Gary Richrath smokes here. for all the fellow comments on this song I have to say. We all know he was the man back in the day he is our private treasure from back before REO SPEEDWAGON hit it big and everyone else discovered how great they were. just to know there is other people out there that can appreciate a guitar player like Gary restores my faith in mankind"God Bless You."
gary was always able to play exactly what was on the song without a flaw. this shows how underrated he really is. They were very powerful in concert and sounded a lot harder than on record.
Being in my late 40s it's strange to see these guys I grew up on leave this world. I guess this sort of thing happens to every generation as the people they admire age on out. If I make it to my 70s 80s or even 90s it will be strange that there will have long sense been no more of the real rockers with us. RIP Gary Richrath…
A true look into what seeing what a band can do without being caught up in all the radio pop hits. Gary Richrath was the band and the band went south when they got rid of him. Epic even dropped them when they did that. All over his and Kevin's creative differences. Well, Kevin, there's a difference between keeping something afloat and thriving.
My friends...I've said it before and I'll say it again...Gary was smokin HOT!! Nice backside...I could use a carton of cigarettes and a nap right about now! No one could play that guitar the way he did. Hot Damn...
gary is a very unappreciated guitarist. i grew up in east peoria and went school with his son. reo was a great rock and roll band. in my humble opinion he is one of the best of his era. (call me a homer), but reo was big in the late 70's and early to mid 80's with alot of air play along with a hbo concert in the mid 80's. also he is great to party with. that is all we had to do in east peoria. he is a .legend in the midwest
I too went to school in E. Peoria (Germantown Hills) and one of the people I went to school with had a brother that was a DJ with WWCT and knew Gary. I began playing guitar then and he has always been one of my teachers! oo bad kids today do not have the same as we did. My son and his friends all say our music was the best!
Richratch was REO's sound. Outstanding guitar player. He is also a terrific songwriter. Credit should be given when due. I found it ironic that when and Cronin forced him out (right after Gratzer left), the band waned. Yes, REO is still on the circuit and going at it as much as Kevin's voice will allow nowadays. To me Gratzer, Doughty, Richrath, Hall and Cronin, are and always will be, the Reo I know and love even tho I don't accept or appreciate the circumstances of the power grab by Cronin.
@1972mustangsonicboom With all due respect friend but apparently just you know about cars!!!, Gary was, is and will always be one of the best Lead Guitar I've heard in my life!!!
@briandavisradio I agree with you, only accolades to Gary by fans who actually know about music, I have 28 years listening to REO Speedwagon!!! and no expert critic can doing this with any band, including any academy supposedly specialized in the music!, because it is incredible that REO Speedwagon with 44 years of artistic career has not even won a GRAMMY, I imagine the same thing happens with very good bands in USA and around the world, but I only hear REO Speedwagon awesome wonderful music!!!
Hey everybody!!! thank you very much for your comments, i don't know because some don't I get notification by email, I got read them all and realized that there was much without approval!!!
So many good comments here! And "thumbs up" is disabled. Well... yep. Good stuff. Gary felt Rock. Few can wear those pink tops and carry themselves. And he does own one of the top 5 stances in Rock.
You can say what you want about REO Speedwagon, but it was the 5 guys that made this band. Gary and Kevin didn't do it alone. They all had their own talents and put it all together is what made REO!!
@MrSmokeydog Back in the early days of MTV when they didn't have enough videos to fill up a whole day....They would just play concert footage over and over.....This and Judas Priest Live in Memphis
Gary played a very unique style of guitar. Its was simple but no one else played liek this. I used to have the album back in hte 70s. Funny when I finally found the CD a few months back, the solo was left out. Very disappointing. That solo was jsut too much fun to leave off.
@johnnyw12 I agree with you!!, I knew this band thanks to the chords on the Piano and Keyboards of Neal Doughty!! In Your Letter make me know REO Speedwagon wonderful world!!!, and thanks to the unmistakable Voice of the Best Singer in the world!!! Kevin Cronin, and the Best Lead Guitar Gary Richrath!!!, and the Awesome Drummer Alan Gratzer!!! and the Best Bass Guitar Bruce Hall!!!, are 28 years that I have heared to wonderful music of REO Speedwagon!!!,,,
LIVE INFIDELITY???? Good God what a great show that was. It was also an MTV Saturday night concert when MTV stood for MUSIC Television. Boy have they taken SUCKING to monumental heights. "Back in the day" truly means something when it comes to good clean rock.
