I don't remember even seeing him on the RS 100 greatest guitarists, which is criminal. RS are a bunch of shites anyway, they induct the wrong bands and skip over the deserving bands ..look how long it took for Paul McCartney to get in?? Paul McCartney, of the biggest band, most hits in the guiness book and they wait till his love "Linda" passes to induct him. gotta luv Stella's cute lil shirt that say's "about Fucking Time" I went nuts when I saw that..why couldn't they induct REO w/ Gary bef he passed..
Gary certainly deserved that honor before he passed!! I can't figure out what it is they don't get "R&R HOF". I surely hope they do induct him on his phenomenal merits. I do not believe REO/SW deserves in without Gary though. Heart and soul, rock and roll of that band ... He made that Les talk, sing, shred, riff-raff, amazingly underrated guitarist with such a melodic tone he produced. Rock Legend-Bar None! RIP Gary
RRHOF has an Anti-Midwestern bias. Its the same reason why Styx, Kansas, and GFR will never get inducted. Heck, SOUTHERN rock bands get more love from the critics and Hall of Fame committee (who are usually one in the same--they are the "gatekeepers", and the "hip police" if you will)
FOR YOU YOUNGER KIDS, NOW THIS IS A ROCK GROUP. LOOK,,,,,,,,,,,, REAL MUSICIAN'S PLAYING INSTRUMENTS. WOW!!!. NOW THAT TAKES REAL TALENT. NUF CED!!!!. CLASS OF ROCKIN 84 HERE!!!.
Have to agree. REO lost it's soul when Gary left. Amato has gotten much better over the years and still a fun band to listen to...but it's just not the same.
@@trapperkcmo3460 Yes true. Gregg Philbin was a great melodic bass player who played intricate walking bass lines and didn't just pedal on the root note of the chords.
Murphy's voice is so musical - tasty stuff. Philbin's bass playing is like pocket uphoria - wonderful lines and support without a rhythm guitarist. Of course, Gary's playing is true without rock star flash. . his heart through is fingers as always. Love this.
Wrong ! I saw the best line up play live at the old soldier field !.. A band needs to have a frontman who can play two instruments& not just sing.. plus Mike has the personality of a tail pipe !
@@KateryReminiec9399 And Kronin is a whining harpy that won't shut up even for the guitar solo. Murphy SANG. Kronin shrieks. And are you saying that Robert Plant is a bad frontman because he plays no instrument?
Steffan Pila A Glimpse of what REO Speedwagon should have of been in the late 70's as a harder- edge rock band. Long Live REO Speedwagon and rest in peace to the greatest guitarist in the History of Rock N' Roll, Gary Richrath.
My buddy Tim Feirs was playing drums for Gary! I'd rather see Gary at a Peoria area dive bar than go see Cronin and the rest of the dirtbags that stole his fame! Quick name a REO song written after 89? Thats what I thought! Lol RIP Mr Eats Frets for breakfeast!
Really ? Wow man i pick up and deliver there every now and then, huge place haven't been there over a year, i know they were closing some plants and moving them to Texas don't know if that's one of them.
During a nasty rainstorm in northern Indiana at my brother's third annual, 3 day hog roast, 1978, we called Chicago's 98fm, the LOOP to play this song. They dedicated it to JD. Cranked it up on my 110 watt/ channel, Pioneer receiver and massive Utah speakers. I can still hear it. RIP, brother.
Because my wife is Gary's cousin I was able to go to many REO concerts over the years with back stage passes most of the time. The first show I saw was this lineup playing at the University of Il. That first show blew me away. thanks for posting.
Sadly I never got to see them in person Mr. Wengert but Gary will always be a guitar god for me! He was the ESSENCE of what made REO great, hands down. Without Gary there would never have been any REO Speedwagon period! Please give my best to Eric and his mom.
My neighbor in Belleville,Illinois was..Neal Doughty. We lived on Cambridge Drive. When i was 12yrs. old he taught me how to play the piano! I still play the piano! Thank You...Mr. Doughty! Rock N' Roll Forever!
In '74 this was the first time I saw REO Speedwagon & Gary Richrath. From that night on Gary has been my personal favorite guitar player & my strongest musical influence. This video musically opened up a part of me that my naive 16 year old self hadn't found yet. Richrath's stage presence, guitar tone, wide string stretching vibrato, fret-grinding licks & writing style resonated deep inside me. I literally learned how to play guitar using REO's 1st 4 albums as textbooks, struggling to capture his sound & neck work. It was always the ultimate flattery to be compared to Gary Richrath during my 21 years in a working band. As luck would have it, I met & had an in depth conversation with him after a Richrath concert I saw while he was promoting his solo album in the mid 90's. He was personally very interested in what I thought of the show & was worthy of all the "Hero Worship" I had uncontrollably piled on him for all those years. I agree with one of the other posters who mentioned his sound being the best in the mid to late 70's. This video is from when his Marshall's were covered in varnished wood & looked warm & distinctive on stage. That stage of his career was when my favorite creations came from his Les Pauls. Untamed raw energy, yet polished & melodic at the same time. You'll always be my favorite. Rest in peace Gary.
