Gary Richrath's last performance with REO Speedwagon - Riding the Storm Out

[@philiphughes7481]

Truly one of the most talented and underrated guitarists of all times.

[@mountainskys]

Fact. Preach on brother!

[@tabbennett4254]

AMEN!!

[@fredbriggs2225]

Among guitarists he is highly respected.

[@soakthisup]

He's definitely a gunslinger

[@roberthorn333]

So true and you could see the guys smiling as Gary gave that Les Paul the good old Gary Richrath treatment. Miss you and RIP Gary.

[@summerrose1520]

Gary is why we had REO I hope no one forgets . Miss You Gary !

[@wayneyeager2842]

Oh yes, Gary's guitar was REO!

[@crob4835]

The King of the "Midwest Sound" a truly underrated master on the guitar.

[@ClassicRockMedia]

Agreed!

[@ckmoore101]

I have never heard of the "midwest sound". I had no idea that was a thing. I need to research that. Growing up in 70-80's midwest you would think I have heard of it.... lol

[@jlr022159]

Breaks my heart to see him like this, especially after all of those years watching him youthfully skip across the stage with his hair flying - the very image of a 70s guitar god. The music business has sadly swallowed up many talented people. Anyway, I digress... miss you Gary!

[@lindagreaney5136]

He saw his Mom through the Peoria tornado and short NH stay. She’s known as his biggest fan and had all his albums on her wall. They seemed to have had a very close relationship.

[@lindagreaney5136]

@The Original Surfer Bob. did you like the original singer, Mike M.? I thought he was really good.

[@lindagreaney5136]

@The Original Surfer Bob. I had a couple albums with Mike singing

[@davidtedds116]

@@lindagreaney5136 Actually, the original singer was Terry Luttrell who went on to form Starcastle. Cronin sang on the second album and Mike Murphy came in on album #3.

[@lindagreaney5136]

@@davidtedds116 I remember Terry Lutrell singing but idk what order they came. I had a few early albums n saw them on tv some. Thx for helping n I liked all three singers. I liked them from early 70’s on but I’d keen they started in college. Have u been to Gary’s memorial bench beside the river? I’m proud he’s got that BC some day I’d like to go see that. The pics look beautiful of it w the River in background.

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Say what you want about this Man, Gary Richrath had sone of the best feel tones pick slides And good old fashion guitar licks and he played them well. His legacy along with REO speedwagon will be forever cemented in the history of rock and roll.

[@kaylarivers4377]

That was very well said. Gary's talent was one of the best. His melodic tones, riffs, licks, and the pick slides were very special. He was very underrated as a guitar master. Those years when Gary led REO/SW with his rock style were their best years. He is the legacy of REO/SW. They should have never let him go. He made the band. Farewell Gary

[@kaylarivers4377]

Rock n Roll = Gary Richrath

[@toober4013]

Word.

[@JCHaywire]

I too, have bemoaned his obesity and substance abuse--but that in now way precludes his amazing talent. Specifically "feel tones pick slides [sic]" and his compositional talent are unique and sorely missed. He unleashed the muscular tones of the Les Paul on ..."Tune a Fish" in a way that inspired so many of us. Frank Zappa killed himself with substances--it happens to the best of us. Gary Richrath was a shredder like no other. Rest in peace, my friend.

[@KevinJStoll]

Well said Power. Gary was such a driving force in my youth. He is missed. RIP Gary. Your memory lives on! Shalom and love.

[@danielcorreard3746]

without a doubt the most under rated guitarists in the history of rock and roll

[@clemclemson9259]

lol lol lol lol yea OK

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@clemclemson9259 richrath was truly underrated he was one of the best guitarists of his generation but he never got the credit he deserved.

[@MetalMcfly]

@@danielcorreard3746 Agreed. I'd like to add Neil "Spyder" Giraldo to that conversation. He wrote some of the most memorable riffs and solo's of the late 70's and through the 80's for Pat Benatar and was never acknowledged by many of his peers during that time.

[@tydiab8838]

Who doesn't love Richrath's solos & rifts? They're unprecedented!! RIP my Illinois native brother...

[@carldinkel5346]

r.i.p. Gary richrath, you brought so many great songs and memories to many of us during the 70s and 80s and you will be sadly missed!

