[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]. [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]. "All that said, Gregg was a smart, funny, charming guy, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more savvy individual," Cronin wrote. John Aldridge, Bryan Hitt's drum tech since July 2005, performed additional percussion parts live from around July 2005 until around February 2017. He might have died, but his legacy will live on forever through the work he did. What makes the greatest rock bands ever? [3] The album produced only one, and - to date - the band's last Billboard Hot 100 single, "Love Is a Rock", which peaked at No. They both played the bass as more of a lead instrument. The members returned to school in the fall of 1967 and had their first rehearsal before classes started. He. 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. On his Farfisa organ, he learned "Light My Fire" by The Doors. In early 1968, Terry Luttrell became lead singer, and Bob Crownover joined as the guitar player, replacing Matt. pain au chocolat sticks substitute. ", "Miles Joseph Obituary (2013) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_REO_Speedwagon_members&oldid=1141115861, Gary Richrath guitar, backing and lead vocals, Gary Richrath lead guitar, lead and backing vocals. REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. The album was REO's first to make the top 40, peaking at No. [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. He is, however, still considered an official member of the band. [22] REO and Chicago teamed up once again in the summer of 2018 for a 30-city tour. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The REO Speedwagon member joined the group as a bassist in 1968, replacing Mike Blair. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin. 2023 American Profile, All Rights Reserved. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! 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. In 1978, they released the hits "Roll with the Changes" and "Time for Me to Fly," which set them on the road to success for the rest of the 1970s and into the 1980s. [19] The band toured the UK arena circuit with Status Quo in December 2016. 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". Philbin was the group's second bassist and appeared on their first six studio albums. Richrath (the band) continued to perform for several years before disbanding in the late 1990s. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. Gregg Philbin, the former REO Speedwagon bassist, died earlier this week, the band announced. Accident and Injury Attorneys. [21] In 2017, the Hi Infidelity album received the Diamond Award for official U.S. sales of over 10 million copies. The cause of death was not given. Richrath was a Peoria, Illinois-based guitarist and prolific songwriter who brought fresh original compositions. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. 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. 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. The last album he recorded with the band was 1987's Life As We Know It. "His health had been an issue for some time, and today his soul is freed. Gary Richrath (birth name - Gary Dean Richrath), nicknamed - Gar baby, was an American former songwriter and guitarist for the rock band "REO Speedwagon" from 1970 to 1989. Kevin Cronin wrote this note the bands official Facebook page. Hi Infidelity sold over 10 million copies. Hard-working and hard-rocking band from the Illinois heartland who morphed into million-selling power balladeers by the '80s. 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. Gary Richrath, lead guitarist from REO Speedwagon until 1989, has died at age 65. . The two held an impromptu jam session in the basement of their Illinois Street Residence Hall dormitory.[1][2]. REO Speedwagon continues to tour regularly, performing mostly their classic hits. Richrath released a solo album, "Only the Strong Survive," in 1992. 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. It was fun to look over to my left and see Richrath digging in and playing like only he can. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. Bassist Bruce Hall stated that he would always be part of the REO brotherhood, and left open the opportunity for Doughty to appear at select dates. The album sold over two million copies in the US, ultimately achieving double platinum status. Formed in 1967, the group originally included guitarist and lead vocalist Joe Matt, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Blair, keyboardistNeal Doughtyand drummer Alan Gratzer. Ransom Eli Olds. 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. "He was always so nice to me and I will always be grateful for that because he could have hated my guts after I joined the band. 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. [20] The band toured the US with Styx and Don Felder on the "United We Rock" tour, debuting June 20, 2017, at the Sunlight Supply Amphitheater. 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. "I loved REO Speedwagon as a teenager and still do," Hannon said. REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitaristGary Richrathin place of Scorfina. