REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath dies at 65

Gary Richrath, a former member of the classic rock group REO Speedwagon, has died. The guitarist was 65.

Lead singer Kevin Cronin announced on the band’s Facebook page that Richrath died on Sunday. He did not reveal the cause of death.

“Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath,” Cronin wrote. “The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.”

Richrath joined the group in 1970 and wrote several songs with the group. He stayed with them until 1989 and recorded a solo album in 1992, notes Ultimate Classic Rock. He performed with them again in 2013 for a series of shows to benefit Illinois families who lost their homes after a series of storms.

REO Speedwagon is best known for the hits “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Richrath wrote the hit “Ridin’ The Storm Out” and “Take It On The Run.”