Gary Richrath *The Rise and Fall of REO Speedwagon* (mini doc)

[@johnhunsinger2625]

Gary is one of the most underrated guitarists. I loved watching him play. He always looked like he really enjoyed performing and made it look so easy. RIP Gary!

[@Sonoma_Coast]

Not underrated.

[@JoeHunter-vt2mw]

Explanation needed on "Not Underated". Thank You!

[@Sonoma_Coast]

@@JoeHunter-vt2mw Rockers from my generation know his is one of the top pioneers to rock guitar. He had his own unique sound and that makes him great. Though Younger generations may not know of him. WE KNOW.

[@Aranck-kcnarA]

​@@Sonoma_Coast.. 🎯

[@illbarry]

@@JoeHunter-vt2mw He was on the cover of Guitar Player and the featured article around '78. In the 1970's AM stations were playing pop music, FM stations had album stations that played full sides of artists music. Their '75 live album played all the time.

[@rhetttillery]

One of my bands opened for Richrath in a bar in N Texas back in 91 or 92. We sat in front of him and were blown away. He was flawless on the old REO; Golden Country etc. He autographed my Riding The Storm Out album and I got to talk with him for a while. Great guitarist!

[@gearhead-442]

Humble brag alert

[@rundoetx]

I knew Gary about that same time in Texas.a group of us saw them every chance we got. We even made our own t shirts. Later I saw Gary play in Texas too. What was the name of your band? I probably saw you play.

[@JamminClemmons]

@@gearhead-442 What’s interesting about (you people), those drinking trolls & your alcoholism is that just a few years before the infamous potato famine, Ireland was the site of a massively successful temperance campaign led by the noted Catholic priest, Theobald Mathew. So successful was this campaign that between 1838 and 1841, their national alcohol consumption was cut in half.

[@kylepannell8866]

@@gearhead-442well, it may surprise you but some people have done things in their lives that merits a little “humble brag”.

[@illbarry]

@@JamminClemmons ??????

[@cmmorrissey4]

I spent a few hours with Gary after the REO break up. He showed me his Les Paul guitars and we talked for a long time. He was a sweet guy. He was also one great rock n roll guitarist. Thanks.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

He was a one of a kind guitarist I miss his playing.

[@scottrembert5226]

Mostly Hands On. No Effect Racks or Pedals

[@xmichaelxwalkup10]

I helped to discover Gary Ritchrath. In 1970 I was in a band at the University of Illinois called "Feathertrain". We were basically a Three Dog Night copy band with 3 singers, drums, organ, guitar and base. I played lead guitar and had founded the band along with one of the singers, Geoff Poor. Our organist was Dana Walden who later wrote a cross over R & B hit in 1980 with the group "Champaign" and our base player was Bruce Hall, who is currently with REO. Our booking agent was Irving Azoff, who is now probably the leading figure in the music industry. Irving had us playing intially 4 nights a week whick alloweed me to keep up with my college classes. However, right before finals, he wanted us to start playing an additional 2 nights which would have made it impossible for me to stay in school. Figuring "whoever heard of a 40 year old Rock n Roll musician" I decided to quit the band so I could cram for my finals. We begen looking for another lead player. At a gig in Peoria IL, we interviewed Gary, who had brought a Les Paul to show us what he could do. Unfortunately, we didn't have an amp backstage so all he could do was play on the Paul with no amplification. We couldn't hear much of what he was doing but his hands were a blur. Later, the group audtioned him at our rented warehouse space across the street from the Chance R nightclub in Champaign along with the original REO lead player, Bill "Duke Tomato" Fiorio. Gary won and became the band's lead player which he did for about a year before being picked up by REO to replace their then lead player. Later on, REO used one of our then singers, Mike Murphy, to replace Kevin on vocal when Kevin's voice went out while trying to record the Riding The Storm Out album. Even later, the original REO base player, Greg Philbin, quit, and Gary contacted Bruce Hall to replace him. By that time Kevin had returned and the rest is history. For myself, I finished college and went to law school.

[@RiverDocs]

Great story and thank you for sharing!

[@BryanRods]

I really like the song in your letter

[@jamesnewberry1191]

Bass player ???

[@ajentgen7943]

Awesome...thanks for sharing

[@pete9688]

Thanks man… me and my buddies would go to see REO a lot here in Chicago. What does REO stand for anyway? Is it an acronym?

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Love Gary’s playing he was the definition of “cool”

[@frankiethefixer]

Definitely one of the all time greats. He slayed that '59 and made it scream. Roll With The Changes is one of my favorite lead guitar songs. RIP GR

[@atomicwedgie8176]

Don't Let'im Go is my fav.