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Centennial High School (in Champaign, Illinois), You Can Tune a Piano but You Can't Tuna Fish, The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken, Not So Silent NightChristmas with REO Speedwagon, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, Not So Silent Night Christmas with REO Speedwagon, List of artists who reached number one in the United States, "Now It's Cheat to the Beat, as Reo Speedwagon Finally Arrives with 'Hi Infidelity', "REO Speedwagon Will Dedicate Every Show to Late Guitarist Gary Richrath 'Probably Forever', "REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin on Louisville, power ballads and if my wife's a slut", "Styx, REO Speedwagon Team Up For "Rockin'" Tour, Single", "REO Speedwagon Plans 'Hi Infidelty' 30th Anniversary Reissue, Tour", "Live Nation Announces REO Speedwagon And Chicago Summer Tour", "Def Leppard Announce Summer Tour With REO Speedwagon and Tesla", "UK TOUR WITH STATUS QUO & THE LOUNGE KITTENS ANNOUNCED", "Styx, REO Speedwagon, Don Felder Ready for 'United We Rock' U.S. Tour, Starting June 20th", "REO Speedwagon's 'Hi Infidelity' receives 10X Diamond Award", "Chicago and REO Speedwagon Announce Co-Headlining Summer Tour", "REO Speedwagon drive back into the charts thanks to Ozark appearance", "Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66", "live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK", "REO Speedwagon with Larry the Cable Guy Roll with the Changes", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=REO_Speedwagon&oldid=1142197786, Alan Gratzer drums, percussion, backing vocals, Gregg Philbin bass guitar, backing vocals, Mike Murphy lead vocals, occasional rhythm guitar, Melanie Jackson-Cracchiolo backing vocals, Derek Hilland keyboards, organ, piano, synthesizer, backing vocals, John Aldridge percussion, occasional drums, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 01:35. REO Speedwagon Swiftel Center Brookings, South Dakota. After the appearance, four of REO's songs reentered the Billboard rock charts.[24]. [3] Cronin recorded one album with the band, 1972's R.E.O./T.W.O. 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. Vannelli also performed additional piano, Hammond organ, and synthesizer on the 2007 album. The new band made a list of songs to learn over the summer break. rip gary-Reo Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath has died, the band announced on its website and Facebook page Sunday. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It could be that you are wondering whether you are in the right place. 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. He recorded 12 albums with the band and also wrote another song, Take It On The Run. [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. The commercial failure of the band's newer material with its revised lineup demanded a change in marketing strategy. 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. I'm not ready to start going to church.". REO Speedwagon ultimately self-financed this effort, which failed to chart. Families impacted by the storm and first responders sat near the stage for this special REO concert. 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. Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death. [3], By late 1970, REO Speedwagon had finalised its first recording lineup with the addition of guitarist Gary Richrath in place of Scorfina. In early 1989, Gary Richrath was fired after tensions between him and Kevin Cronin boiled over. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. 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 . Hard-working and hard-rocking band from the Illinois heartland who morphed into million-selling power balladeers by the '80s. 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. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. This lineup also released an unabashed record of Christmas songs in 2009, titled Not So Silent Night. 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. The cause of death was not given. Those members include Kevin Cronin (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Bruce Hall (bass) and Neal Doughty (keyboards). Richrath died in September 2015 at the age of 65. REO Speedwagon is an American hard rock band from Champaign, Illinois. The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the group's hit song "Take It on the Run," died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. [9] The Hits is a 1988 compilation album[3] which contained the new tracks "I Don't Want to Lose You" and "Here with Me". This lineup also released an unabashed record of Christmas songs in 2009, titled Not So Silent Night. 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. On November 21, 1980, Epic released Hi Infidelity,[3] which represented a change in sound, going from hard rock to more pop-oriented material. michael jordan golf career. 66 located in Joliet, 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. When REO returned to the studio later in the 2000s, however, it was without Richrath. 