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. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. After touring for several years, the Richrath band released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo label. [1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Newcomer Kevin Cronin got the gig; he was a folksinger/guitarist beforehand, with little to no experience fronting a loud rock & roll outfit. REO Speedwagon Guitarist Life As We Know Songwriter Fact-checking and Ethical Concerns before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. 2023 American Profile, All Rights Reserved. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [7] Hi Infidelity spawned four hit singles written by Richrath and Cronin, including the chart-topping "Keep On Loving You" (Cronin),[3] plus "Take It on the Run" (#5) (Richrath), "In Your Letter" (#20) (Richrath), and "Don't Let Him Go" (#24) (Cronin), and remained on the charts for 65 weeks, 32 of which were spent in the top ten, including 15 weeks atop the Billboard 200. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. [22] REO and Chicago teamed up once again in the summer of 2018 for a 30-city tour. Richrath was originally from the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the storm. [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 last album he recorded with the band was 1987's Life As We Know It. 1987's Life as We Know It saw a decline in sales,[3] but still managed to provide the band with the top-20 hits "That Ain't Love" (U.S. #16) and "In My Dreams" (U.S. The members returned to school in the fall of 1967 and had their first rehearsal before classes started. When that label went bankrupt, the album was released on Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles. REO once again teamed with Styx in 2003 for the Classic Rock's Main Event tour which also included another band from their common rock era, Journey. Kevin and Lisa share the story of their storybook romance and secret to their successful 24-year marriage. The album sold over two million copies in the US, ultimately achieving double platinum status. REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. Wed, Mar 15, 2023 7:30 PM See Tickets. reo speedwagon members who have died You are here: beginner safe horses for sale in washington 12 christmas party games reo speedwagon members who have died Currently, there are 3 original members of REO Speedwagon that are still in the band. 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. Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. Singer Kevin Cronin paid tribute to his former bandmate in a statement shared by the band. Doughty eventually began sitting in on few songs. Accident and Injury Attorneys. Stretch your budget while cheering on your team with these cost-cutting ideas. Issued in 1987, Life as We Know It managed to go gold, but their fans' sudden disinterest coupled with turmoil between certain bandmembers led to the exit of both Richrath and Gratzer by the end of the decade. [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]. Rumors began circulating around 2001 that Richrath would temporarily rejoin; however, nothing came of this. 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. He is, however, still considered an official member of the band. He was also the bassist on their first major success, the 1977 live double album, Live: You Get What You Pay For. "His health had been an issue for some time, and today his soul is freed. From around July 2005 until around September 2017, Gratzer made occasional live guest performances, playing percussion only. michael jordan golf career. With its equipment being hauled to dates in a friend's station wagon, REO played bars and clubs all over the Midwest. [5] In early 1972, shortly after the release of the band's self-titled debut album, Luttrell left REO Speedwagon following a disagreement with Richrath. Speedwagon) is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Gary Richrath, the REO Speedwagon guitarist who wrote some of the band's biggest hits, including "Take It on the Run" and "In Your Letter," died Sunday, according to a post by REO lead singer Kevin Cronin.Kevin Cronin wrote this note the band's official Facebook page. Biography Richrath was born on October 18, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Eunice and Curtis Richrath. Murphy stayed on for two more albums, Lost in a Dream and This Time We Mean It, before Cronin returned to the fold in January 1976 and recorded R.E.O., which was released that same year. [5] In early 1972, shortly after the release of the band's self-titled debut album, Luttrell left REO Speedwagon following a disagreement with Richrath. 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. "I never quite compared us to the Osmonds. Philbin was the group's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums. Further underappreciated studio releases followed, such as 1990's The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken and 1996's Building the Bridge. Gregg Philbin, the former REO Speedwagon bassist, died earlier this week, the band announced. By the early '70s, Doughty and Gratzer had welcomed aboard guitarist Gary Richrath, who would soon prove to be the group's spark plug (and one of rock's more underrated players), in addition to bassist Gregg Philbin and singer Terry Luttrell. [1] Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois-based guitarist and prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions. He then joined REO once again in Los Angeles in May 2000 for the same encore but no serious plans for a reunion ever materialized. 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 is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. - October 25, 2022 08:01 pm EDT. REO Speedwagon toured the US in 1985, including a sold-out concert in Madison, Wisconsin in May. The cause of death was not given. 