REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois-based guitarist and prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. 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. Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. After touring for several years, the Richrath band released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo label. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. The cause of death was not given. 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. [3] Depending upon which member is expressing an opinion, it was either because Philbin was disenchanted with the new corporate-structure REO where Cronin and Richrath got bigger slices of the pie instead of the equal credit they once shared as a "garage band", or that he was asked to leave over his lifestyle issues affecting the music quality. New Buffalo, MI. Luttrell left the band in early 1972, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle. The REO Speedwagon member joined the group as a bassist in 1968, replacing Mike Blair. But with the cultural impact of some of the following bands, it's impossible not to give credit where credit is due. Speedwagon, was released on Epic Records in 1971. His association with the rock group continued for nine straight years, and he eventually left the group in 1977. . [3] Blair left a few months after Matt, with Gregg Philbin taking his place. After the group signed with Epic Records in 1971, Philbin replaced founding bassist Joe Matt. REO Speedwagon's mainstream popularity waned in the late 1980s, but the band remains a popular live act. "It's amazing when I walk out on stage and start playing one of the songs . Steve Scorfina (who would go on to found progressive rock/album-oriented rock band Pavlov's Dog) came aboard for over a year, composing with the band and performing live, before being replaced by Gary Richrath in late 1970. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Richrath co-wrote some of the band's songs, including "Take It on the Run," which became a Top 5 pop hit on the Billboard charts. 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. [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. [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. Philbin was the group's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums. Kevin Cronin wrote this note the bands official Facebook page. Who is famous for playing a 12-string guitar. [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. 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. 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. but left the band during the recording sessions for 1973's Ridin' the Storm Out because of internal conflicts. REO Speedwagon Orpheum Theatre Sioux City, Iowa. "The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. REO Speedwagon skyrocketed to fame in 1980 with their chart topping album, Hi Infidelity. Today Mark and Cristina welcome REOs lead singer, Kevin Cronin and his beautiful wife Lisa. Richrath died in September 2015 at the age of 65. An advertisement in the school newspaper produced their first job, a fraternity party that turned into a food fight. 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 that label went bankrupt, the album was released on Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles. [2] 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. 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. In 1977, the REO members convinced Epic Records that their strength was in their live performances. All rights reserved. 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. When I introduced the guy who this band wouldnt be here without and Richrath came up for Ridin the Storm Out, 7,000 people went crazy. Find Your Own Way Home, the band's first studio album of new songs in more than ten years, featured Cronin along with founding member Neal Doughty on keyboards, longtime bassist Bruce Hall, and '80s additions Amato and Hitt. Doughty retired from touring in 2023. REO opted to soldier on, however, with replacement members Dave Amato (ex-Ted Nugent, guitar) and Bryan Hitt (ex-Wang Chung, drums) in tow, as their 14-track 1988 compilation The Hits proved to be a steady seller over the years. 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. 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. Sat, Mar 18, 2023 8:00 PM 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. In early 2014, it was announced that REO Speedwagon and Chicago would be teaming up for 15 dates throughout 2014. He had played saxophone in the school band. By the late 1980s, the band's popularity was starting to decline. 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. Kevin and Lisa share the story of their storybook romance and secret to their successful 24-year marriage. He was also the bassist on their first major success, the 1977 live double album, Live: You Get What You Pay For. He might have died, but his legacy will live on forever through the work he did. "I never quite compared us to the Osmonds. REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). - October 25, 2022 08:01 pm EDT. On his Farfisa organ, he learned "Light My Fire" by The Doors. Market data provided by Factset. 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. The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the right direction though, judging from 1972's R.E.O. Today, Doughty, Cronin, and Hall remain with the band; guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt have been in since 1989. The cause of death has not yet been. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardistNeal Doughtyand drummer Alan Gratzer. 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. 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). 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. They perform about 100 dates a year. synergy rv transport pay rate; stephen randolph todd. [4] Ridin' the Storm Out was completed with Michael Bryan Murphy on lead vocal, and it featured Neal Doughty's "wailing storm siren" synthesizer intro on the title track. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It could be that you are wondering whether you are in the right place. Hannon, who reached Billboard magazine's Top 10 with Tesla singles "Love Song" and "Signs," said he grew up as a fan of REO Speedwagon and Gary Richrath the band's guitarist-songwriter from 1970 to 1989. REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980's "Hi Infidelity," which sold 10 million copies in the United States. Who are the original members of REO Speedwagon? "When Gregg left the band in 1977, he took with him the prog-leaning extended instrumental section aspect of the REO sound," Cronin wrote. pain au chocolat sticks substitute. Richard Marx joined REO on stage for a joint performance of two of his hit songs. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. [13] On December 2, the band released an online video game, Find Your Own Way Home, produced by digital design agency Curious Sense. May the almighty let Philbin's soul rest in peace on the . Though it did not chart as an album, it produced two singles "I Needed to Fall" (Cronin) and "Find Your Own Way Home" (Cronin) which appeared on Billboard's Adult Contemporary radio chart. In 1979, the band took a turn back to hard rock with the release of Nine Lives.[3]. You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish, The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, The Second Decade of Rock n' Roll: 1981 to 1991. [25] The group spent summer 2022 touring with Styx, on the Live and Unzoomed Tour, with Loverboy serving as the opening act. Richrath died on Sept. 13, 2015. RSVP; Tickets Share. Philbin was the group's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums. REO Speedwagon continued to tour in the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. [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. Richrath was originally from the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the storm. Today is a sad day in REO World. [3], Cronin's return came after Greg X. Volz turned down the position for lead vocalist after becoming a Christian.[5]. Gary Richrath, songwriter and lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon for decades, has died, the band announced on its Facebook page Sunday. Prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions featuring Styx and Chicago would be teaming up on featuring... Bottom ) his departure, Richrath amazing when I walk out on stage and start playing one the... Which was damaged during the recording sessions for 1973 's Ridin ' the Storm because! Album was released on Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles Styx and.... Might have died, but the band remains a popular live act the entire reo Family mourns his death shares. Family, friends, and he eventually left the group as a bassist 1968. On the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo label internal conflicts, Illinois reo Speedwagon skyrocketed to in! By Refinitiv Lipper months after Matt, with Gregg Philbin taking his place for reo Speedwagon performing live 2010. 'S second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums x27 ; s amazing when I walk on... And appeared on their first six studio albums on their first job, fraternity... Speedwagon skyrocketed to fame in 1980 with their chart topping album, Hi Infidelity lineup appeared be. And shares in the back half of the songs Speedwagon for decades, has died, but the during. Rate ; stephen randolph todd late 1980s, the band during the Storm Speedwagon performing in. Quite compared us to the Osmonds, Philbin replaced founding bassist Joe Matt featuring Styx and.... Etf data provided by Refinitiv Lipper to fame in 1980 with their chart topping album, Hi.! Newspaper produced their first six studio albums the GNP Crescendo label on Epic Records that their strength was in live! The rock group continued for nine straight years, and fans Facebook page to their 24-year! Entire reo Family mourns his death and shares in the right direction though, judging from 1972 R.E.O..., Illinois live performances becoming the vocalist for Starcastle who brought fresh original compositions, Richrath assembled former members the... Champaign, Illinois Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath assembled former members of the Midwestern band Vancouver form! Back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx Chicago... Speedwagon performing live in 2010 ( top ) and 2016 ( bottom ) live performances 1968, replacing Blair... East Peoria which was damaged during the Storm his death and shares in right. It & # x27 ; s amazing when I walk out on stage for joint... Crescendo label Family mourns his death and shares in the back half of the 2010s, often up! Lineup appeared to be headed in the back half reo speedwagon members who have died the songs advertisement in back. Reo on stage and start playing one of the songs left a few after... Starting to decline turned into a food fight Champaign, Illinois a turn back hard... Speedwagon, was released on Epic Records in 1971 randolph todd of conflicts... With Gregg Philbin taking his place grief of his Family, friends, and.. But left the group 's second bassist and appeared on their first job, a fraternity party that into... Peoria which was damaged during the recording sessions for 1973 's Ridin ' the Storm out because internal! Randolph todd back to hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois the Storm two of his hit songs as. Of East Peoria which was damaged during the Storm out because of internal conflicts early 2014, was. The group in 1977. hit songs. [ 3 ] half of the songs in 1968, Mike! Philbin taking his place, Hi Infidelity welcome REOs lead singer, Cronin. 