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 Guitarist Life As We Know Songwriter Fact-checking and Ethical Concerns Moreover, is the lead singer of REO Speedwagon married? Additionally, further in-concert releases cropped up -- Live: Plus, Extended Versions, and a 2001 live set, Arch Allies: Live at Riverport, split 50/50 between REO and touring mates Styx. The band released a self-financed album entitled Find Your Own Way Home in April 2007. He sang a sampling of REO's hits with the show's singing finalists. [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. The response was arm-hair raising We all felt it. \"Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold.\"He said he learned most of what he knows about being in a rock band from Richrath.\"The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans,\" he added. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Once more, a frontman change was required, and instead of searching for a fresh new face, REO welcomed back Cronin. In 1977, the REO members convinced Epic Records that their strength was in their live performances. 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. He had played saxophone in the school band. 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 group's best-selling album, Hi Infidelity (1980), contained four US top 40 hits and sold more than 10 million copies. Brian Hitt (drums) joined the band in 1990. After the group signed with Epic Records in 1971, Philbin replaced founding bassist Joe Matt. But with the cultural impact of some of the following bands, it's impossible not to give credit where credit is due. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Kevin and Lisa share the story of their storybook romance and secret to their successful 24-year marriage. Dave Amato (lead guitar) joined the band in 1989. Richrath was originally from the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the storm. [4] The band also briefly added saxophonist Joe McCabe and trumpeter Marty Shepard to its lineup in 1968. 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. Here's the news that's unfolding this week. 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. 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. To properly celebrate such a momentous, golden milestone in the history of the band, Styxworld speaks exclusively to co-founding members James JY Young and Chuck Panozzo as well as guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, bassist/vocalist Ricky Phillips, and . [16] Gary Richrath died on September 13, 2015, due to complications from surgery. Two years later, the band released Wheels Are Turnin', an album that included the #1 hit single "Can't Fight This Feeling" plus three more hits: "I Do' Wanna Know" (U.S. #29), "One Lonely Night" (U.S. #19), and "Live Every Moment" (U.S. He also performed drums at soundchecks when Bryan was running late. Gregg Philbin, the former bassist of REO Speedwagon, has reportedly passed away. Read Full Biography. Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022.[26]. Richrath died on Sept. 13, 2015. Since 1995, the label has released over a dozen compilation albums featuring greatest hits, including 1999's The Ballads which features two new songs: "Just for You" (Cronin and Jim Peterik) and "Till The River's Run Dry" (Cronin). By the late 1980s, the band's popularity was starting to decline. New Buffalo, MI. Richrath died in September 2015 at the age of 65. This is the lineup featured on the quintet's 1971 self-titled debut recording for Epic Records. The best campsites in the country with incredible viewssome might be closer than you think. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), The Rolling Stones: Charlie Is My Darling DVD Review. We all loved Gregg, mourn his death, and send our condolences to his surviving family members and friends. Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds New Buffalo. REO Speedwagon's representative, Erik Stein, confirmed Gary Richrath's death on Monday. [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. 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. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Fri, Mar 17, 2023 7:30 PM See Tickets. Today, Doughty, Cronin, and Hall remain with the band; guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt have been in since 1989. Another live album, Live Again, was also issued in 1978, followed up a year later by another gold-certified hit, Nine Lives. The vocalist was replaced byKevin Cronin, who performed on the group's second albumR.E.O./T.W.O. [3] The most popular track on this record was "157 Riverside Avenue"; it remains an in-concert favorite. [6] The vocalist was replaced by Kevin Cronin, who performed on the group's second album R.E.O./T.W.O. In 2000, REO teamed up with Styx for an appearance at Riverport Amphitheater in St. Louis, which was released as a live concert video Arch Allies: Live at Riverport. 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. ", "It sucks knowing that Gregg has passed away," Hall wrote in his own statement. Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. Fiorio then departed in late 1969, eventually assuming the name Duke Tumatoe, and went on to form the All Star Frogs. 29. They needed a bassist who played a "more traditional role of locking with the drums," which was not Philbin's style. Speedwagon ), or simply REO, is an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois. The Cronin-led lineup appeared to be headed in the right direction though, judging from 1972's R.E.O. Rather than pronouncing REO as a single word as the motor company did ("REE-oh"), they chose to spell the word out, pronouncing each letter individually ("R-E-O"). Market data provided by Factset. Hi Infidelity received a diamond certification from the RIAA in 2017. Richrath died in September 2015 at the age of 65. 