@@johnlsullivan7941 Mike Murphy, Terry Luttrell already left this time and Cronin replace him, before Murphy came in and Left, and again Cronin returned later.
@@johnlsullivan7941 Its fefore I started listening to REO as i was barely 12 ... but was Terry not with the band only until 1972... this video looks more like 1970, from the Clothes .. I was a kid , but no way this was after 72 for those 2 reasons
I grew up with Michael Bryan Murphy's brother Danyn in Sterling, IL. Although I didn't see much of Michael it sure was cool to hang out with his brother and listen to REO....
I grew up in Sterling,Il in the 1960-1970's. Mike Murphy used to fill in for my uncles band ( Bill Watley and the Metronomes) when ever he had a member not able to make a gig. I guess he was in high school at Newman at that time. I did not pay that much attention to him rehearsing at our house on avenue k. I was busy kid playing baseball and riding bikes and stuff.
Man, this brings back the past. This has always been one of my favorite bands and this song. About 3:45 and Gary comes up for his solo, he is shredding that guitar.
Love or hate Mike, they'd have never made it to the 80s with him. He fit the 70s well, but he'd have quickly faded. Not only that, but they were almost sacked by their label multiple times and faltered in popularity with Mike at the helm, forcing them to bring back Kevin. REO was a business and living for these guys as much as it was a band. Keeping Mike would have ended things, much the same as keeping Terry Luttrell. They were 70s rock voices that never would have enjoyed mainstream popularity in the 80s. As much as I adore Gary and am lukewarm at best on Cronin, bringing him back was a necessary evil to break down the next barrier of success. It's a small miracle that a band that started in the late 60s and lasted through the 70s would become larger than life in the 80s. Everything happens for a reason.
at the time, the way I heard it, Murphy only committed to playing with them for a limited time period anyway. he didn't want to commit to a permanent situation.
Darrin Ros Any way I cold help, I'd be glad to, but I wasn't around REO much. I actually got on being a roadie for Edwin Shirley Trucking CO. that moved Queen. When I was 9, I moved to E. Peoria, 3 doors down from Gary. We used to go over and listen to him play in his garage. Since I ended up with a 1960 Oldsmobile wagon and it would hold most of the equipment, I let him use it, and sometimes I drove and helped set up. We spent more than 1 night in that wagon since neither one of us had the $ for a cheap motel. Hell, we were lucky if we had enough to eat. I got drafted and went to Vietnam, and after I came back I concentrated on finishing school. After I got my Masters in engineering, I went to A Queen concert in Texas, and got hired on as a roadie. We kind of lost touch, but in 1982 I hired him and his side band, to play at my wedding. The bride didn't show up, so since I had everything paid for, we went right on and partied. I was kind of shocked at how much Champagne Gary could consume, but being an alcoholic myself, I didn't feel it was my place to say anything. I never saw him again. I wonder if I could have helped him somehow. I did the roadie thing for a little over 2 years, the got a job with a prototype robotic company, and then went to Martin-Marietta, to retire from there. I too play guitar, but I was never close to Gary's level. I always thought he was never allowed to shine on the records, and he was a great showman. He always told me after he made it, he'd pay me back, but I never was one to try and get money from my friends. One of my best memories from that time was when he'd start playing, Neil just seemed to know where he was going, and played it perfect. You would have thought they had rehearsed it for months, but they may have never played it before. One thing about his playing. At the (my) wedding fiasco, I asked him to play "Wonderful Tonight" and he did. He did the lead totally different from what it normally was. Everybody raved about it. I asked him why he came up with that great lead, he said anybody can copy others' songs, he liked to be original. And he was very much original, a true original. I miss him, I guess I also miss the part that has to do with the fact that I'll never see him again. I hope that he found peace on the other side. I still have my 1959 Les Paul that he signed. He always said he was going to steal it, but he said it smiling. When Gary smiles, it lit up the whole place. I didn't matter if he was in a stadium or his Mom's front room. I had a girlfriend that worked with his Mom at the hospital. His Mom's license plate said "REO MOM". Hope some of this helps. Smiles my new friend.
ChannelEleven59 I started because of Tony Iommi, but I never was anywhere near either one of them. I had to make up for my lack of talent with practice. Your comment made me smile, because I could see Gary's smile when anyone told him that. Thanks!
Ahhhh - Gary Richrath. He was the main reason I saw REO so much in the 1970's and early 1980's. I was pretty much fixated on him as he played. His joy was palpable. He was pretty good to look at, too! Broke my heart when he was forced out of the band. He was pretty much responsible for bringing in the guy behind it, too.
No flaming Kevin makes this sound so much grittier. Love the clothes, jewelry, accessories, the kiddos in the audience, just everything about this video says we ARE REO SPEEDWAGON!!!
