REO Speedwagon’s Gary Richrath Remembered

Today (September 13th) marks the seventh anniversary of the death of former REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath who died at age 65 of undisclosed causes. Richrath, who joined the band in 1970 and recorded 12 albums with the band before splitting with the group in 1989, is best known for writing REO’s second Top 10 hit, the Top Five Hi Infidelity classic, “Take It On The Run,” and the band’s early favorite “Ridin’ The Storm Out.” Richrath, who had long battled alcoholism, released one solo album, 1992’s Only The Strong Survive, and to the delight of die-hards, had reunited with frontman Kevin Cronin and REO for a charity gig in 2013.