I beleave gary was the heart of the band.after his leave by kevin due to his addiction I beleave that's when thay went south seen them7 times all with gary on lead still love the old stuff
Back in the early days of MTV when they didn't have enough videos to fill up a whole day....They would just play concert footage over and over.....This and Judas Priest Live in Memphis
@fucia11 I agree with you, Dave and Bryan came at a time when most needed and thanks to them has been able to continue enjoying REO Speedwagon music!!!!! and of course thanks to Kevin, and Bruce Neal too!!!, Gary and Dave have different styles of playing the same instrument, like Alan and Bryan, so, Yeah!!! I give credit to all those who have been part of this wonderful dream called REO Speedwagon, but I'm too honest I like Gary's Style play guitar so much, i think Gary is the best Lead Guitar!!
@fucia11 I have a 27 years listening to REO Speedwagon music!!!, and I support the current line up of REO Speedwagon too!!! and I disagree with Gary to return to the band definitely, but I support the idea that Gary could play some shows as guest musician like a part of the celebration of 30 anniversary of Hi Infidelity album!!!, which is a record that became famous to REO Speedwagon around the world and Gary is part of great succes of REO Speedwagon, and I think he deserves it.
@1972mustangsonicboom if you are a musician should have more respect with colleagues, I went to five REO Speedwagon concert and know personally, I have 28 years hearing his music almost daily and REO Speedwagon!!! is the best Rock 'N Roll band to me!!!, I don't need to hear other bands because their music makes me happy!!!if you have 40 years playing bass, you play good no doubt but that does not mean it you're a VIRTUOSO like is Gary Richrath!!! or Paco de Lucia, Carlos Santana...
1:35,that unforgettable tone.Its like I am a skinny teen again in the comfort of my Parents house with the fan on the window and a glass of Tang.Instead of hanging around with hobos and drinking Bud light.
@tadnecty : I agree it comes down to taste. I will go on record in saying that nobody plays the guitar like Gary......or Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Angus Young, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and the list goes on. Each is unique in their sound, style, and tuning of their instruments. All are great.
@notfragile33 I totally agree with your comment very successful!!!, NOBODY PLAYS GUITAR LIKE GARY!!!!!. AND NOBODY PLAYS BASKETBALL LIKE MICHAEL JORDAN!!!!!, is a good analogy!!!, You know what? is scientifically proven that Michael Jordan is the smartest man in the world to play basketball while his play led to another definition of intelligence!!!!!...
Does anyone have the video of Kevin telling the story about near plane crash they were in just before this song starts? I remember hearing it on a simulcast when I was kid, but I havn't heard it in years. If not the video, does anyone know where the audio exists?
One of the best guitar players there was. He was so Under rated
Another tremendous guitarist gone to that great gig in the sky. RIP Gary, REO was never the same without you.
Gary Richrath smokes here. for all the fellow
comments on this song I have to say. We
all know he was the man back in the day
he is our private treasure from back before
REO SPEEDWAGON hit it big and everyone
else discovered how great they were. just to
know there is other people out there that can
appreciate a guitar player like Gary restores
my faith in mankind"God Bless You."
He really was a classic rock guitar player in the true sense of the word..not overly technical but very soulful,creative,toneful and unique
One bad ass guitar player. Love that tone. This music was a big part of my youth. Sad loss!!! RIP!
Gary Richrath is the most underrated rock guitarist because he is definitely one of the best but never gets his just accolades.
Gary Richrath is Awsome. Know one talks with there guitar the way Gary does!!!!!!!!!
Gary was SO GREAT and SO FUN TO WATCH, TOO!!
+Dennis Cassley RIP Gary
That's the way I remember Gary. Wow! Rest in peace.
RIP Gary! Such an underrated guitarist gone.
RIP Gary. One of the best, and a great entertainer too. Thanx for all the great songs and solos
Now THIS, is a guitar god. God Bless you Gary, peace be with you.
RIP Gary Richrath. You were truly one of a kind. :)
Gary played TO the crowd, not just FOR them. Rest In Peace, Gary.
p.s. you looked great in those leather pants ;)
I always thought that Gary was one of the greatest guitarists of all time!
Les Paul and Marshall - winning combination, great tone
Gary has always been one of my Favorite Guitarists !! He's brilliant !!!
This is what "You rock" truly is. Of cousre not just Reo Speedwagon but many rock bands.
RIP Gary Richrath. One of the great songs of the guitar rock era.
gary was always able to play exactly what was on the song without a flaw. this shows how underrated he really is. They were very powerful in concert and sounded a lot harder than on record.
Love the curly guitar chord!
Rest in Peace my man !
You will bring another great guitar sound to the big band up there !
I saw REO back in 1977 at Solider Field Super bowl of Rock!! That group of guys was the best. Once they got to commercial it was over!!
R.I.P Gary. you will be missed.
"There ain't nobody who talks with his guitar the way Gary does!"
RIP. An American slinger.
I'm in tears. Rest in peace, dear one.
