@belotface
Gary was the "balls" of the band, RIP Gary.
@suzannecarwell1391
Gary's departure marked the end for me. Their 70s sound was the best, and it wasn't the same without him.. RIP.❤
@leebreadman
Gary was a Great guitar player with his own unique sound
@johnckendall
REO became a tribute band in 1989. Gary was the one to make Kevin’s sappy ballads famous. I believe Gary created the power ballad and he did so because he wanted to play guitar like the rock god he was.
@bobsguitarstudio715
As a guitar player I can tell you Gary Richrath was the shit, he was one of the original shredders.
@romanm9718
I can't believe what Kevin Cronin has done to Bruce Hall and really the entire band. Gary's son is absolutely right.
@kennethfinnegan2978
Let me tell you something, I dated Kevin’s sister in 1990. She took me to Kevin’s wedding in Racine, WI. Kevin is such a control freak, that he accused me dating his sister just to get info on the band, so I can sell it. He even called my home demanding any pictures I may have took at the wedding. I told him that it’s 1991, nobody gives a shit about REO anymore. He then sent his sister and some muscle to retrieve anything I might have. I had nothing. His sister apologized to me but I had had enough. We broke up. That guy is a real piece of work.
@kristymantia1139
Gary was the best!❤️🙂
@budman0705
Gary delivered an epic rock guitar solo on Take It On The Run. It brings chills to my spine to this day.
@jasonbone7033
I saw REO in the early 80s at the Coliseum in Greensboro, NC. When Gary would do a solo during the songs, it’s one of the few times that I can recall hearing the crowd erupt and cheer so loudly that you could hear the cheers over the band. It was special. Kevin and the rest were great, but it felt like Gary was the heart and soul. A great memory!
@davidadamsmusic
Some of us are like, “REO is still a band? Why?”
@larrybobbitt8452
Gary was one of the best top five Guitar players ever. No one played like Gary Richrath played. He was a very very Special player.
@cornonthecob1268
When Gary left, it was over!
@xmichaelxwalkup10
I knew Bruce and Gary. Bruce and Gary were my friends. I was a co founder of the Champaign IL group Feathertrain where both Bruce and Gary got their start in the Champaign music scene that gave birth to REO Speedwagon. I was present at the first meetings with both of them where we interviewed them followed by try outs. Gary was my replacement on lead guitar when I decided to quit to focus on my pre law studies. Bruce was our bass player and back up vocalist throughout my tenure with the group. (MIke Murphy was also in the group later on). I have written about the details of those encounters previously. I agree that this was not warranted and fully agree with Gary's son on on this.
@harveyottinger5572
I saw REO in 1975. I was 17 and saw a performance by Gary Richrath that i have never forgotten. They worked so hard and were led by Gary. Unbelievable guitarist that I was lucky to witness.
@JamesTaylor-yw2rg
After Gary left it wasn’t Reo anymore His Turkey Trot and the way they did 157 Riverside Avenue. It just wasn’t the same anymore
@cdcubs8727
Kevin has always reminded me of Dennis DeYoung. Both talented guys who insisted on the sappy songs and they think they are the band.
@johnriddle6213
What Kevin has done to Bruce sheds light on how Kevin treated Gary before he left the band. Maybe if Kevin would have let Gary get some rehab time off he could have stayed in the band. As seen on "behind the Music" Gary wanted to come back. I feel Kevin only has Kevin's best interest in mind. I would love to here Alan and Neal's point of view. Very sad this has to end like this. I have been a fan since 1983, and have seen them live around the 50 times.
@Philbender1
Gary was the first guitarist that made me want to learn guitar!! Been playing 35 years ...
@GeorgeSawtooth