Gary Richrath, former REO Speedwagon guitarist and songwriter, dies aged 65

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Gary Richrath, the REO Speedwagon guitarist, wrote 'Take It on the Run'
'He taught me a lot of what I know about being in a rock band,' said singer Kevin Cronin

Published: 14:02 EST, 14 September 2015 | Updated: 20:28 EST, 14 September 2015

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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. He was 65.

Erik Stein confirmed on Monday that Richrath passed away but offered no details about the cause of death.

Richrath was born in October 1949, according to public records. He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989.

Rock star: Gary Richrath, pictured performing with REO Speedwagon in 1980, has died at 65

Later years: Richrath performing with REO Speedwagon in Bloomington, Illinois in 2006

On stage: (left to right) Bruce Hall, Kevin Cronin and Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon perform at the Montreux Rock Festival held in Montreux, Switzerland in May 1985

'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 website and Facebook page.

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.

'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 website and Facebook page.

Eighties favourite: Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Gary Richrath, Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall or REO Speedwagon, pose for a photo in Detroit in 1981

'The entire REO Family mourns his death and shares in the grief of his family, friends, and fans. These words do not come close to expressing the depth of emotions I am feeling at this time.'

Richrath last played with the band in 2013, when the band performed a benefit concert in Bloomington, Illinois, to raise money for tornado victims.

REO Speedwagon has released a number of successful albums, including 1980's 'Hi Infidelity,' which sold 10 million copies in the United States.

Richrath released a solo album, 'Only the Strong Survive,' in 1992.

History: Richrath joined REO Speedwagon, which formed in the late '60s, in time for its 1971 debut album. Though the band didn't break through to radio until the late '70s, its constant touring earned it a solid core of fans