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. [8][9] Philbin left the following year, with Bruce Hall taking his place. By the late 1980s, the band's popularity was starting to decline. We hugged one another, I told him how happy I was that he came, and he expressed his gratitude for the invitation, wrote Cronin at the time. The Ultimate Guideto Choose The Right Guitar Slide, The Ultimate Guide to Choose Guitar Picks. Kevin Patrick Cronin (born October 6, 1951) is an American singer and songwriter, who is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and pianist for the rock band REO Speedwagon. [3] The most popular track on this record was "157 Riverside Avenue"; it remains an in-concert favorite. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. Gregg Philbin, the former REO Speedwagon bassist, died earlier this week, the band announced. For Parade, it came down to sound, influence on the genre and cultural impact. [4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. Formed in 1967, the group originally included drummer and backing vocalist Alan Gratzer, guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and lead vocalist Mike Blair, and keyboardist Neal Doughty. 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? The debut failed to break REO through to the mainstream, and the band's future was thrust into uncertainty shortly thereafter when Luttrell left the group. Brad Adams, San Diego, California, 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. Speedwagon), or simply REO, is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Brian Hitt (drums) joined the band in 1990. 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). May the almighty let Philbin's soul rest in peace on the . Vannelli also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, and synthesizer on the 2007 album. In early 1972, shortly after the release of the band'sself-titled debut album, Luttrell left REO Speedwagon following a disagreement with Richrath. Butter, (the bass guitar which Gregg played), has been with me for over fifty years, and I have always felt such pride and happiness in knowing that I bought that bass from Gregg. but left the band during the recording sessions for 1973's Ridin' the Storm Out because of internal conflicts. The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. \"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. REO Speedwagon Orpheum Theatre Sioux City, Iowa. Today is a sad day in REO World. Released in 1976, R.E.O. [10] Cronin had been playing in The Strolling Dudes, a jazz ensemble that included jazz trumpet player Rick Braun (who had co-written the abovementioned "Here with Me" with Cronin), Miles Joseph on lead guitar and Graham Lear on drums. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It could be that you are wondering whether you are in the right place. [4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. Gregg Philbin, REO Speedwagon Legend, Has Died, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl Barbecues Overnight for 450 Homeless People at LA Shelter, Singer Ben Kweller's 16-Year-Old Son Dies in Car Accident, Ozzy Osbourne 'Not Dying,' Hopes to Resume Touring, Shawn Mendes Sparks Romance Rumor With Fellow Pop Star, 'American Idol': Katy Perry Breaks Down Over School Shooting Survivor's Audition, Blake Shelton Reveals Reason Behind 'The Voice' Exit. [7] Original drummer Alan Gratzer left in September 1988 after he decided to retire from music to open a restaurant. Those members include Kevin Cronin (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Bruce Hall (bass) and Neal Doughty (keyboards). He left the band in 1989.According to UltimateClassicRock.com, Richrath released one solo album, in 1992, Only the Strong Survive, but reunited briefly with the band in 2013 when they staged a benefit concert for residents of central Illinois displaced by a series of powerful storms in the area.Gary was in great spirits when he walked into the dressing room. Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, withTerry Luttrelltaking his place on lead vocals. 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? Greg never recorded/toured with the band, but rehearsed. Richrath stayed on stage to help with the encore of "With a Little Help From My Friends" along with REO, Styx, Richard Marx, and others. REO Speedwagon was first formed in 1968 by a pair of University of Illinois students, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. Daten ber Ihr Gert und Ihre Internetverbindung, wie Ihre IP-Adresse, Browsing- und Suchaktivitten bei der Nutzung von Yahoo Websites und -Apps. [3], By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitarist Gary Richrath in place of Scorfina. He also performed drums at soundchecks when Bryan was running late. Murphy stayed onboard for a couple of more releases -- 1974's Lost in a Dream and 1975's This Time We Mean It -- but neither managed to push REO to the next level. REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). When REO returned to the studio later in the 2000s, however, it was without Richrath. Over the course of its career, the . 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 . Also in 1989,Bryan Hittreplaced Lear on drums,whileJesse Harmsjoined as a second keyboardist, performing on the band's 1990 albumThe Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken. Gratzer continued to perform with his band (which had a keyboard-playing lead singer), and Doughty began turning up at gigs. What makes the greatest rock bands ever? before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. [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. On November 21, 1980, Epic released Hi Infidelity,[3] which represented a change in sound, going from hard rock to more pop-oriented material. He had played saxophone in the school band. On March 11, 2012, Kevin Cronin appeared on the Canadian reality TV series Star Acadmie. 