http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/09/14/reo-speedwagon-guitarist-gary-richrath-dies/72252516/

RIP Gary.  REO Speedwagon spent a lot of time on my record player - and that was before Hi Infidelity.
 
Brian

Hi,
 
Gosh ... first saw them in a big concert near Stevens Point, in 1970 ... along with the likes of Mason Profit, and a lot more!

Wow, I am in mourning tonite. I first saw REO back in 1971? on a PBS channel in Des Moines, Ia. I bought REO's first album, based on hearing Gypsy Woman's Passion. REO 2 was fabulous - and I saw REO open for Grand Funk Railroad in Des Moines, Ia. in May of 1972? REO was awesome. Saw them several times between 72 and 76, then saw them in a Fairgrounds in Beaumont, Texas in 1978 - with Rainbow, with a little elf looking singer named Ronnie James, as there opening band. Gary was the IT...the consummate rock and roll musician. The way he attacked the guitar, the way he LOOKED, the Les Paul... Good gosh allmighty, he was the guy. Having seen the original REO several times, backed when they truly rocked, it was Gary - not KEVIN CRONIN - that drove REO. Unfortunately, as the record companies and the machine took them over, his influenced waned and the Pop **** emerged. Can you think of a better guitar solo than Golden Country?????? A better song than Let Me Ride, or Riding the Storm Out? I am in mourning...Truly, this is a sad day.

You've got to roll with the changes.
RIP.

Bummer.  Makes me feel old again!

Stone House Studios
RIP Gary.  REO Speedwagon spent a lot of time on my record player - and that was before Hi Infidelity.
 
Brian

Same here (especially A Decade of Rock & Roll).......played & learned from that record until it couldn't play anymore. Gary was a definite influence......RIP.