'A tough guy with a heart of gold': REO Speedwagon's lead singer pays tribute after guitarist Gary Richrath dies at 65 

By Ap Reporter

Published: 12:38 EST, 14 September 2015 | Updated: 13:36 EST, 14 September 2015

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. He was 65.

Erik Stein, a publicist for the band, 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. 

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Rock star: Gary Richrath, pictured performing with REO Speedwagon in 2006, has died at 65

Rock star: Gary Richrath, pictured performing with REO Speedwagon in 2006, has died at 65

He was a member of the band when it released its self-titled debut in 1971 and was with REO Speedwagon until 1989. 

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 in Detroit in 1981

Eighties favourite: Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Gary Richrath, Kevin Cronin and Bruce Hall or REO Speedwagon 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 REO Speedwagon 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. 

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