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. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. The new band made a list of songs to learn over the summer break. Original bassist Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022 at the age of 75. T.W.O., but the other members grew impatient with their slow progress toward a commercial breakthrough, and gave Cronin his walking papers. Back up singers Carla Day and Melanie Jackson were also added. Three bands were the undisputed arena rock kings of the early '80s -- Styx, Journey, and REO Speedwagon -- yet all weren't overnight success stories (in fact, each group initially pursued different musical styles -- prog rock, fusion, and straight-ahead hard rock, respectively, before transforming slowly into chart-topping mainstream rockers). As a consequence, Epic began re-releasing recordings from older albums with updated artwork and design. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardistNeal Doughtyand drummer Alan Gratzer. His association with the rock group continued for nine straight years, and he eventually left the group in 1977. . I learned most of what I know about being in a rock band from Gary Richrath," REO Speedwagon's lead singer, Kevin Cronin, wrote on the band's website and Facebook page. He was 65.Band frontman Kevin Cronin sa. "I feel so sad. [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. The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken. Speedwagon ), or simply REO, is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. 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. Founding member Neal Doughty has decided to retire from touring. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. In September 1998, Gary Richrath briefly joined REO onstage at the County Fair in Los Angeles to play on the band's encore song, "157 Riverside Avenue". The '90s saw the emergence of countless REO compilations, including such titles as The Second Decade of Rock n' Roll: 1981 to 1991, Only the Strong Survive, The Ballads, and a specially priced three-disc set of Live: You Get What You Play For, You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish, and Hi Infidelity. [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]. Kevin Cronin lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Gary Richrath lead guitar, backing vocals, Kevin Cronin lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, Kevin Cronin lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Kevin Cronin lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 12:29. Ransom Eli Olds. The move paid off almost immediately, as REO found their niche by streamlining their sound and focusing on melodic rockers aimed at radio, as well as power ballads aimed at teenage girls' hearts. They both played the bass as more of a lead instrument. [21] In 2017, the Hi Infidelity album received the Diamond Award for official U.S. sales of over 10 million copies. [3], By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitarist Gary Richrath in place of Scorfina. Early life [ edit] Richrath was born in Peoria, Illinois, on October 18, 1949, to Curtis and Eunice Richrath, [1] and grew up in East Peoria, Illinois. Who is famous for playing a 12-string guitar. Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure byBill Fiorioand later Steve Scorfina. Philbin was the group's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums. signaled the beginning of the veteran group's winning streak, as both 1977's Live: You Get What You Play For and 1978's You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish were REO's first to earn gold and platinum certification. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. Legal Statement. It was fun to look over to my left and see Richrath digging in and playing like only he can. The band announced the unfortunate news on Monday (October 24). [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. The band announced Derek Hilland as a touring replacement for Doughty. [19] The band toured the UK arena circuit with Status Quo in December 2016. In 1977, bassist Gregg Philbin left the band. In early 2014, it was announced that REO Speedwagon and Chicago would be teaming up for 15 dates throughout 2014. Speedwagon, was released on Epic Records in 1971. All rights reserved. [1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals. REO Speedwagon resumes its tour on Nov. 2 and has dates planned through March. Today, Doughty, Cronin, and Hall remain with the band; guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt have been in since 1989. Having lost their recording contract with Epic, REO Speedwagon ended up releasing Building the Bridge (1996) on the Priority/Rhythm Safari label. REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. The group's best-selling album, Hi Infidelity (1980), contained four US top 40 hits and sold more than 10 million copies. Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds New Buffalo. This is the lineup featured on the quintet's 1971 self-titled debut recording for Epic Records. [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. The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the right direction though, judging from 1972's R.E.O. 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". He also planned to return to the band in 2016, but stomach problems and his death on September 13, 2015, prevented him from returning to the group. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017.
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