my town it was dominated by Thompson Twins and Madonna until Headbangers Ball came on.
Saw them in 77 in Saginaw, Mi and again in 80 in San Antonio, TX. Missed most of the San Antonio concert as I had to be taken to the hospital for a broken ankle. Loved their performance.
Those 35 dislikes have no idea what a classic and a rock legend sounds like lol wow
THANKS GARY, FOR HELPING ALL OF US REO FANS TO RIDE THE STORM OUT!!!!!!. ANOTHER GREAT MUSICIAN ADDED TO THE LIST OF ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN!!!!!.
2019..still ridin the storm out!
still ridin it out in 2020
A'ho
Buckle up in 2021
2021. Still ridin
One of the best of 70s rock, but very underrated. Its such a shame. I have this song from reo Speedwagon collection. One of my favorite.
This song was tweaked as the band played it untold times and they really began to feel it. At closing time it had morphed into this classic. Same goes for Freebird. The first recorded version sounds like a distant relative of the final years of the live version. RIP Gary.
It's like the studio version of "I want you to want me," sounds gutless compared to the live versions that came better known. The studio version of this song with Mike Murphy is about 40 percent more tame.
This truly the theme song for all of us National Park Service employees who spend the winter in Yellowstone, we may be isolated but we are blessed in these times.
Garry keep practicing social distancing 😷😷❤️❤️
I got my first inkling that I’d like to play guitar by watching this on Don Kirschner’s rock concert. So cool!
This was my first concert REO Speedwagon 1978 had a great time.
I've just been Richrathed and it felt so good!
Love that! I needed to get Get Richrathed today!!!
First time hearing this song was in in 1978. I was in Greely, Loveland/ Este Park COLORADO yes!!!!. Perfect band , perfect landscape , awesome song.
I absolutely love this video. I have it recorded on VHS but now I can finally see it again in all its glory especially Gary Richrath! He is so damn sexy with his guitar moves. Just found a photo of me and him when we met in Park City, Utah in 1987. I got back stage passes and also partied with them at their hotel. Gary was so nice!!!
almost 40 yrs ago and Gary is still one of the best guitarists of all time....this band rocked....so good....love you all....
In my top three favorite songs of all time. Thank you Gary Richrath; You will be missed.