R.I.P. REO Speedwagon Guitarist Gary Richrath Wrote Take It on the Run

Gary Richrath, guitarist for REO Speedwagon during their heyday, has passed away. He was 65.

Richrath was responsible for penning the group’s mega-classic tune ‘Take It on the Run.’ A cause of death has not yet been released.

Richrath was with the band until 1989. He went on to release a solo album, “Only The Strong Survive.”

‘I feel so sad. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. 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 Facebook page.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family, friends and fans at this difficult times.