[@jefferyroy2566]

"Roll with the Changes" is something I have to listen to 3-4 times a year just to keep my head straight. Another is the live performance of "My Sharona," where guitarist Burton Averre plays his tasty solo with extra energy. Hendrix doing "Killing Floor" at Monterey Pop, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" at the Fillmore, and others help my psyche survive the insanities of this world we've built.

[@scottsearcy2075]

" Roll With the Changes " is the greatest rock n' roll song I've ever heard. Neil's keyboard solo is off the chats.

[@Woodstockneverhappened]

I’ll go as far to say REO without Gary is like Skynyrd without Ronnie

[@jefferyroy2566]

@@Woodstockneverhappened I was going to agree until your screen name became evident. Some of my concert experiences were accompanied by psychoactive substances that left me wondering if they really happened. I hope you're not suggesting Woodstock is a myth, false flag operation or an atrocity against God and country. You're right about Gary and Ronnie, in any case.

[@JohnDoe-ny1wp]

I love hearing this "OLD MAN" tell the stories. Why? Because I'm an old man too and he's telling FACTS. We were SOOOO lucky to have MUSIC in our day.

[@davidvangessel1217]

Amen the best of days...👍

[@showtime951]

My L.A. Laker season tickets and Keven Cronin & Gary Richrath's season tickets were right next to each other at the Forum. I sat right next to Gary for two seasons in the early-mid eighties. Both of them were absolutely delightful, down-to-earth, funny, sarcastic guys. We laughed so much. It was also great being able to go backstage before and after the show when REO Speedwagon played the Forum, which they would typically SELL-OUT in those days. I was truly saddened to hear of Gary's all to early passing. What a tremendous person and talent.

[@kendevries3212]

Alan Gratzer opened a restaurant in Westlake Village, CA. It was called Pita Feast. I ate there once and Alan was manning the cash register. I asked him if he missed the band. He said, "yes, kinda."

[@MultiSkyman1]

How weird man. Life is so strange. From being on stage doing the rock star thing and experiencing all those amazing moments to being behind a cash register. But that is the reality for most musicians. Of course it was his own business I guess. Yes, I play music too. 63 now, and had all the same dreams as the others, but at least they made it pretty damn big a good while and can be proud of it forever!

[@aleocampos9547]

But Alan once said he left the band because he was tired of touring life and not able to see his family for a long time.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Gary is one of my guitar heroes. His playing is engaging and powerful. Golden Country live solo is amazing.

[@Fukna69]

He sings on the live album, only a summer love, not the best but not bad, listen to the guitar work on that tune, one of my favorite

[@paolovincent6800]

a great player, you could always tell it was Gary by his tone, he is a true Rock Star !

[@JH-jx1hs]

REO was without question my favorite band in the late 70's early 80's and Gary was without question my favorite guitarist in that time. Eventually discovered the Blues through Eric Clapton's and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but REO will always be special for me. Saw them in 1970 in the Forum in LA and again in the 90's at Universal. Not even close to the same without Gary. Was one of those magic bands that needed everyone in it. RIP Gary. Thanks for the memories!!

[@roychester7876]

Gary was an unbelievable guitar player, not only on the hard rocking songs, but also for smoother tunes. He sings the wonderful Only a Summer Love on the R.E.O and You Get What You Play For albums, and I was delighted to hear his son Eric Richrath perform an excellent version of that song on his recent album Maybe Someday. Gary will definitely be smiling down at that!

[@ferdberfle5069]

Another great one RD! RIP Gary Richrath!

[@markkenny2919]

Truly one, if not the, most underrated guitarist in rock history. His playing on the live "You Get What You Play For" is flawless Golden Country is one of his greatest solos. I can never get enough of his playing on Back On The Road Again. (The live version, left hand sliding up and down the neck of his guitar is epic). One of the greats.

[@leftylefty77]

Chronically underrated.

[@markvineyard4149]

Gary's solos on "Back On The Road Again" are among the blistering in history. I always crank up the volume when that song comes on.

[@roblettman9491]

For me, that live album was really what REO was all about. And I agree that Gary's solo on Golden Country was his finest work, although his studio work on "Roll With the Changes" and "Back on the Road Again" are right up there too. RIP Gary!

[@DuaneElliott-j6o]

Underrated I agree but Alex Lifeson is also an underrated.guitar player too.

[@ELECTRICMOTOCROSSMACHINE]

Reo Speedwagon was my very first concert I ever went to at 17 years old. Gary Richrath stood out. I bought a shirt, that I wore till it fell apart.