Being in my late 40s it's strange to see these guys I grew up on leave this world. I guess this sort of thing happens to every generation as the people they admire age on out. If I make it to my 70s 80s or even 90s it will be strange that there will have long sense been no more of the real rockers with us. RIP Gary Richrath…
A blast from the past. Thanks for reminding us that REOS used to really rock.
Jesus he was beautiful........And a wonderful guy....
"NOBODY PLAY GUITAR LIKE GARY"
Thank God for that!!!!
I always loved this song!
Will never see REO till Gary is back
RIP Gary Richrath. You will be missed.
A true look into what seeing what a band can do without being caught up in all the radio pop hits. Gary Richrath was the band and the band went south when they got rid of him. Epic even dropped them when they did that. All over his and Kevin's creative differences. Well, Kevin, there's a difference between keeping something afloat and thriving.
Thx for posting ............By far my favorite by REO
My friends...I've said it before and I'll say it again...Gary was smokin HOT!! Nice backside...I could use a carton of cigarettes and a nap right about now! No one could play that guitar the way he did. Hot Damn...
Gary was awesome late 70's, along came EVH, people got starry eyed. And REO went soft pop,
R.I.P. Gary You will be missed!!!!
It isn't what you can do but what you can do with what you have.This to me is a perfect example. I love it!!!!!
Happy Birthday to Gary! Rock on brother :) I'm still sitting here in IL...BLEH!
Peace bro
These guys were awesome! Saw them live twice. Thanks for posting this!
When he was on, he was really ON: Gary brought some great playing to the show.
Brings me back to 1984
He was the best. Great writer too.
Do you know why bands today do not have guitar solo's ?? Because THEY CAN'T !!! RIP, Gary....
That's what a guitar hero is kids!
RIP GARY. A great, great player
gary is a very unappreciated guitarist. i grew up in east peoria and went school with his son. reo was a great rock and roll band. in my humble opinion he is one of the best of his era. (call me a homer), but reo was big in the late 70's and early to mid 80's with alot of air play along with a hbo concert in the mid 80's. also he is great to party with. that is all we had to do in east peoria. he is a .legend in the midwest
I too went to school in E. Peoria (Germantown Hills) and one of the people I went to school with had a brother that was a DJ with WWCT and knew Gary. I began playing guitar then and he has always been one of my teachers! oo bad kids today do not have the same as we did. My son and his friends all say our music was the best!
Richratch was REO's sound. Outstanding guitar player. He is also a terrific songwriter. Credit should be given when due. I found it ironic that when and Cronin forced him out (right after Gratzer left), the band waned. Yes, REO is still on the circuit and going at it as much as Kevin's voice will allow nowadays. To me Gratzer, Doughty, Richrath, Hall and Cronin, are and always will be, the Reo I know and love even tho I don't accept or appreciate the circumstances of the power grab by Cronin.
W/out Gary they are NOT REO Speedwagon! Kevin's voice & Gary's guitar sound is what made them
@1972mustangsonicboom With all due respect friend but apparently just you know about cars!!!, Gary was, is and will always be one of the best Lead Guitar I've heard in my life!!!
@briandavisradio I agree with you, only accolades to Gary by fans who actually know about music, I have 28 years listening to REO Speedwagon!!! and no expert critic can doing this with any band, including any academy supposedly specialized in the music!, because it is incredible that REO Speedwagon with 44 years of artistic career has not even won a GRAMMY, I imagine the same thing happens with very good bands in USA and around the world, but I only hear REO Speedwagon awesome wonderful music!!!
'Ladies and Gentlemen...the great Gary Richrath...!!'
A VENUSIAN ENERGY💛... REO Speedwagon.. thanks K Cronin... for being "humble" and the rest member of the Band who've made and still making them...
Hey everybody!!! thank you very much for your comments, i don't know because some don't I get notification by email, I got read them all and realized that there was much without approval!!!
I don't care who he puts next to himself nobody had the chemistry like Gary and Kevin!!!
"Ain't nobody talks with his guitar the way Gary does"
RIP Gary 09-14-15 :(
So many good comments here! And "thumbs up" is disabled. Well... yep. Good stuff. Gary felt Rock. Few can wear those pink tops and carry themselves. And he does own one of the top 5 stances in Rock.
You can say what you want about REO Speedwagon, but it was the 5 guys that made this band. Gary and Kevin didn't do it alone. They all had their own talents and put it all together is what made REO!!
Ya, you can really tell that his axe is part of him...what a gift...we sure miss him...
GARY RULES REO DROOLS!
@MrSmokeydog Back in the early days of MTV when they didn't have enough videos to fill up a whole day....They would just play concert footage over and over.....This and Judas Priest Live in Memphis
Gary played a very unique style of guitar. Its was simple but no one else played liek this. I used to have the album back in hte 70s. Funny when I finally found the CD a few months back, the solo was left out. Very disappointing. That solo was jsut too much fun to leave off.
