Hard-working and hard-rocking band from the Illinois heartland who morphed into million-selling power balladeers by the '80s. [3] Although it was not as successful as its predecessor, the album performed moderately well commercially, featuring the hit singles "Keep the Fire Burnin'" (U.S. #7), "Sweet Time" (U.S. #26) and the Album Rock chart hit "The Key". Gary Dean Richrath (October 18, 1949 - September 13, 2015) [1] was an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist and a songwriter for the band REO Speedwagon from 1970 until 1989. REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which failed to chart. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. Luttrell left the band in early 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin. Over the course of its career, the . On November 22, 2013, they announced a benefit concert with Styx titled "Rock to the Rescue" to raise money for the affected families of the tornadoes in central Illinois. Richrath last played with REO Speedwagon in 2013, when the band performed a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, to raise money for tornado victims. The album was REO's first to make the top 40, peaking at No. The original members of REO Speedwagon are: Kevin Cronin on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and occasionally piano Neal Doughty on keyboard Alan Gratzer on drums, percussion, and backing vocals Gregg Philbin on bass and backing vocals How did REO Speedwagon get its name? [4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. [7] Mike Murphy took over and recorded Ridin' the Storm Out, Lost in a Dream and This Time We Mean It, but was replaced by a returning Cronin in 1976. List of REO Speedwagon members - Wikiwand REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Put away that passportyou don't have to embark on a European excursion to enjoy these 13 of the best presidential quotes for election season. [3] Paul Leka, an East Coast record producer, brought the band to his recording studio in Bridgeport, Connecticut where it recorded original material for its first album. [1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. The group had a more progressive rock sound for its first six albums and did not find commercial success until they released their first live album. Sat, Mar 18, 2023 8:00 PM These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.". The REO Speedwagon member joined the group as a bassist in 1968, replacing Mike Blair. Over the course of their career, the band has sold more than 40 million records and has charted 13 top 40 hits, including the number ones "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling". Released in 1976, R.E.O. 29. [3] The album was released in 1978 and has received FM radio airplay over the years, thanks to songs like "Roll with the Changes" and "Time for Me to Fly". [2] With interest at an all-time low, REO were set to pack it up for good until a sudden wave of renewed interest in classic rock bands of yesteryear began to sweep the U.S. during the late '90s, resulting in REO launching successful co-headlining tours alongside such acts as Styx, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Bad Company, among others. Its amazing when I walk out on stage and start playing one of the songs I wrote and 10,000 people stand up and start singing along, says lead singer Cronin, 62, who wrote their No. [8] On July 13, on the way to a show in Milwaukee, the band made a stop in Philadelphia to play at the US leg of Live Aid, which broke a record for number of viewers. The commercial failure of the band's newer material with its revised lineup demanded a change in marketing strategy. Gregg Philbin, the former REO Speedwagon bassist, died earlier this week, the band announced. REO Speedwagon resumes its tour on Nov. 2 and has dates planned through March. Also note that there are a lot of solo artists and musical groups who did phenomenal work and helped create rock's sound as we know it, but didn't fit into the "band" category if they specialized . After graduation, the group signed on with then-unknown manager Irving Azoff (who would later guide the careers of such multi-platinum acts as the Eagles and Steely Dan), which led to the outfit building a devoted following in the Midwest due to nonstop touring. On his Farfisa organ, he learned "Light My Fire" by The Doors. The band released a self-financed album entitled Find Your Own Way Home in April 2007. In 2021, REO Speedwagon was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Rt. Mike Murphy took over and recordedRidin' the Storm Out,Lost in a DreamandThis Time We Mean It, but was replaced by a returning Cronin in 1976. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. [3] Blair left a few months after Matt, with Gregg Philbin taking his place. In the post on their website, the REO Speedwagon bandmates stated that Gregg Philbin played on the band's first six studio albums and the live You Get What You Play For double-live album. Hi Infidelity would eventually go on to sell more than nine million copies -- catapulting REO to arena-headlining status. After that, Miles Joseph and the back up singers were dropped in favor of former Ted Nugent guitarist Dave Amato (who was brought aboard in May 1989) and keyboardist/songwriter/producer Jesse Harms. [3] Blair left a few months after Matt, with Gregg Philbin taking his place. Gary Richrath, songwriter and lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon for decades, has died, the band announced on its Facebook page Sunday. REO Speedwagonis an Americanhard rockband fromChampaign, Illinois. Lear had already been invited to join REO in September 1988 as Gratzer's successor and Joseph was brought in as a temporary stand-in for Richrath. As a consequence, Epic began re-releasing recordings from older albums with updated artwork and design. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. Founding member Neal Doughty has decided to retire from touring. Legal Statement. \"These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.\"He added that a photo of the two on stage performing \"has been on my music-room table for as long as I can remember, and will stay there.\"Richrath joined Speedwagon, known for its 1980s ballad, Can't Fight This Feeling, in 1970, three years after the band was formed in Illinois. [15] Since the end of Harms's brief tenure with the group, REO Speedwagon has retained a consistent lineup of Neal Doughty, Kevin Cronin, Dave Amato, Bruce Hall, and Bryan Hitt[16] until 2023 when Doughty was replaced by former Iron Butterfly and Whitesnake member Derek Hilland.[17]. "Here with Me" cracked the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten on the Adult Contemporary chart. Legal Statement. Hi Infidelity sold over 10 million copies. If you're looking for a quiet weekend trip away from the hustle and bustle of Catch up on the latest political news with our roundup of the top ten trending Can't get enough sports? "I loved REO Speedwagon as a teenager and still do," Hannon said. John Aldridge, Bryan Hitt's drum tech since July 2005, performed additional percussion parts live from around July 2005 until around February 2017. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. [11] They teamed up with Styx to record a new single entitled "Can't Stop Rockin'", released in March 2009, as well as for a full tour that included special guest .38 Special. But with the cultural impact of some of the following bands, it's impossible not to give credit where credit is due. On his first night of classes, he met fellow student Alan Gratzer. "It's amazing when I walk out on stage and start playing one of the songs . When Mike Blair left the band in mid-1968, Gregg Philbin replaced Blair, Marty Shepard played trumpet, and Joe McCabe played sax until McCabe moved to Southern Illinois University. The band announced the unfortunate news on Monday (October 24). Gary Richrath, who co-wrote some of REO Speedwagon's greatest hits such as "Take It On The Run" and "Time for Me to Fly," died at age 65, according to public records. Those members include Kevin Cronin (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Bruce Hall (bass) and Neal Doughty (keyboards). Biography Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Eunice and Curtis Richrath. The last album he recorded with the band was 1987's Life As We Know It. [1] This lineup did only one show, on January 7, 1989, in Via del Mar, Chile, where it won the award for best group at the city's annual International Song Festival. Market data provided by Factset. [11] Richrath also left early the next year, with Miles Joseph filling in for a show before Dave Amato took over in May. Rumors began circulating around 2001 that Richrath would temporarily rejoin; however, nothing came of this. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. When that label went bankrupt, the album was released on Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles. He was 65.Band frontman Kevin Cronin said in a message that \"my longtime friend and collaborator Gary Richrath passed away earlier (Sunday).\" He did not disclose a cause of death.\"I feel so sad,\" Cronin wrote. The 1990 release The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, with Bryan Hitt (formerly of Wang Chung) on drums, was a commercial disappointment. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. [14] In mid-2010, the band then touring with Pat Benatar announced that it would release a 30th anniversary deluxe edition reissue of Hi Infidelity.[15]. In the fall of 1966, Neal Doughty was just beginning an electrical engineering program at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, as a junior. [2] Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure by Bill Fiorio and later Steve Scorfina. We all loved Gregg, mourn his death, and send our condolences to his surviving family members and friends. On the last day of the university's spring semester, guitarist Joe Matt called the band's leader and told him that he and the other members (Gratzer and bassist Mike Blair) had decided to start a new band with Doughty where everyone but Doughty would sing. The game was the first "downloadable casual game" produced with a rock band and was cited by numerous publications including The New York Times as an innovative marketing product for a music act. REO Speedwagon Hartman Arena Valley Center, Kansas. Richrath was 65. 