[@timothyclaffey9138]

My first day as a freshman at University of Illinois in August, 1970 I went to see a band playing in an alley behind a frat house. It was REO Speedwagon. Then the next night it was REO at The Red Lion on Green Street. I just remember thinking how great it was to be able to see this awesome local band anytime I wanted! I loved Gary Richrath and their original singer Terry Latrell and when he left to join Starcastle, for me it was never the same. Just couldn't get on the Kevin Cronin train. Great memories nonetheless.

[@charlesking5328]

I'm with you on the "Kevin" assessment 100%

[@ixlr8677]

like bon and brian.

[@timpokrywka7026]

My two favorite guitarist have always been, Gary Richrath and Michael Schenker.

[@davedavid7061]

His guitar on Roll With The Changes has my vote for best guitar work in any song

[@gins8781]

My all time favorite song. Love the energy.

[@NJDEVILz86]

Yeah, you can only listen to so many balads GR gave that band life

[@mwales2112]

Miss seeing REO in the 70's. They were so good and what a sound... RIP Gary you are missed...

[@hollymartins6913]

I'm not a major REO fan, but as a kid growing up during the early days of MTV, Gary Richrath was THE GUY that made me pick up the guitar almost 40 years ago. And he's still one of the most dynamic guitar players I've ever seen. In my book, he's right up there with Bloomfield, Green, and Kossoff.

[@kevinmuzerMetalMind64]

Gary Richrath...One of my All Time favorite guitar 🎸 players 🎶 🎵

[@gregputz1735]

Gary was one of my idols growing up in the ‘70-‘80! Great guitar player and musician. I was sad when I got news of his passing in 2015. Great Video Btw!!!

[@The-Contractor]

One of the most under appreciated bands ever. Saw them in a bar while living in CO. They killed it. Pure talent and raw emotion fused to real power.

[@vayabroder729]

Thank you for the great documentaries! These have been sorely missed.

[@Cat-Privilege]

Roll with the Changes was always my favorite as the song plays itself out like more of a jam session than a studio recorded song and everyone just seemed to be in top form at that moment. Great video, R.I.P Gary.

[@douglasgil4208]

Great Review on the band's history ..... One thing we all agree on si that Gary was soul and heart of the band ...... He's well missed .😢

[@divingduck1970]

There was a club called The Vogue in Indianapolis, IN, where I lived between '84 to '95, and the marquee always seemed to have Richrath's name on it.

[@coloradod3649]

REO is one of my favorite bands and I think they are still great. I catch them in concert every few years. I last saw them with Styx in 2022. Sometimes you just have to roll with the changes.

[@ndNowMiguel]

Playing in November 2023 in Loveland Colorado. 🎉

[@joehall7883]

And if you can't roll with the changes, you can always ride the storm out.

[@ringonor4298]

Gary was the best, just the best, I love REO Speedwagon.

[@michaelcox436]

I played with Gary one night in Fayetteville Arkansas, after their double bill with Point Blank, when he dropped by club we were playing at. He was on FIRE. He recognized immediately that I was a capable keyboardist and grinned and we traded licks back and forth for 20 minutes or so. He was definitely at the top of his curve.

[@ttnt3332]

Your blessed!! Gary was from my home town!! Love the dude! RIP Gary!!

[@ttnt3332]

So do I along with Eddie's!!

[@thebluesrockers]

Gary Richrath was a hard rocking guitar player. He wasn't a fan of their light easy going songs, and they just wanted to embrace the radio friendly music. He was quite upset about that. He wanted to record more tunes like "Riding The Storm Out, Keep Pushing and Roll With The Changes." But Greed took over for Kevin, and he was the voice of the band. The rest of the band like playing the harder rock tunes too, but they sure were not going anywhere with the money they were raking in. Gary hated the foo foo easy going music bad enough to quit. So he did. Then he later self destructed with alcohol, and his bad diet. But he will remain one of my favorite all time guitar players. Thank you for talking about him. His friends all said that he was a great guy.. Peace

[@waverlyking6045]

Even his solos on ballads like “Take It on the Run” and “Keep on Loving You” had an intensity to them you would never expect to find in ballads.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@waverlyking6045 I totally agree. I liked a lot of their ballads and he was the best part of those tunes if you ask me. But being a guitar player, I'm biased. hahaha

[@mphrdldn]

REO, Styx and Journey seemed to have similar timelines. REO and Styx often headline together at the Labor Day fair in our town.

[@stephenwilliams4364]

@@waverlyking6045

[@gearhead2017]

That opening riff to keep on lovin you was magical and the guitar solo gary did was phenomenal

[@tomjones2348]

I was 15 when I saw REO at a college gym in Omaha. I considered myself a damn good guitarist....but Gary just stunned me. He just owned the stage, had an incredible tone and unique style. It was a hell of a show, and I'll kept Richrath licks in my playing to this day.