This concert is in Denver in about 1981.
Gary is missed by this REO fan
Yep!
@johnnyw12 I agree with you!!, I knew this band thanks to the chords on the Piano and Keyboards of Neal Doughty!! In Your Letter make me know REO Speedwagon wonderful world!!!, and thanks to the unmistakable Voice of the Best Singer in the world!!! Kevin Cronin, and the Best Lead Guitar Gary Richrath!!!, and the Awesome Drummer Alan Gratzer!!! and the Best Bass Guitar Bruce Hall!!!, are 28 years that I have heared to wonderful music of REO Speedwagon!!!,,,
Very cool. Thanks for your post.
LIVE INFIDELITY???? Good God what a great show that was. It was also an MTV Saturday night concert when MTV stood for MUSIC Television. Boy have they taken SUCKING to monumental heights. "Back in the day" truly means something when it comes to good clean rock.
Awesome!
I beleave gary was the heart of the band.after his leave by kevin due to his addiction I beleave that's when thay went south seen them7 times all with gary on lead still love the old stuff
Back in the early days of MTV when they didn't have enough videos to fill up a whole day....They would just play concert footage over and over.....This and Judas Priest Live in Memphis
@fucia11 I agree with you, Dave and Bryan came at a time when most needed and thanks to them has been able to continue enjoying REO Speedwagon music!!!!! and of course thanks to Kevin, and Bruce Neal too!!!, Gary and Dave have different styles of playing the same instrument, like Alan and Bryan, so, Yeah!!! I give credit to all those who have been part of this wonderful dream called REO Speedwagon, but I'm too honest I like Gary's Style play guitar so much, i think Gary is the best Lead Guitar!!
@fucia11 I have a 27 years listening to REO Speedwagon music!!!, and I support the current line up of REO Speedwagon too!!! and I disagree with Gary to return to the band definitely, but I support the idea that Gary could play some shows as guest musician like a part of the celebration of 30 anniversary of Hi Infidelity album!!!, which is a record that became famous to REO Speedwagon around the world and Gary is part of great succes of REO Speedwagon, and I think he deserves it.
Wooo! R.I.P. Brother
WOW BAST FROM THE PAST! thanks i needed that!!!
@1972mustangsonicboom WHATEVER BLOWS YOUR DRESS UP / REO STILL ROCKS AND ALWAYS WILL / BUT THANKS FOR YOUR EXPERT OPINION
that's regis on the bass guitar
any girl that does not like gary here is a video to watch to of him he is a good looking guy.
thank you very much everyone for your comments
@1972mustangsonicboom if you are a musician should have more respect with colleagues, I went to five REO Speedwagon concert and know personally, I have 28 years hearing his music almost daily and REO Speedwagon!!! is the best Rock 'N Roll band to me!!!, I don't need to hear other bands because their music makes me happy!!!if you have 40 years playing bass, you play good no doubt but that does not mean it you're a VIRTUOSO like is Gary Richrath!!! or Paco de Lucia, Carlos Santana...
Rest in Peace Bro
Nigel Tufnel with a '59 burst!
1:35,that unforgettable tone.Its like I am a skinny teen again in the comfort of my Parents house with the fan on the window and a glass of Tang.Instead of hanging around with hobos and drinking Bud light.
Sure wish Gary didn't throw away his career for addiction. He was the best.
One of the reasons I play a Les Paul. :)
@tadnecty : I agree it comes down to taste. I will go on record in saying that nobody plays the guitar like Gary......or Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Angus Young, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and the list goes on. Each is unique in their sound, style, and tuning of their instruments. All are great.
sorry to hear of the passing of this rock giant.
REO was never the same without Gary Richrath...
And I always thought this WAS the Turkey Trot not TT & Gary's solo! Check out the alien version too for an alternate view.
RIP Gary
@notfragile33 I totally agree with your comment very successful!!!, NOBODY PLAYS GUITAR LIKE GARY!!!!!. AND NOBODY PLAYS BASKETBALL LIKE MICHAEL JORDAN!!!!!, is a good analogy!!!, You know what? is scientifically proven that Michael Jordan is the smartest man in the world to play basketball while his play led to another definition of intelligence!!!!!...
R.I.P.
@TooRollingStoned7195 Hey!, is Live infidelity 1981, VHS!!!, and everyone wonders why they have not edited this wonderful concert on DVD or CD!!!
flying turkey trot man. flying turkey trot.
Does anyone have the video of Kevin telling the story about near plane crash they were in just before this song starts? I remember hearing it on a simulcast when I was kid, but I havn't heard it in years. If not the video, does anyone know where the audio exists?
@STLMaddawg I totally agree with you!!!