REO Speedwagon also welcomed both Larry the Cable Guy (the benefit's MC) and fellow Illinois native Richard Marx to the stage. Biography Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Eunice and Curtis Richrath. I also knew Dennis hi, Wade an especially they're wonderful, beautiful mother Eunice. He loved his fans like family . Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. She was 96. His smile could light up a room, and it will stay with us always, to comfort us in his absence. Suzanne Crough, who played Tracy Partridge on 1970s sitcom "The Partridge Family," died from a "medical episode" on Apr. I listen to REOs music often and always enjoy Garys playing. To this day they remain one of the best live acts around, but without Gary Richrath they became a different band. Rip Gary and prayers for your loss to your family. [2] Expand the Memories and Condolences form. When I introduced the guy who this band wouldnt be here without and Richrath came up for Ridin the Storm Out, 7,000 people went crazy. The last album he recorded with the band was 1987's Life As We Know It. He was 13. He recorded 12 albums with the band and also wrote another song, Take It On The Run. If there's a rock-n-roll heaven, you know they got a hell of a band. Published by Peoria Journal Star from Sep. 20 to Sep. 21, 2015. Musician Scott Weiland was found dead in his tour bus just before a concert in Minnesota on Dec. 3. Thanks Gary. The most underrated guitarist in the world. He died Jan. 8 at age 72. With so many rock stars touring and performing well into their 70s, Richraths passing at age 65 is as tragic as the lack of recognition he received in his lifetime. You are and always will be the blood and soul of REO, they aren't even close to being the band they were with you and your guitar! He was one of the all time best guitarist ever. Mr. Richrath was under a doctor's care when he died in Louisiana, where he and his wife, Justine, had been assisting her elderly mother, Cronin said. I'll have the guitar solo from Ridin' the Storm Out in my head all day. He was 48. B.B. Richrath was featured in the February and March 93 issues of Vintage Guitar mag. You were an awesome musician and the best damned guitar player I ever saw. He was one of the most underrated guitarists of the 70's. He was 21. Watching Gary doing a guitar solo right now on YouTube. There are very . Amanda Peterson, who played Patrick Dempsey's love interest in 1998's "Can't Buy Me Love," was found dead in her Colorado home on July 6. She was 52. Gary Richrath, Soundtrack: Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Joe Voci, former TV executive who helped launch "Murphy Brown" died from brain cancer on Feb. 7. I saw you in concert many times and you were AWESOME. Frank D. Gilroy, Award-Winning Playwright, Screenwriter, Dead at 89, Alexis Persyko, Awards Consultant, Dead at 38, The It List: Menudo docuseries makes the case for Menendez brothers' innocence, new doc sheds light on early years of King Charles, Megan Fox goes blonde in 'Johnny & Clyde' and all the best in pop culture the week of May 1, 2023. Reo Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath has died,the band announced on its website and Facebook page Sunday. He wanted to hear it again. Yankees great Yogi Berra, beloved for his well-known "Yogi-isms," died of natural causes on Sept. 22 at age 90.