[@reneeleegreco1603]

wow excellent documentary!!!!!!!! Gary was super talented and addictions caused his downfall. After he passed away, I spoke briefly to his son. Incredibly nice.

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mustlovepretzels]

Gary's birthday was 2 days ago(October 18). Great guitar player. Thanks for posting River Docs. Cheers!🥨

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!!

[@don66hotrod94]

April 23, 1974 Green Bay, WI Montrose w/Sammy Hagar, REO, and headliner Black Oak Arkansas all for $4.50. For many rockstars it must be hell to peak @ 25 and ride life downhill from there.

[@jeffkolln5291]

I seen REO at Yankton, SD in the early 70's. They were the warm up band for Jo Jo Gunne. Gary walked into a raiser before they started and he was sent to the hospital to get stitches above his eye. The show was held up, but he played the show.

[@RiverDocs]

Thank for sharing your story. I love stories like this that you don't find on the internet or books. Again many thanks.

[@Somnospeed]

Great video dude! RARE to find much info about Gary. You did a GREAT job hosting. Keep pursuing your KZbin channel. YOu have a pleasantness that makes you forget you are watching a video and just listening to a story. That's how stories are meant to be told. NOT through a robot voice.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks. But sadly youtube is pushing the new style videos with the AI voices more than ones like mine anymore. Good thing is my channel here will never change. I'll keep it going for the old school folks who likes stories with a real person speaking. Thanks for watching.

[@johnderfler5183]

I saw this band on Easter Sunday 1976, they played in a reception hall in a place named Davison Michigan. A group called Moose and the Sharks opened for REO. This was a concert, like i never seen before, they played for about 30 minuets, then took a break, they didn't go back stage, they came out into the crowd, went over to the refreshment stand, bought some beers and mingled with the crowd. After about 15 minuets they started to play again for another 35 minuets, was a great concert. Was a fan of the band for life, after this show, I'm 67 now was 19 that nigh

[@Intersectionrecordsstl]

My first REO show was in the summer of 1990 and Gary had just left the band. I never saw him. Had chances to see his solo band. Amazing artist!! Another fantastic show River Doc!!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Ryan. Appreciate it!

[@davidcraft4919]

Gary was the heart and soul of this band..... Great guitar, great song writing.... 'Nuff Said!

[@LuisRodriguez-cf4tf]

Thank you for such EXCELLENT documentar and homage 🥲🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@doctordetroit4339]

His playing is second to none. Keep on Rollin'.....that shredding and riffing.....unreal!!!

[@mikeatl4953]

Nice video. Richrath was REO to me.

[@peggymann7096]

Ive visited Garys memorial bench in E. PEORIA. Its a lovely spot by the river. Love this video about the history. I went to see REO at the Red Lion in Bloomington in the 70's

[@reddrockingeezer]

I grew up idolizing Gary long before REO became a band. When he played with Suburban 9 to 5, his garage band here in Central Illinois; I could see he was destined for stardom. I will never understand why REO TWO wasn't a chart busting album. The early rock magazine Circus gave the first REO album, with Terry Luttrell a "5 Ear" rating, stating to play it until the grooves wear out. Later in their career he told me that Riding the Storm Out was going to be their first hit; but unfortunately not until much later. After endless touring the band got a gold record for the double-live album, "You Get What You Play For". Years later Gary felt what he started as a hard rock band had been watered down and essentially taken from him by the hits written by Kevin Cronin. After being fired by the band for a myriad of reasons, Gary tried one more time with Richrath in the early 90's. I encouraged him to aim for a healthier lifestyle, but Gary wanted the party to go on forever. He played at a jam night the the Peoria bar named the Silver Dollar. I'd gotten a DUI, so I didn't know he was there. If you search for Gary Richrath / Silver Dollar you should find a sad video or two that shows how unhealthy he had become. It was a private funeral when he died, I don't even know where a grave might be located. Get a copy of REO TWO if you want to hear REO at their best in the studio. I was a friend of Greg Philbin, the original bass player. He told me that Kevin wanted an extremely simple bass thumping style, barely more than repetitive drivel. Greg played a really fluid bass, skills that Kevin didn't want to have to work around, so he had to go. Last observation, original drummer Alan Gratzer left because he was only getting a $300.00 stipend per week when the band was not on tour. He told me that all of the money went to the guys who were credited with writing the songs, so 2 people were getting 80% of the roylaties from record sales.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks so much for your comment. You kind of confirmed my suspicions of why Gregg was to leave the group. What you say here makes sense with what information I found. And the same with Alan too. I knew there couldn't have been much money coming in by the mid 80's as their album sales had dropped off drastically.