[@wizboy7358]

i grew up on this band. high school 70's, college 80's. always worth cranking up. RIP Gary.. the best ever

[@charlieparker360]

One of the greatest

[@timmikovits9464]

Agreed ❤

[@SHAWNMICHAELPERRY]

God bless you guys for giving Gary his due.....!

[@rushmore3927]

Gary was and is the true heart and soul of REO.

[@tproudboomer5965]

I’ve always felt Terry Kath of Chicago was similar to Gary in that once they were no longer in their prospective bands, the bands were not the same again.

[@dimitriberozny3729]

And NEVER forget Kevin Cronin!!!

[@YogsenForfoth]

This man brought us some of the most memorable guitar parts of all time. We miss you terribly, Gary. Rest in Peace. ❤

[@victorsvideos27]

Always THE Great Showman Gary Richrath. You had it Gary, that Magic Touch, and impeccable moves that made REO what it became, the World Class Rock N Roll Band that pleased millions of loyal fans over decades of great entertainment! Thank you REO SPEEDWAGON and R.I.P. Gary Richrath, we didn’t have you long enough, but what we had was great! Thank YOU!!!

[@michaelehrhart9670]

R.I.P. one of the greatest rock guitarists that ever lived, Gary Richrath...very much missed and who will never be forgotten...keep rockin' Gary!

[@glennkemp3680]

Their live album is one of the best live albums ever. Gary put on a clinic.

[@TheDoug2103]

THEE BEST

[@scodude12]

Totally agree - 💯

[@Ulagcomp]

That’s a fact!!! R.I.P Gary 🙏

[@iSiberianHusky]

How much of it was actually "live?"

[@REVLIMITER3]

Gary Richrath was the heart and soul of REO Speedwagon his incredible talent on lead guitar was the foundation of every song

[@garywilliamson1859]

Gary Richrath was a great guitarist! Saw REO Speedwagon in concert a few times in the 70s and 80's. They always put on a great concert.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

One of the greatest guitarists. Gary is simply amazing. Guitar, minimal pedal, and loud amps. Just pure Rock guitar. RIP Gary.

[@biffmalibu9488]

He's just such a natural....this fires me up but saddens me at the same time.

[@Nickpainting]

Les Paul and a Marshall amp.....no effects, no bullshit! One of may all-time favorite guitarist!!!

[@davidrice3337]

That i didn't realize- as someone who has been learning the guitar for many yrs now i have to not only agree, but it adds to the remarkable legacy- We can only hope that he realized what an impact he had on so many people-wait a minute-oh oh -the miserable hof called and said"not worthy" - Psssd Please

[@martyparisofficial3627]

me too

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

No these guys always had some reverb or echo on their guitar at the least. You can hear it during the solo with a few milideconds of delay. Standard stuff.

[@davidrice3337]

I'm sure ole Gary Richrath had a trick or two brah but, he got that bad ass tone out of a very rudimentary set up- When working with horses, particularly babies (2-3yr olds) A lot of time , well actually most of the time, less is more- I believe this works out for a lot of things in life...

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

@@davidrice3337 Yes, he had a basic classic rock tone with reverb or slight echo and slight delay to fatten up his sound. He was probably also incorporating 25 watt 12 inch Celestion greenbacks.

[@MrStevew53]

Gary Richrath will always and forever be known as a true legend in Rock n" Roll music history! R.I.P., Gary! You are dearly missed!

[@dalethelander3781]

You can tune a piano...

[@bigal05171957]

GARY HAD ONE OF THE GREATEST STAGE PRESENCE he was a gifted musician all the fans & radio stations will miss him 🎸🎸

[@kimhillenbrand4490]

Gary is still killing that guitar. That's REAL freaking talent right there. Not like the 'musicians' of today. REO Speedwagon, and so many others, had LEGIT talent before autotune and all that tech made it so anyone can appear to have talent. This is amazing. ♡

[@MonteHoopla]

oh yeah it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@leecalvinmusic]

Wow that was difficult to watch without getting all emotional. RIP Gary.

[@bobbyboykin7137]

I agree Lee. Kinda bittersweet,, on one hand so cool Gary was there with the old band but at the same time he just wasnt the same guy I saw over 40 years ago. But to be honest, Id rather listen to Gary play his old licks, poorly, than listen to Dave *try* to make the sounds Gary did so effortlessly.

