Thundersteel Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Saw it in another forum. Here's a link to the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/REOSpeedwagonOfficial?pnref=story
RobB Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Aw, man, that is sad. He was a ripping rock guitarist and really knew how to exploit the LP/Marshall sound. RIP, Gary.
MCChris Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 He was a ripping rock guitarist and really knew how to exploit the LP/Marshall sound.Yep, and the perfect blend of melody and flash in his solos.When he reappeared during that benefit concert for the victims of that tornado in middle Illinois a few years ago, it was clear that his demise was imminent, unfortunately.
Willie G. Moseley Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 This is a bit personal, and I remember some specific aspects of my interview with Richrath, who was one of the first "big name" guitarists I interviewed in person for Vintage Guitar, in the early '90s. He was out on tour to support his solo album.We'd discussed a lot of things he hadn't expected, like the clubs in Champaign-Urbana, ca. 1970. He asked how I knew about those, and I told him I was stationed at the Air Force base 20 miles away. He noted with a laugh that guys like us used to be easy to spot from the stage, and agreed with my self-included description of "skin-headed dorks wearing tie-dyed t-shirts".He was appreciative of the interview, telling me "You've done your homework"."It helps if you're a fan," I responded.I think I'll pull out my CD of R.E.O.-T.W.O. and listen to it tonight. It's still one hell of a guitar album, and Richrath always liked it too.
bubs_42 Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 He was a ripping rock guitarist and really knew how to exploit the LP/Marshall sound.Yep, and the perfect blend of melody and flash in his solos.When he reappeared during that benefit concert for the victims of that tornado in middle Illinois a few years ago, it was clear that his demise was imminent, unfortunately.Gary was working on new material with one of my Co-Workers. He played live with Bubblegum Jack a few times around town last year which Tommy was the singer and I know they recorded some songs but over the last year I heard nothing more about it. I'm shocked and I'm sure i'll hear something from Tommy on his Facebook Page. He didn't look like the same guy but that's how it goes. RIP.
bubs_42 Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 http://www.pjstar.com/article/20150914/NEWS/150919703/1994/NEWS
Brentrocks Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 I remember seeing him live. His tone was extraordinary!!!
BruceM Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 I think I'll pull out my CD of R.E.O.-T.W.O. and listen to it tonight. It's still one hell of a guitar album, and Richrath always liked it too.This was the first album of REO's that I ever istened to. REO was the 2nd concert I ever attended, with my brother ScottM, spring of 1974 at the Decatur. Armory. Gary Richrath was always in the teenage boy discussions about "The Best Guitar Player." Others in the running for us at that time were Santana, Johnny Winter, Buck Dharma, among others. Ah, the good old days. RIP, Gary.
Jakeboy Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 His tone with a fixed wah was unique and he was fast, melodic, and as someone said, flashy! I love the Live album. RIP to a great player. One who inspired a lot of players, including me.
Steve Haynie Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 That early stuff was great. His later stuff was good, too.
hamerhead Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 They played around here all the time way back when. It was was hard not to be influenced by the way he played. He was an encyclopedia of rock riffs. REO was never the same after he left.RIP, Mr. Richrath.
moozak Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 i used to listen to them all the time but over the years my musical tastes have completely changed... so i haven't listened to any REO for a LONG time.but it's so strange... i actually woke up with him on my mind this morning. i have no idea why... so i was certainly shocked to hear of his death (which was only about 15 mins ago).i believe i had read somewhere that he had quite a problem with alcohol over the years - i wonder if that played a part in his death... poor guy.RIP Gary
MCChris Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 i believe i had read somewhere that he had quite a problem with alcohol over the years - i wonder if that played a part in his death... poor guy. RIP Gary Something was wrong with him:
zenmindbeginner Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 i believe i had read somewhere that he had quite a problem with alcohol over the years - i wonder if that played a part in his death... poor guy. RIP Gary Something was wrong with him: Yeah, I've never seen someone's personal appearance degrade like that. It didn't affect his playing though! RIP Gary - he was a stadium giant of the Les Paul/Marshall sound and could really play
Willie G. Moseley Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Let's not take anything away from Dave Amato (right in the above photo), who is a great player in his own right with a solid LP/Marshall sound, but his tone and phrasing don't mean he's a Richrath clone. Dave's one of the good guys; big vintage guitar enthuasiast and always upbeat and cordial.That's Bruce Hall on the left with "Butter", his modded J-Bass. He always refers to "her" as a female:http://www.vintageguitar.com/4868/bruce-and-butter/
veatch Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 http://youtu.be/cHtb-TWhYLc Point of order - No pickguard in "Roll with the Changes"...
MCChris Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 I'm sure his physical appearance (to say nothing of the condition that caused it) is among the reasons why bringing him back into the fold was never an option.Yeah, the bass player looks a little womanly and the others are kinda rockin' that bro vibe, but they're healthy and vibrant for their ages and that's a big part of the schtick. Richrath wouldn't have fit that picture.
Boomerang~Junkie Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Gary (and REO) were a huge part of my high school and college years. I've seen them live a handful of times and they were awesome each time.Very sad. RIP Gary.
cowboytim Posted September 14, 2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Just bought The CD A Decade of REO....Great Stuff...."On The Road Again" a must have!
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