[@RiverDocs]

And to add, REO Two was my second favorite album after the live album.

[@Doug-nr3gh]

Really insightful ... Explains a lot thanks D's

[@markrahner2065]

REO shows of the late 70s were spectacular hard driving rock 'n' roll experiences. My REO loving friends and I were disappointed when they later transitioned to featuring pop tunes. They got a lot more radio play but, from our perspective, it seemed that financial considerations had overwhelmed artistic considerations. I can't imagine that all members of the band were thrilled with that transition. But I'm grateful for the memories of those earlier concerts.

[@timtaylor9339]

Have to agree, those of us that loved the band in the early seventies felt they lost the edge after the pop songs came out. Still a big fan of Ridin' the storm out.

[@ttnt3332]

It all went to hell after Richrath from my home town!! You can read my post and know actual facts! It went Cronins way 100%

[@frankzalar333]

So glad I got to see them while Gary was still there. High energy throughout the whole concert.

[@RiverDocs]

Same here. Wasn't the same after Gary left. Thanks for watching!

[@MD-mm1zv]

Really enjoyed this video. Never saw REO live, but they were pretty incredible on the radio. Complex, high-energy rock, that perfectly complemented my twenties. Whadda time. Everyone has their opinion, and for me, very few great bands can top their album cuts. That’s like going to have a portrait made. Making a bit of your history, sealing a bit of your time. You’re making a reference standard of your work. While it can be entertaining, and perhaps economically necessary, it’s a little sad when bands go on, and on with their old stuff. Works of art are done once, and forever just once…

[@RiverDocs]

Well said! Thanks for watching.

[@knoxtrail5412]

His solo in roll with changes is one of THE BEST EVER

[@CaptainRon1913]

So true. Neal Doughty's Hammond B3 organ solo is pretty iconic on that song as well

[@neoplatonist-o9p]

How about the one in "Keep On Loving You"?! It's just impeccable. I'm blown away every time I hear it. Lyrically, KC hit it outta the ballpark on that one. It's just flawless.

[@neoplatonist-o9p]

​​@@CaptainRon1913YYR!

[@CAPTDILLIGAF]

I think the solos in Golden Country are better.

[@illbarry]

Gary's solo on the studio recording of 157 Riverside Av. was the sound of REO and his playing. No one else was doing those high note sounds the way he was doing them.

[@sirgalahad3574]

I very much enjoyed this. Gary's on the cover of You Get What You Play For...was the epitome of "rock star". I honestly put him in my top 10 favorite guitarists.

[@ndNowMiguel]

I attended this Concert on 1981 in Denver Colorado at the old McNichols Arena. They absolutely shredded it and Gary Richrath 🎸 stole the show, he was amazing. REO plays Colorado again in November 2023. 🎶🎶🎶

[@InterestingWorldLove]

70s best live band ever J Giles too. I can't describe how awesome these bands were. Just amazing talent. The whole world, myself included, lost it in the 80s

[@vanatic22]

One of my all time favorite rock guitarists and was so underrated! I remember standing in front of him in 1978 at the Tuna Tour concert in Pittsburgh and caught a pick he threw. I was 16 and was hooked on REO Speedwagon and Gary was my rock guitar hero. To this day, I remember watching him play that night and can say with confidence that he was in his element on that stage playing that guitar. His fall from fame and struggle with drinking was so sad. May he RIP.

[@Daniel-l3n6r]

Some guys look constipated or even angry when they play, but he looked like he was having fun.

[@RiverDocs]

When you said look constipated I saw the Robin Trower faces lol

[@danielcorreard3746]

Gary richrath was the most underrated and unheralded guitarist in the history of rock and roll i used to love to listen to him play the guitar he could make that guitar talk. the best was the flying turkey trot.

[@1red_nextview740]

I aw them with Cheap Trick back circa 1986. Very entertaining show. I still have the REO live album and "Tune a Piano...." on vinyl since they came out. RIP Gary.

[@my2cents370]

There was a popular bar on 95th street, Evergreen park, PJ FLARATY'S,(now an ALDI'S). Remembering my band, Radio Player opening for Gary, mid '80's, that night. Their tour bus had some trouble getting there, as they were coming from not sure where. We agreed to keep playing as they were just getting into town, but were gonna be late, but they still were going on, as the people wanted to see them. We kept going, but they really looked beat. Gary was very thankful to us, they took the stage and still rocked that place!! Great guy, very missed!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@michaelsteding7720]

Always loved Garys playing. He had his own style and sound for sure.