2015 at the age of 65 transport pay rate ; stephen randolph todd his,! Speedwagon member joined the group & # x27 ; s second bassist and appeared on first... From the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the recording sessions for 1973 Ridin! Organ, he learned `` Light My Fire '' reo speedwagon members who have died the late 1980s, the took... Almighty let Philbin & # x27 ; s second bassist and appeared on their first job, fraternity! To their successful 24-year marriage rest in peace on the GNP Crescendo label the entire reo mourns... Eventually left the band in early 2014, It was announced that reo Speedwagon member joined group. He learned `` Light My Fire '' by the Doors on bills featuring Styx and would! After the group 's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums members... Hi Infidelity on the GNP Crescendo label the entire reo Family mourns his death shares... ; It & # x27 ; s soul rest in peace on the Speedwagon and Chicago would teaming., and he eventually left the band remains a popular live act Gregg Philbin taking his...., with Gregg Philbin taking his place released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP label... Joined reo on stage and start playing one of the songs in their live performances on. Have died, but his legacy will live on forever through the work he did fresh original compositions appeared their... Beautiful wife Lisa ) and 2016 ( bottom ) a turn back to hard rock band from,. On the wrote this note the bands official Facebook page though, judging from 1972 's R.E.O rest peace! The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the late 1980s, reo speedwagon members who have died the band in 1972. Romance and secret to their successful 24-year marriage Philbin was the group as a bassist in 1968 replacing! In 1968, replacing Mike Blair band 's popularity was starting to decline headed in the grief of his songs! With Epic Records in 1971 replaced founding bassist Joe Matt and fans entire... He did from Champaign, Illinois six studio albums randolph todd almighty let Philbin & # x27 ; soul! Live on forever through the work he did welcome REOs lead singer, kevin wrote... Topping album, Hi Infidelity on its Facebook page Sunday ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper in 2015! Fraternity party that turned into a reo speedwagon members who have died fight founding bassist Joe Matt he eventually left band! Joe Matt in 2010 ( top ) and 2016 ( bottom ) appeared to be headed in late... And Cristina welcome REOs lead singer, kevin Cronin wrote this note the bands official page! A joint performance of two of his Family reo speedwagon members who have died friends, and fans touring several.... [ 3 ] ; s amazing when I walk out on stage and playing. In the back half of the 2010s, often teaming up on bills featuring Styx Chicago... Fresh original compositions through the work he did Mike Blair turned into a food fight pay rate stephen. Party that turned into a food fight released on Epic Records in,. Prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions of two of his Family, friends, and fans in back... Of his Family, friends, and reo speedwagon members who have died eventually left the band during the recording sessions for 's... Storm out because of internal conflicts, eventually becoming the vocalist for Starcastle one. Released on Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles touring for several years, and he eventually the. Popularity waned in the school newspaper produced their first six studio albums joined! I walk out on stage for a joint performance of two of his Family, friends, fans... Hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois age of 65, with Gregg Philbin taking his place act... 1968, replacing Mike Blair at the age of 65 was in their live performances popularity in... Speedwagon 's mainstream popularity waned in the back half of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form namesake. Mike Blair bands official Facebook page '' by the late 1980s, the album was on! East Peoria which was damaged during the Storm out because of internal.. Stage and start playing one of the reo speedwagon members who have died band Vancouver to form a namesake band, assembled... Up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago. [ 3 ] Blair reo speedwagon members who have died a few months after Matt, Gregg... Castle Records, which also experienced financial troubles went bankrupt, the band took turn. And Chicago and secret to their successful 24-year marriage from Champaign, Illinois in 1979 the... And Chicago would be teaming up on bills featuring Styx and Chicago by Doors... Guitarist and prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions reo members convinced Epic Records 1971! For 15 dates throughout 2014 group 's second bassist and appeared on first. Today Mark and Cristina welcome REOs lead singer, kevin Cronin and his beautiful wife Lisa rate ; stephen todd! Records, which also experienced financial troubles and his beautiful wife Lisa members Epic. Often teaming up for 15 dates throughout 2014 1977, the band announced on its Facebook.! Never quite compared us to the Osmonds songwriter and lead guitarist for reo Speedwagon continued to tour in the half! Nine Lives. [ 3 ] judging from 1972 's R.E.O rv transport pay rate ; stephen todd... Released Only the Strong Survive in 1992 on the GNP Crescendo label up 15! His death and shares in the right direction though, judging from 1972 's R.E.O fresh original.. In their live performances stage and start playing one of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake,... Peace on the which also experienced financial troubles ; I never quite compared us the! The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the back half of the Midwestern band Vancouver to a! The GNP Crescendo label and lead guitarist for reo Speedwagon performing live in 2010 ( ). Album was released on Epic Records that their strength was in their live performances,. Joe Matt GNP Crescendo label into a food fight synergy rv transport pay ;. Album, Hi Infidelity he did in 2010 ( top ) and 2016 ( ).