[@scodude12]

I also was born on 18 October and was nicknamed REO Sco back in late 70s. Saw Gary and REO perform live several times and can easily say Gary was the hand full of finest performers on the planet - :(. Loved the man!!!

[@shan-2233]

Gary was so amazing , it’s really sad and depressing what happened to him. I choose to remember him the way he was in the 80’s. Such a talented musician, love his pick slide. He put his own twist on it. I call it “the gary”. He was the coolest on stage back then with that smile and that hair . You will always be remembered loved and adored.!!your music will live on forever and ever ❤🙏

[@suzannecarwell1391]

He was gorgeous and talented.. it is heartbreaking what happened to him.

[@chiptmcc8656]

Just a phenomenal Rock n Roll guitar player. May he RIP.

[@Redskin4ever]

I envied this guy for years. Wished I could be him. Still love to watch him perform. One of the greatest! RIP, my brother, you amazed us!

[@jettechdonatkins]

Growing up in Illinois,REO was a favorite of mine since their first album.Neal,Gary,Alan,Gregg and Kevin and Michael Murphy always put on a great show.First time I saw them was in St.Louis, and I was hooked on Gary's guitar after seeing him on stage with his hair and his incredible playing.I've seen them live more times than I can remember,and every concert I saw Gary didn't disappoint.It was so sad seeing what alcohol addIction did to Gary.I will always remember him from what he looked like in the mid '70's.No RIP for Gary,as he is still tearing it up on the other side of the Rianbow Bridge!❤

[@KenMac-ui2vb]

RIP brother. You were one of the best.

[@kevinwilson7112]

One of thee most underrated guitarist ever! R.I.P. Gary you were the one who influenced me to pick up a guitar way back in 1976 and I still play your riffs to this day. I thank U! 🎸

[@scotknapp1640]

"Last Song Gary .. " Thank You for All the Kick Ass memories .. R.I.P.

[@wyattearp509]

Mr. Gary Richrath that guy could blaze , Guitar 🎸 hero of the Midwest . From the Red Lion 🦁 to Auditoriums. You will be remembered. A 🥰 Champaign shout out to the legend!!!!!

[@kkkriv7407]

Oh man... God bless him; made me choke up. STILL HAD IT. 🤘🤘🤘RIP Gary🎸🎸🎸🙏🙏

[@xsited1]

This is my favorite REO song. So great to see Gary with them one last time.

[@paulzatorski527]

Rest in peace Gary. Such a gentle and normal guy's guy. I'll never forget my early college years at the Red Lion in Champaign listening to you play your heart out. Thanks for being such a part of my life and helping me getting on through. It's all Golden Country now!

[@mikep1085]

Such an amazing talent.... that let himself go. So sad to see. I am glad that I saw REO in concert with Gary about 5 times. AWESOME shows!

[@Splitshot1]

I saw REO many times in th 70's. Gary's prime...i will always remember him in that way.

[@pdemark138]

He was and always will be a legend. RIP Gary When I listened to the 70's and 80's I was 15 basically a teenager. DiD not realize what I was listening to. MASTER. In his prime he was as good as Eddie....who back then I thought was God

[@derrondavis5009]

It would have been my honor to he there that night .a true icon in the music world. RIP Gary. And thanks for the memories

[@kenkeyes8148]

What made Gary Richrath's playing special? Heart.

[@robertnobody]

This is from December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois, it was a benefit concert titled "Rock to the Rescue" to raise money for families affected by a tornado in central Illinois.

[@billwilson5341]

Robert Rice: I was wondering the date (you'd think it would be in the description). *Thank you.*

[@johnwaters2657]

my first and irreplaceable guitar hero, Gary Richrath was the heart and soul of the band.

[@metalwitch58]

Gary, we miss you!!😢

[@BethLitke]

Thank you for sharing this! It brings me such joy to see Gary happily playing. So glad he had this last opportunity. 💖

[@risky1]

Gary NEVER succumbed to ordinary life as a mere mortal. He lived and died as the rock and roll icon he was. God put that ability in his hands and fingers to create life from wood and steel and to let it live in our hearts forever.