[@csnide6702]

That band went as far as Gary's Les Paul took them ..... and that was IT..... that band died the day he left it

[@rubicon-oh9km]

They’ve been touring without Gary for 33 years now and making lots of money. Band is far from dead.

[@williamgullett5911]

@@rubicon-oh9kmthe band sold out with their High Infidelity lalala top 40 album. They deserved what happened after that. They deserve to plat state fairs in Iowa.

[@dougmillyard2418]

Agreed

[@csnide6702]

@@rubicon-oh9km you mean Kevin Cronin hasn't given it up.... Who can even name their band members anymore...? they are beating a dead horse to play county fairs.

[@christopherharris3229]

​@@rubicon-oh9kmcover band now 😂 try as he might Dave Amato can't hold a candle to Gary Richrath

[@jornfox3545]

I saw Gary with REO at the L.A. Sports Arena in '81 and is still one of the best concerts I've been to and I've been to more than a few in my day, they were really hitting their stride at that time, then Gary left and I saw them a few more times live and they weren't even close to the same playing live. Great memories of that 'Hi Fidelity album' live tour.

[@charliepickard7798]

One of my favorite guitarist of all time, love his sound, for me Gary Richrath was REO, when he left, they became a tribute band in my eyes.

[@pawlpoche8736]

The live version of Roll with Changes on Midnight Special is amazing 🎊

[@kikiki4592]

Gary is an amazing and under rated player. Everytime I hear a Guns N' Roses song and Slash starts into a solo I hear Gary's influence loudly. R.I.P. Gary

[@dongraham8236]

Slash could not hold Gary's pissjug...

[@kikiki4592]

@@dongraham8236 I agree. I laugh when I hear him name the typical responses to influences, and he lies as usual, he listened to a lot of REO and April Wine to get his sound.

[@fredknittney3273]

LOL! I loved April Wine as they were a "local" band...I do like GnR but as stated Slash isn't nearly at the same level as GR...been listening to REO since 1973 via my bro's older musician bro...@@kikiki4592

[@richardcollejr.5121]

​@@dongraham8236yes he can the 2 best Les Paul players they are both great Gary was one of his influences. Gary smoked the guitar. When you play Les Paul like that you're great

[@rentedtux1883]

GnR sucks

[@reprintranch]

Good doc. I was surprised that you didn’t mention REO’s last hard rockin’ album, Nine Lives. I thought that was a great record and expected it to sell big, which it did not. Maybe if it had been released five years earlier. I absolutely despised High Infidelity but I understand how/why the band felt like they needed a new direction. Poor Gary, I wish he could have found contentment when he needed it.

[@RiverDocs]

Well said! They went the way the money took them. And I don't blame them for it. Maybe if Ridin the Storm Out and REO Two would have done better earlier in their career Then Nine Lives would have sold better?? I don't know. Timing is everything for a band...and they had to change after Nine Lives or they might have tanked earlier and missed out on all that money. Again I don't blame them. But that change in music style really hurt Gary who was rock and roll to the bone. Thanks for your comment and insight.

[@armyvetdave]

I met Kevin in a golf shop back in early 2000’s. I simply thanked him for the music. He was very appreciative.

[@paulhenson4434]

I only saw REO once. Recording of the double live album in KC. Always liked his style n sound...❤

[@kenthawley5990]

Gary Richrath was a fantastic guitarist. I remember when REO played high school dances in southern Illinois.

[@rickpopp6535]

My favorite is "you get what your play for" was the best of the bunch. It showcased all of the members doing what they did best. After that, it seemed to me to become more slick in the production, that took the edge (that I like) out of the sound.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

This guy has a great channel. He has a great way of communicating as a narrator.

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@Mickey63487]

I saw reo on the 9 lives tour and was a great concert. But, there is another show where Gary topped that. When he left the band, he got a band together and played small bars. Saw him play with a band in a small bar with 100-200 people crammed into it. It was basically a show of Gary being let loose with his guitar playing old reo songs from their pre-pop days. It was the most intimate concert of a rock star playing in your small hometown neighborhood bar. It was a once in a lifetime type of gig.

[@Marty3317]

Gary made the guitar sing like an angel!!! Loved listening to his true rock and roll guitar!!

[@jamesz.58]

Gary was one of my guitar heroes growing up. Such a distinct style, so talented.

[@MrNegative57]

One of my favorite live albums. Very few bands can ever maintain relevance. Aerosmith made their comeback work. No one talks with their guitar like Gary !!