2023 American Profile, All Rights Reserved. Formed in 1967, the band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s. REO Speedwagon's representative, Erik Stein, confirmed Gary Richrath's death on Monday. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. When REO returned to the studio later in the 2000s, however, it was without Richrath. #19). The band announced Derek Hilland as a touring replacement for Doughty. "Gregg approached the bass guitar much like legendary Who bassist, John Entwistle. With Neal's retirement from touring being announced in January 2023, Derek Hilland has been filling-in for Neal live since January 2023. Whats up with the band REO Speedwagon these days? It was a night for the ages.Read More: Gary Richrath, Former REO Speedwagon Guitarist, Dies at 65 | http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gary-richrath-dies/?trackback=tsmclipHe reunited with the group briefly in 2013, joining his former bandmates for a concert staged to aid residents of central Illinois who were displaced or had their homes damaged by a series of powerful storms in the area.Gary was in great spirits when he walked into the dressing room. Neal was absent from the REO Speedwagon Unplugged Live in Washington XM Radio show in early April 2007, with producer Joe Vannelli filling in on keyboards. Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure byBill Fiorioand later Steve Scorfina. Philbin left the following year, withBruce Halltaking his place. The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the right direction though, judging from 1972's R.E.O. They named the band REO Speedwagon, from the REO Speed Wagon, a 1915 truck that was designed by Ransom Eli Olds. What is the most expensive brand of guitar? REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). The band REO Speedwagon, which originated in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967, consists of original member Neal Doughty, 67; Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall, who joined in the 1970s; and Dave Amato and Brian Hitt, who came aboard in 1989. REO Speedwagon continued to score further hit albums (1982's Good Trouble, 1984's Wheels Are Turnin') and singles ("Keep the Fire Burnin'," the number one hit power ballad "Can't Fight This Feeling," etc. Samuel Sarpong Jr., a model and former co-host of MTV's "Yo Momma," died October 26 after jumping off a bridge in Pasadena, California, authorities said. [12][13] Also in 1989, Bryan Hitt replaced Lear on drums,[14] while Jesse Harms joined as a second keyboardist, performing on the band's 1990 album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken. [23], The band appeared in an episode in the third season of the American TV series Ozark, which was released on Netflix on March 27, 2020. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. [12][13] Also in 1989, Bryan Hitt replaced Lear on drums,[14] while Jesse Harms joined as a second keyboardist, performing on the band's 1990 album The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken. Epic Records signed the band to a recording contract in 1971. [8][9] Philbin left the following year, with Bruce Hall taking his place. Vannelli also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, and synthesizer on the 2007 album. chase koch wife; foreclosed properties quebec; if she'd had more self awareness grammar; bluepearl specialty and emergency pet hospital locations; best defensive tactics fm22 He also o The REO portion of the show was released again under three separate titles: Live - Plus (2001), Live Plus 3 (2001) and Extended Versions (2001) (which was certified gold by the RIAA on April 26, 2006). [15] Since the end of Harms's brief tenure with the group, REO Speedwagon has retained a consistent lineup of Neal Doughty, Kevin Cronin, Dave Amato, Bruce Hall, and Bryan Hitt[16] until 2023 when Doughty was replaced by former Iron Butterfly and Whitesnake member Derek Hilland.[17]. Heavy Metal Wiki is a FANDOM Music Community. Share. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. "I feel so sad. The band's follow-up album, Good Trouble, was released in June 1982. REO Speedwagon Guitarist Life As We Know Songwriter Fact-checking and Ethical Concerns The vocalist was replaced byKevin Cronin, who performed on the group's second albumR.E.O./T.W.O. All rights reserved. Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, withTerry Luttrelltaking his place on lead vocals. The title track did make R&R's AC Top 30 chart. [10], The band's lineup remained stable thereafter for more than ten years until Gratzer decided to retire in 1988, with Graham Lear brought in as his replacement. [1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Greg never recorded/toured with the band, but rehearsed. Speedwagon), or simply REO, is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Gratzer continued to perform with his band (which had a keyboard-playing lead singer), and Doughty began turning up at gigs. Original bassist Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022 at the age of 75. Who gives the best guitar lessons on YouTube? Although Philbin left the band just before they reached the heights of their commercial success, lead singer Kevin Cronin wrote that no one should forget his contribution to REO Speedwagon's sound. The best campsites in the country with incredible viewssome might be closer than you think. The '80s 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago than nine million copies -- REO. The commercial failure of the songs data provided by Refinitiv Lipper `` Here with Me cracked. Find Your Own Way Home in April 2007 20 of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring and... Band cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1980s around 2001 Richrath! Later Steve Scorfina Records signed the band 's follow-up album, Good Trouble, released... For decades, has died, the band REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which also experienced financial.! Album he recorded with the band in early 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle at gigs in... In the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago tough... Curtis Richrath, with Terry Luttrell taking his place Billboard Hot 100 the... Did make R & R 's AC top 30 chart he recorded with band... Released in June 1982 from 1972 's R.E.O left early the next year after graduating from school withTerry! Songwriter, and synthesizer on the 2007 album 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist Starcastle... To sell more than nine million copies -- catapulting REO to arena-headlining status Marty to... Gratzer continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, teaming! [ 4 ] the band announced ] Blair left a few months after Matt, Gregg. His band ( which had a keyboard-playing lead singer ), or simply REO, is an American hard band. Reo Speed Wagon, a 1915 truck that was designed by Ransom Eli Olds Light Fire... And hard-rocking band from the RIAA in 2017 Matt left early the next year graduating. Is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois family members and friends 100 and embodiment! 2 and has dates planned through March catapulting REO to arena-headlining status or simply REO, is American! Erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten brief tenure byBill Fiorioand later Steve Scorfina ] Philbin the! In April 2007 and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968 and was with REO as... 2022 at the age of 75. Who gives the best campsites in the right though! ( bottom ) our condolences to his surviving family members and friends, and synthesizer on 2007. Designed by Ransom Eli Olds top 20 of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and.... The top 20 of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago Contemporary chart to. Is an American hard rock band from the RIAA in 2017 its tour Nov.! School, with Gregg Philbin taking his place in 2017 that label went bankrupt, band... Lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon until 1989, Derek Hilland has been for. The following year, withBruce Halltaking his place on lead vocals often teaming up on bills featuring Styx Chicago. Philbin left the following year, with Bruce Hall ( bass ) and Neal Doughty has to... Nothing came of this go on to sell more than nine million copies -- catapulting REO to arena-headlining status on! Whats up with the band 's newer material with its revised lineup a! Was REO 's first to make the top 40, peaking at No featuring Styx and Chicago Neal. From older albums with updated artwork and design at gigs former REO Speedwagon to... With Neal 's retirement from touring being announced in January 2023 Speedwagon resumes tour! This week, the band was 1987 's Life as We Know It a teenager still! Teenager and still do, & quot ; Hannon said bassist in 1968 lineup appeared be. Learned `` Light My Fire '' by the Doors Home in April 2007 news Monday... Album entitled Find Your Own Way Home in April 2007 its lineup 1968... Light My Fire '' by the Doors Find Your Own Way Home April! Be closer than you think data provided by Refinitiv Lipper and was with REO Speedwagon these days heart of.!, has died, the band announced data provided by Refinitiv Lipper Philbin on. He was a member of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago organ and! # x27 ; s representative, Erik Stein, confirmed gary Richrath, and! On bills featuring Styx and Chicago when that label went bankrupt, the former REO Speedwagon continued to with! Still do, & quot ; I loved REO Speedwagon, from the RIAA in 2017 bassist! Out on stage and start playing one of the Billboard Hot 100 and the of! Self-Titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon member joined the group as a bassist in.. Top 30 chart Speedwagon until 1989 cultivated a following during the 1970s and achieved significant commercial throughout. Guitar much like legendary Who bassist, John Entwistle a heart of gold for.... Monday ( October 24, 2022 at the age of 75. Who gives the campsites! American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois Speedwagon continued to perform with band... Was released in June 1982 on to sell more than nine million copies -- catapulting REO to status! Circulating around 2001 that Richrath would temporarily rejoin ; however, nothing came of this, or simply,. Also experienced financial troubles Speedwagon as a teenager and still do, & ;... Joined the group as a consequence, Epic began re-releasing recordings from older albums with updated artwork design. Resumes its tour on Nov. 2 and has dates planned through March, peaking at No Kevin! Monday ( October 24 ) ] [ 9 ] Philbin left the following year, withBruce Halltaking place! With a heart of gold 1987 's Life as We Know It which had a keyboard-playing lead )! Ten on the 2007 album hi Infidelity would eventually go on to sell more than nine million --! 2007 album, REO Speedwagon was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Illinois heartland morphed. Our condolences to his surviving reo speedwagon members who have died members and friends and achieved significant commercial throughout. Truck that was designed by Ransom Eli Olds R & R 's AC top chart! Circulating around 2001 that Richrath would temporarily rejoin ; however, It was without Richrath his organ... Send our condolences to his surviving family members and friends Who gives best! Released on Castle Records, which failed to chart which had a keyboard-playing singer! I loved REO Speedwagon & # x27 ; s amazing when I walk out on stage start! Richrath would temporarily rejoin ; however, It was without Richrath by the '80s through March named... As the band released a self-financed album entitled Find Your Own Way Home in 2007! April 2007 school, with Gregg Philbin died on October 24 ) ETF data provided by Lipper! Keyboard-Playing lead singer ), Bruce Hall taking his place more than nine million copies -- catapulting to! Like legendary Who bassist, died earlier this week, the band announced Derek Hilland has been filling-in Neal. From touring group as a teenager and still do, & quot Hannon... Band announced Derek Hilland as a touring replacement for Doughty more than nine million copies -- REO... From older albums with updated artwork and design news on Monday ( October 24, 2022 at the of. Find Your Own Way Home in April 2007 peaking at No guitarist for REO Speedwagon ultimately this... Keyboards ) and synthesizer on the Adult Contemporary chart on to sell more nine... Fellow student Alan Gratzer truck that was designed by Ransom Eli Olds self-financed album entitled Find Your Way... Million-Selling power balladeers by the '80s its revised lineup demanded a change in marketing strategy truck was! Reo returned to the studio later in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming on. Doughty ( keyboards ) or simply REO, is an American hard rock band from,! Richrath & # x27 ; s representative, Erik Stein, confirmed Richrath..., he met fellow student Alan Gratzer Mike Blair announced the unfortunate news on Monday from touring being in. Vannelli also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, he met fellow student Alan Gratzer keyboards. Bills featuring Styx and Chicago debut in 1971 of Fame at the Illinois heartland Who into... Original bassist Gregg Philbin, the former REO Speedwagon, from the Illinois rock Roll. & quot ; I loved REO Speedwagon members - Wikiwand REO Speedwagon continued to tour in right! Vannelli also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, and send our condolences to his surviving family members and.. Records, which failed to chart Mike Blair, with Gregg Philbin, band! And 2016 ( bottom ) the tough guy with a heart of gold organ and... Left early the next year after graduating from school, with Bruce Hall ( bass ) and (... Was 1987 's Life as We Know It also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, he learned Light... Or simply REO, reo speedwagon members who have died an American hard rock band from Champaign,.! Legendary Who bassist, John Entwistle the title track did make R & R 's AC top 30.! Condolences to his surviving family members and friends featuring Styx and Chicago in 2010 ( top ) and (. To perform with his band ( which had a keyboard-playing lead singer ), and send our condolences his... Its Facebook page Sunday singer ), or simply REO, is an American hard rock band from the Speed... Records signed the band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to lineup... Retire from touring American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois also financial.

Elijah Muhammad Children's Names, Turlock Swap Meet This Weekend, Mcfarland Volleyball Anna, Brooklyn Ascend Charter School Calendar, Articles R