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. Richrath was 65. 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. 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. With him on board, the regional popularity of the band grew tremendously. Gary Richrath, a former guitarist for the classic rock band REO Speedwagon who also co-wrote the group's hit song "Take It on the Run," died Sunday, according to a publicist for the band. 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=tsmclipTribute tweets for Richrath started posting almost immediately. Legal Statement. Crownover played guitar for the group until mid-1969 when Bill Fiorio replaced him. before leaving during sessions for the 1973 follow-up. 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. [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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Over the course of its career, the . 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. If interested in music and guitars, then you are in the right place and will learn a lot. Today, REO Speedwagon is best known for its number-one singles "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling." REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois. - October 25, 2022 08:01 pm EDT. How to Choose the Right Guitar String Gauges? The band announced Derek Hilland as a touring replacement for Doughty. Original bassist Gregg Philbin died on October 24, 2022 at the age of 75. The Ultimate Guideto Choose The Right Guitar Slide, The Ultimate Guide to Choose Guitar Picks. In 2021, REO Speedwagon was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Rt. 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. 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant scolded by Pat Sajak, ripped apart by fans, Jillian Michaels suffered a spinal injury in secret that left her crawling due to pain, 'Friends' star Courteney Cox almost left Hollywood in the '80s, father told her it was 'time to pack it in', Ed Sheerans wife diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy: Spiraling through depression, Prince Harry describes the rest of his life in five words amid 'Spare' fallout: 'Freedom', Chris Rock plans to address Will Smith Oscar slap in live Netflix special. 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. They performed "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "Roll with the Changes" which featured members of the Beach Boys, the band members' families, and Paul Shaffer on stage for backing vocals. 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. 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. Although REO were slowly inching their way to big-time success, no one (not even the band) could have predicted the massive hit that their next album turned out to be, Hi Infidelity. An advertisement in the school newspaper produced their first job, a fraternity party that turned into a food fight. In early 2014, it was announced that REO Speedwagon and Chicago would be teaming up for 15 dates throughout 2014. [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. Shortly after his departure, Richrath assembled former members of the Midwestern band Vancouver to form a namesake band, Richrath. REO Speedwagon performing live in 2010 (top) and 2016 (bottom). [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]. Philbin left when Cronin and the late Gary Richarath began writing songs with a more "compact" sound. 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. Released in 1976, R.E.O. [2] Bob Crownover took over as the band's guitarist, but was replaced after a brief tenure by Bill Fiorio and later Steve Scorfina. 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. Former REO Speedwagon bassist Gregg Philbin, who played on the band's first six studio albums and appeared on 1977's Live: You Get What You Play For, has died. [1] Matt left early the next year after graduating from school, with Terry Luttrell taking his place on lead vocals. 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. Who are the original members of REO Speedwagon? For Parade, it came down to sound, influence on the genre and cultural impact. Hi Infidelity (1980) contained four US Top 40 hits and is the group's best-selling album, with over 10 million copies sold. "Gregg approached the bass guitar much like legendary Who bassist, John Entwistle. Alan Gratzer, REO's drummer, stares at Doughty in disbelief. 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. Gary was both a unique guitarist and songwriter, and the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold. 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. "When Gregg left the band in 1977, he took with him the prog-leaning extended instrumental section aspect of the REO sound," Cronin wrote. [ 3 ] Cronin recorded one album with the drums, '' Hall wrote in his Own statement 's finalists... Fresh original compositions Speedwagon as a touring replacement for Doughty Gary was both a guitarist... 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