[@DenmanShooter]

Went to a concert for (another band) and REO opened for them. Never heard of them before. They opened with Ridin the Storm out and when the intro started it was like magic. They were called back twice for encore before the headliners even got on stage. Amazing concert.

[@fretworkband3204]

One of my favorite rock guitarists and imho one of the all time best. He could shred before that term became popular, but at least his playing was tasty and musical. I guess he wanted to climb the mountain again because surely he’d made enough money in REO to never have to worry about it. I just thought that surely some band could’ve used his skills to expand their audience.

[@geraldlavelle3337]

I went to a REO Speedwagon concert in Los Angeles in the early 70's. I ended up standing next to a stack of speakers out on the floor. I was virtually deaf for two weeks. I felt so lucky to slowly but surely get my hearing back.

[@mattrodela2030]

Gary was a nice person. He lived in Newbury Park CA for a lot years. He'd sit in once in a while and play with bands at Azar's in the late '90's. He is missed. RIP.

[@TracedaBassman]

Great guitar player. Saw him at the Portland Coliseum with REO. He was not only a great soloist, but he knew how to write hooks that sold records.

[@sluke60]

Gary was from my hometown of Peoria Illinois. It is really sad that in the end he had to just give up. I don't think he was ever really happy after that.. RIP Gary.. Saw REO a couple of years ago in Missouri, sounded great..

[@flyingburritobro68]

There is a bench on the riverfront in E Peoria dedicated to Gary😎 saw them at the old Bradley Fieldhouse long ago. That stadium no longer exists. Great player and he was REO

[@user-hk4xl4oq5f]

Really good mini-doc! I especially liked how even-handed it is. Nice work.

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

I wasn't the biggest REO fan, but Gary could play his ass off. This was a cool video, thanks for posting it.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate it.

[@virgilrobertsjr7870]

I saw REO Speedwagon in the mid 70's in the Washington DC area and they were sensational. Also Gary Richrath was phenomenal on guitar? ☆☆☆☆☆ 😎

[@glenkepic3208]

Ahhh, Gary "Marshall Chirpman" Richrath. I saw the band a couple of times as a middle act at Winterland in the mid '70s but never bought anything even though i liked them. A local TV station would broadcast videos on Friday night. One night they played "Take It On The Run" which knocked us out. Went and bought High Infidelity the next day. Loved it but pretty sure that was all I bought. One of those things...I think we saw them headline for this,,, Cow Palace? A lot of water under the bridge. Great offering. Thanks for the memories.

[@chris55529]

Greatly unexpected, and unexpectedly great, video!! Just subscribed.

[@RiverDocs]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stevemason5173]

I love your videos. You do such a great job and do your work in research in your stars. I do thank you for your time and effort. I guess we all approach that time in life when father time says it's time to slow down and we all have to accept the changes. Most are very hard to deal with when we find we can not do the things we have enjoyed as we used to. For Gary it sounds so terrible. His lead and sound launched Kevin's power ballads into space. Kevin even compared Gary's guitar work to NASA as far as mixing with his power ballads. You put the facts into perspective very well. Great job here. I find all your facts and information to be true!!!

[@RiverDocs]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tomlorenzen4062]

The live version of Like You Do is unbelieveable. Gary's playing is unreal.

[@steven3517]

He mentioned how differently songs would have sounded without Gary's gutairs, the guitar solo on "take it on the run" has been going through my mind since I first saw this video. So yeah I agree..

[@chriskay3058]

I had heard that the band was pretty hard partying back in the day. It carried over into their home life and threatened to break up families. Gary didn' t want to give it up and that was one of the main reasons (but not the only one) that he parted ways with REO. Olive branches were extended to him and fences were mended some years later. But by then, it was way too late. Gary had become a mere shell of his former self due to excessive drinking. It's a very sad story when somebody so full of talent destroys themselve lilke that.

[@CanadaCornrow]

There is video of him performing in a bar near the end of his life. He barely looks recognizable, bloated from his lifestyle over the years. As someone who admired him in my youth it was hard to watch. At least he looked in good spirits while playing.

[@JH-jx1hs]

@@CanadaCornrow I've seen it and I almost wish I hadn't. He was a special talent and by far one of the most underated guitarists in history. He had a great run, but I guess the lifestyle caught up to him like it does so many. Maybe if he had gone out in a blaze at the top of his game he would be remembered, but either way he was one of the very best of all time.

[@ripper2087]

Roll With The Changes live is still one of my all time favorite songs. Such a sad story. Gary looked like an old lady at the end. Is this narrated by Rich Williams from Kansas? Sure sounds like him.