[@rathert3]

You are absolutely right. Gary was an icon. He never got over the 'Hi Infidelity' high life. There's good reason the LP was called 'Hi Infidelity' as everybody was high and there was lots of infidelity going on. Neal Doughty and Kevin Cronin ended up divorced and Doughty went into rehab for alcohol and Gary for alcohol and coke. Doughty got it. Gary didn't. But he tried. Wish he coulda come out the other end, but it just wasn't to be. By 1986 REO as we knew it was done. It mighta been 1989 before Gary and Alan Gratzer left the band, but by 1986 they were ready to go. Gary and Kevin tried to bury the hatchet, but time took its toll. Cronin is writing a book. He's gonna tell it like it was. Bruce Hall already told everybody the band just couldn't get past the fame and fortune of 'Hi Infidelity.' Gratzer left to be with his family. Cronin and Doughty gave their's up. Gary was a recluse and he was never comfortable being alone. Bruce Hall had been a friend of the band until Gregg Philbin left in 87 and he took over on bass. You obviously were around, like I was, during their formative years. They were losing their contract with Epic when 'Hi Infidelity' came out, sold 10 million copies was #1 for 15 weeks. How do you deal with that? They had announced they were breaking up and suddenly were the biggest band of 1981. It made them and killed them. RIP Gary Richrath

[@scottnugent4791]

@@rathert3 77 not 87, but a great post.

[@edarnold1426]

@@scottnugent4791 yes Greg left in 77 and Bruce took his place. I also thought Allan left in 88 not 89. But a very good post! RIP Gary Richrath! You were a great guitar player.

[@rbilleaud]

I don't know, man, sex, drugs and rock and roll will only take you so far. When all that partying catches up with you, ask 9 out of 10 of these guys and they'll say it wasn't worth it. Even Keith Richards says he regrets all the drugs because he lost a lot just in terms of creativity. When you're lying on that operating table and your insides look like Swiss cheese, the revelation comes too late.

[@TomTom9606]

Music like what Gary created flows from the heart and he was very fortunate to be so gifted with a way to express it.

[@napalm6919]

Reo Speedwagon "Live, You Get What You Play For" a Christmas present from my sister, my first record at 12 yrs old.

[@72floyd]

God bless him! The master! Respect the man who defined REO and a generation!

[@davemoyer505]

Gary. My guitar hero from back in the day. You are missed, old friend.👍🎸🇺🇸❤️

[@jonasoverka3956]

in this humble bassist opinion, Mr Richrath never really got the credit he deserved. He truly deserved the term the most Underrated Guitarist in Rock N Roll. Maybe not the best, god know there are so many technical virtuosos out there, I wont start naming names. They are a dime a dozen. When it comes to down in the trenches Rock N Roll, writing, performing, living the dream, no one did it better than Mr. Gary Richrath. Rest In Power brother.

[@nd_irish_fan744]

Gary's guitar work on "Live: You Get What You Play For" is what got me hooked on Rock and Roll when I was 10 yrs old. That was a very difficult thing to do considering America was slap in the middle of the Disco era, and "Hi Infidelity" didn't come about until 3 yrs later. Gary was one of the most underrated guitarist in the history of Rock and Roll, not to mention his songwriting ability.

[@davidrice3337]

I love the live 157 Riverside Ave

[@artheriford]

This is so hard to watch. I saw REO 3 different times in Kansas City and was a fan from "Live, You Get What You Play For". Addiction is painful to watch as friend, co-worker, family member.....whoever. Gary had completely lost himself and it breaks my heart. He was one of my first guitar heroes (along with Ace Frehley and Ted Nugent).

[@richardcarter8134]

Rev Willie..you to shall be judged..

[@artheriford]

@@richardcarter8134 Gary's demons are well documented. I guess anyone that has ever spoken about it is judging?

[@billwilson5341]

@@artheriford: Your post was fine and spot on. Richard Carter may have demons of his own.

[@tproudboomer5965]

@@billwilson5341 We all have them of some type brother. God bless Gary Richrath!

[@willy40511]

Yes, he truly was one of the most talented and underrated guitar players. I have him on my top ten of best guitar players. Back in the day who needed Beck, Clapton, or even Hendrix when you had Richrath.

