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Gary_Richrath · Former REO Speedwagon Lead Guitarist

Group Information

  • Members: 371
  • Category: REO Speedwagon
  • Founded: Jun 10, 2004
  • Language: English
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Description

Back in 1989, with over 20 million albums sold, including six platinium and four gold, REO Speedwagon former lead guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath had some big shoes to follow: His own.

After writing monster hits for REO Speedwagon such as "Ridin' the Storm Out," and "Take It On the Run," Richrath left to form his own band with a new set of musicians.

When Richrath left REO, it was rumored that the band was breaking up because of extreme personality conflicts among REO's members. Richrath never denied the charges, but prefers to explain it on his own terms.

"I have no horror stories to tell you," he said. But he did admit to crossing swords a few times with lead singer Kevin Cronin.

"We had songwriting conflicts (about) whose songs would go on the albums," Richrath said. But more than conflict led to the demise of the original REO Speedwagon. Richrath saw the band move away from the "rockier" style he prefers to slower, more sentimental ballads -- and Richrath was not ready to slow down.

So he moved on, full speed ahead, and formed a band that was more in touch with his own tastes.

The band played over 1,000 concerts, mostly in small clubs and halls, and Richrath said audiences were eating up the two hour shows -- half REO classics and half new tunes. And the new songs were getting noticed.

"They've been going over great," Richrath said. He's gratified to see a number of people come to more than one show to hear the new songs again, Richrath said, referring to these fans as "Repeat Offenders." Richrath likes the smaller venues, where he says being so close to the fans is productive, and gives him good feedback.

The band continued to tour throughout the 1990's when Richrath headed back into the studio in 1998 to create a new CD that remains unfinished.

Richrath says he was never out to create a new REO Speedwagon. "I wasn't trying to create a new REO," he said, "but just carrying on with what I do."

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Re: Outlaws video!!!
Her is a link to another Gary Richrath Band performance, this time of "Ridin' The Storm Out": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHkqjFDxkB4
Posted - Sun Jul 5, 2009 10:15 pm
Michael R Rambo Jr.
mrambojr
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Re: Another Newbie
Yes ... I'm a fan of what I would call the real REO. And if I can handle Cronin's Cronies? I live in Eugene, Oregon, after all -- the city went into
Posted - Sun Jul 5, 2009 10:14 pm
rualakin
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Re: Another Newbie
Hello newbie, welcome aboard! The "other Daryl" was spot on with his comment.   Best regards, "The" Daryl   
Posted - Sun Jul 5, 2009 10:12 pm
DARYL LONG
longball300_...
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Re: Market Square, 1982
We are packing to move and just a few days ago I ran across a ticket stub from November 27, 1982, Market Square Arena (which I am told isn't even there
Posted - Fri Jul 3, 2009 3:43 pm
rualakin
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Re: Outlaws video!!!
This is great. How about the cover of "Postman" they did that's linked there, too? That's pretty interesting and has been stuck in my head since I heard it!
Posted - Fri Jul 3, 2009 3:41 pm
Rob Diaz II
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2009 305 27 41 48 28 13 13
2008 35 46 54 91 93 63 178 76 179 59 28 112
2007 34 100 220 156 192 33 23 13 23 255 56 45
2006 29 5 51 54 61 87 66 13 118 53 152
2005 34 48 25 54 14 116 36 186 30 43 46 17
2004 96 212 105 86 148 144 109

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