[@mikemcclelland3864]

Gary brought that edge to the band… it was like a mix of a rock and roll guy with a sappy band( later in the years). Either way- they made some amazing music- roll with the changes live still is one of my all time favorites- soooo much energy

[@Darrenleerocker]

I was wanting to learn to play guitar when l was in first grade in 1971. My much older cousin told my mom about a place in Santa Ana, California, l believe, where l could get some good lessons from a great instructor. So we went down one evening dropped some cash on a metronome "old style tick toc" a music stand and a how to read and play music book. Then my instructor can in the small room. It was Gary Richrath. I did not figure out who he was till l saw him perform on MTV much later. Well l remember he sat down in the old metal folding chair and leaned back like he was Mr. Cool with his curly rock hair acting like he really didn't want to be there. He was just having to put up with me. Well l learned my lesson well and surly thought l would really impress the hell out of him with how well l did. We came in the room again next time the same as before and listened. He didn't complain about my playing, so l guess l did ok. Then he looked at me and said kid if you want to do this it's a one in a million chance that you'll make it. Not quite the pep talk. Mabe he was just sharing his opinion, or maybe my mom put him up to it. She really didn't want to spend the money on my lessons. Well, that was my last lesson anyway because l slammed my fingers in the car door the day of my third lesson. "Those old cars had very heavy doors." My mom said maybe it wasn't meant to be for now. I learned to play by ear later on so it's all good. But wait there's more. ln 1985 my little brother-in-law was night surfing at Newport or Huntington beach when a white limo pulled up and a drunk guy gets out and puts his arm around his shoulders. David wasn't down with that, so he flipped him to the ground. He said hey, don't you know who l am? l am the guitarist for REO Speedwagon! David said never heard of him. I said dude you didn't know who he was? That's so hilarious. RIP dude.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for your comment. Appreciate you watching the video!

[@dimebagdave77]

Helluva lead guitarist..manythnx River Docs 🤘

[@RiverDocs]

You're very welcome!!

[@Marvinfj32]

Back in 70 something they played the community center in Rock Springs Wi. Blink and you were out of town. Garage band on their way up. Little did I know, but I remember being there. Great band and responsible for some of my good memories of the 70's. Thanks guys.

[@Eatzbugs]

My all time favorite. He was born for greatness

[@TheCountofToulouse]

I never saw Richrath but a club that my band played at, a HUGE place called the Twilight Zone in Gastonia NC, had hosted him the week before. The owner of the venue told us that the place had about 500 people in there to see him, he was also complaining about the state of old bands that could no longer sell out big venues. He mentioned Jethro Tull, how much trouble they were having selling tickets. I saw REO in the summer of 1993 at a county fair in Cheboygan Michigan. I seriously could NOT believe how many people were there, it was packed on the floor and all the way to the rafters in the back and the band was incredible, they sounded great. I recall how I felt about seeing them minus Gary and I had a hard feeling about it....he also screwed up the solo on 'Keep on Loving You' which made that feeling a little more bitter. Even though Gary complained about Kevin's writing, his guitar was the perfect compliment to it. The dynamic sort of reminds me of Steve Perry and Neal Scheon in Journey. Neal was NOT hip on playing those slow ballads but that was where the REAL money was.

[@roncarter2188]

Having a older brother and sister I got introduced to so many great bands in 1970s and 80s. I remember my sister having the album Hi Infidelity, wow what an album, if she only knew how many times I played that album when she wasn't around.

[@richmoss9307]

Liked REO in the early 70s, then became a HUGE fan when I listened to "You get what you play for" with my friends Jimbo and Jeff(We were chemically altered at the time). First time I heard the, Now famous, intro to "Flying Turkey Trot", I felt it in every fiber of my body! I was old school REO, and like the old rock style. When High Infidelity came out I was like "WTF is that"? Not REO style to me. Still they are part of me. Was staying at a VRBO on Riverside drive in Punta Gorda, FL recently. I looked at the clock and told my family, "It's 157 on Riverside Avenue!" Nobody got it, and explaining it didn't help... strange how things live on in your heart!

[@gkirms]

The problem was Kevin Cronin and the direction he wanted to take the band and the direction was evident when they released Hi-Infidelity. As far as 1990 Grunge hit the scene. Nirvana was present and in 1991 released 'Nevermind'. All classic rock bands had a difficult time competing with grunge. You just had to sit back and ride it out which a lot of bands couldn't. But I still say as many others do without Gary in band they just weren't the same. For me, after 'Nine Lives' they really lost their raw rock edge. We'll never know the inner goings on between the band members and the direction they wanted to go in but at the end of the day I think Kevin won out.