[@josieowl7833]

Sweet man Gary you'll never be forgotten my Angel

[@knoxtrail5412]

His solo on roll with the changes in one of the best ever. EVER.

[@ericjohnson2543]

Something I noticed about Gary. Whenever he was playing guitar, he's smiling. You're greatly missed Gary.

[@josieowl7833]

An Angel has earned his wings you are not forgotten memories live on my wonderful Angel

[@Rhifan01]

I'm 😢 crying. Thanks to the videograher for staying on Gary. So sweet to see the band members together. Just like old times. I have absorbed so much REO for my life. I am 17 again seeing and hearing this.

[@jilljohnson3058]

Ty for sharing this. Brings back wonderful memories 💖. He is certainly missed and loved

[@josieowl7833]

Awesome the man Gary Richrath

[@kurtsherrick2066]

Gary was so damn good. I think he was maybe the best American Guitarist. He was a great performer and he made it look easy. He is like Blackmore. He doesn't get the credit he deserves. If you didn't see him before High Infidelity you missed something special. High Infidelity maybe their biggest selling album but was even near their best album.

[@kaylarivers4377]

@KurtSherrick That was well said and the truth, agree with you.

[@petej.8676]

Before I loved Jimmy Page ..before I loved Ace Frehley..Before I loved Schenker I LOVED Gary Richrath. So sad he's not on a stage anymore..R.I.ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN

[@robertbyington7715]

Richrath on guitar and the Reo keyboards let you know it was REO three chords in nothing else like it PERIOD❤

[@chuckpowers7503]

Wow his last jam was wailing he could definitely jam he's a rock n roll legend forever he rocked!

[@darrinplatt7917]

Breaks my heart to see him like that I saw him back when he was healthy he had stars in his eyes all he needed was his Marshall and a 1959Les Paul after a set he would walk right up to the bar like he was an old friend told me about Peoria Illinois and I asked him for autograph rest in peace Gary...

[@RichardParker331]

Gary to me has always been under-rated! I also am a lead Guitarist for 43 years now. I began when I was 12. Gary had Great timing and technique ! R. I. P.

[@tproudboomer5965]

Underrated and underappreciated

[@tangreatmusicyacriso323]

Gary is the ONE I WATCH THE MOST IN HIS YOUNGER YEARS. FANTASTIC GUITAR PLAYER!🥰😄😎

[@drloqutis2492]

HE STILL HAD IT!

[@richardbue3317]

Last Word's There Is No REO Speed Wagon Without Gary Richrath. It's That Plain And Simple. Epic Records Was Sold On Gary More Than The Band. Take Nothing Away From The Rest Of Band Members. Neal And Alan Started It. Bringing In Kevin Letting Him Go And Bringing Him Back Was All Needed. But Gary Always Stole The Show. About A Dozen Show's For Me Before Gary Richrath Departure. And Countless After Dave Amato Is A Very Good Guitarist. But Gary Richrath Was An Amazing Guitarist. And Developed His Own Unique Blend Of Blues And Midwest Rock-N-Roll. R.I.P. Gary Knowing Forever Gary Richrath Was REO Speed Wagon.

[@kolbpilot]

Hard to believe this compared to his prime. We all age differently, but man, this was rough.

[@eric_in_florida]

Loved Gary. It's insane to think that has replacement Dave Amato has been with REO for 34 years. He's 70 now.

[@robteaster2446]

There ain't nobody that played with as much energy and feel as Gary. RIP Sir. Thank you from my heart to your's for sharing your incredible talent with us. We love you Gary!

[@RickNeedham]

It's a shame the quality isn't better. But it's one for the ages!! Truly a remarkable guitarist 🎸

[@greensombrero3641]

hand - heart coordination made his playing exceptional

[@bigorange000]

RIP to one of one greatest leads of the greatest era of rock and roll.

[@freddybynum6347]

I really look up to him and his guitar playing with much respect and you could see it in his smile and on his face, how much he love playing.love Gary playing awesome guy,loved Reo speedwagon.

[@tomthatcher3444]

Rest in peace brother.. You brought so many great moments... God bless

[@hardtimes1267]

Gary was underrated and never got the credit he deserved. The man was a beast on the guitar.

[@SunRider69]

He played like it was his last gig, respect

[@leecalvinmusic]

I know it’s Dave’s bad habit but check out him constantly checking the volume on his Les Paul at 1:55. Poor Dave was probably nervous and in awe of the great Gary Richrath playing his song. Gary was always more at ease at made it all look so easy. RIP Gary, you will never be forgotten. Kevin said this show was the last he saw of Gary but said that he was glad they made their peace.

[@hgholson6495]

They had played together many years before this in California

[@fredstriker2042]

Gary is an example of the poison that is alcohol. Stop and watch your body transform. Rest in peace sir

[@tproudboomer5965]

From everything I’ve read, a really bad diet compounded things even more.😔

[@garywinters2282]

Gary and his guitar hooks were why I was into REO in the 70s.

[@guitarvixen7255]

The entire success of REO was Gary Richrath, he rocked and if not for him this band would have NEVER been so successful period

[@williamsaloka9043]

Says you.

[@daveg4236]

Good guitar player. But anyone can play his parts. REO is because of Kevin. That voice is REO

[@williamsaloka9043]

@@daveg4236 Obviously the combination of all the group worked very well together, but Kevin's vocal-style is what defined the "REO sound." Every singers' voice has certain qualities, tones, and ranges; this sets the sound and "feeling" of the music when all together. What does this matter though....they were great!

[@daveg4236]

@@williamsaloka9043 gee thanks.

[@rayjohnson2387]

Saw them several times back in the 80s...and twice recently....and I gotta say...they kinda suck without him....like Styx without Dennis

[@Aero.Smith.]

The only reason I listen to REO is because of that guitar playing. Gary could do amazing things.

[@pierceelyhibionada342]

That and Neal Doughty's Keyboards and Alan Gratzer's Drumming!

[@thejimshepard9982]

The ONLY reason??? Not the fact they were also a great band with a lot of great tunes....?

[@pierceelyhibionada342]

@@thejimshepard9982 Your Right Still, They were an Awesome Group of Musicians.

[@warrenrayledbetter9957]

It is very, very hard to believe that this is the same guy I saw rocking that Sunburst Les Paul back in the 70s.

[@cathleenbaucom8753]

God Bless Him!!!

[@chevycamaro7545]

What a bad ass performance. Reo still rocks.. r.i.p gary

[@babydaddy1930]

Dang this life's flying by.....I still feel eighteen but the damn mirror says it ain't so....saw them in Albuquerque N.M. in the 70s a couple times...my best friend Larry loved them...he's been gone for years

[@alarmfannh]

The best tribute I can give is that there will never,ever be another Gary Richrath. Never.

[@erniebender7886]

Gary had great Tone , it was the first thing I noticed about REO the first time I heard them it was the guitar not the not the vocals not the song it was all guitar for me ... RIP GARY

[@Anunakkiwalkitalki]

For us "boomers", whether you were a fan or not, there's no way at least one of Gary's licks didn't reach you.

[@tproudboomer5965]

His guitar solos on “Ridin The Storm Out”, “Roll With The Changes”, and “Back On The Road Again” cemented his status as one of the most iconic American rock guitarists ever!

[@aidanmj1927]

4:33 so cool seeing them playing side by side again

[@morgancatherwood5665]

Dude was SUCH a great player

[@bobbydale1938]

Rip Gary thanks for your life and music ! HS Class of 1975 😥😍

[@NoNotMe0000]

I came up in the 70's and remember Reo's rise back then. It's been strange to see Kevin go one way and Gary the other over the years. I'm glad I saw this, it shows Kevin's good character in bringing Gary onstage honorably. RIP🙏 Gary!😌

[@charlestelk6526]

Kevins Good character? Kevin is a controlling weasel that ruined REO.

[@cterabe]

One of the greats for sure

[@stevetheplumberbreeding7402]

What a Legendary guitarist!!!! RIP Gary!!!

[@chuckieinmt5094]

He reminds me of Rod Price, at this stage of their lives - RIP, men & we'll get to party again, someday -

[@vipergg9159]

Rod Price another guitar legend .

[@UFOROX]

Those 2 solos on Back On The Road Again. I never got them pure rock

[@jamesnelson1443]

Gary created all those songs!!! Should have never been replaced!!!!!! Notice REO has not had a hit song since Gary left!

[@bigdogpete43]

There was no REO without the driving guitar tone of Gary.