David Charles actually, Cronin sang the original that would’ve appeared on the album had he not been kicked out in 73. The original version with Cronin can be heard in REO’s Box Series CD’s and on any music streaming services.
this is the lineup I saw a 1970 right outside of Milwaukee Wisconsin in a outdoor venue I was right up front I was only 16 years old and they were awesome Riding the Storm Out just blew my mind! Garry's one of the most underrated guitar players ever rest in peace brother!
This singer didn't join the band until 72 or 73,... they play PBS in 1971 when they only had one album out.. look it up they have a different singer.. that is probably who you saw the exact same band only a different singer and he was a good singer too.. they didn't put Riding the Storm Out until this guy joined the band
I remember back in the early 70's four of us crammed into a Datsun B 210 (?) it was SMALL driving from SW Florida to Pensacola, about a 6 hour trip, listening to REO's first album Riding the Storm Out on the cars stereo cassette player. We just about wore that tape out! Jammin all the way to the panhandle; those were great memories...
I followed a link to find this one! So nice to see Michael Murphy here. I used to follow his prior band, One Eyed Jacks and REO, and a few other great Champaign IL bands. Loved watching him play in the Jacks with his brother, Terry. Nice ride down memory lane.
Ya know what I also followed all those same bands back then in Bloomington, Il. As they of course did bookings there. Personally I abhor Kevin such a narcissist!
While I like Mikes version of this song better, there is no doubt he could not do as well on other songs, such as the ballads Kevin did. Ultimately the members of REO decided the same thing when push came to shove. In my opinion, both have their strengths ans weaknesses, but both are great in their own way/style. As to Gary on the Axe, he was top shelf 24/7/365
In regards to your comment about Gary top shelf on the Les, 24/7/365 was very well said. IMO the 70's he was really rocking REO SW. A good friend of mine who knew Gary very well said he was always no further than a few feet from his guitar. Amazing artist. *PEACE*
Most fortunate to have seen this lineup in early 70s...Michael Murphy was so much more REO then Cronin. Love the way Gary stomps that first 'D' in before the solo !!!!!
I was 10 years old when this was played, so I never heard of Murphy. The later years proved this song to be full of energy, and still a classic to this day. Bag all you want on Kev. He's still up there and you're not.
I remember seeing REO multiple times live before they ever made an album and did cover songs! Always loved Gary's guitar abilities! Additionally prior to his membership in REO he was Mike Murphy and the One Eyed Jacks another band during the era featuring Mike Murphy on guitar and vocals.
Before that he was in a local Sterling band called The Inspirations - used to see them at the Sterling IL YMCA during their Friday night dances. The Newell brothers played guitars - twins who would occasionally break out into fist fights during the show. Mike played organ and Dennis Milby played drums.
You know it. Thanks for posting. Back then, had REO produced its own albums in the same way as their live shows, maybe we would have kept MIke. Live production like You Get What You Play For is what did it for them, not Cronin.
Very much an AM Gold classic! You can almost see the dust pound out of that one speaker in the dashboard, with the windshield wipers going, and the defrost on high ;)
You know Mike Murphy? I'd love to know why Sly Stone played the lead guitar on 'You Can Fly' off This Time We Mean It album. Mike wrote that song, why didn't Gary play the lead break?
Everyone MUST watch the nicest set of twins ever viewed by man at 1: 16. Even women will appreciate these :)..........Meanwhile,back at the ranch. I didn't even know Kevin Cronin wasn't the original singer in their earlier day's.........p.s. seriously nice twins !!
Thrilled this showed up in my feed. So many comments on so under rated when in fact goes to show you they are not under rated. Think about it! I have this cassette by the way. Will be playing it again this week end.
I'll say this, REO have been a band blessed with many talents, not least of which are two fantastic and horribly underrated bass players! The pictures that Gregg Philbin is painting at the low end here are brilliant! Bruce Hall does much the same.
I remember seeing this line up of reo in early 70$ me and my wife went to keil autotorim to see them a photographer grabbed my wife out of front roll set her up on stage and took a couple photos she was amazed loved every minute
Back when REO Speedwagon was a kick ass rock&roll band
Gary Richrath was maybe most underrated guitarist of that era
AMEN!
No doubt.....fantastic player.
I don't remember even seeing him on the RS 100 greatest guitarists, which is criminal. RS are a bunch of shites anyway, they induct the wrong bands and skip over the deserving bands ..look how long it took for Paul McCartney to get in?? Paul McCartney, of the biggest band, most hits in the guiness book and they wait till his love "Linda" passes to induct him. gotta luv Stella's cute lil shirt that say's "about Fucking Time" I went nuts when I saw that..why couldn't they induct REO w/ Gary bef he passed..
Gary certainly deserved that honor before he passed!! I can't figure out what it is they don't get "R&R HOF".
I surely hope they do induct him on his phenomenal merits. I do not believe REO/SW deserves in without Gary though. Heart and soul, rock and roll of that band ... He made that Les talk, sing, shred, riff-raff, amazingly underrated guitarist with such a melodic tone he produced. Rock Legend-Bar None! RIP Gary
RRHOF has an Anti-Midwestern bias. Its the same reason why Styx, Kansas, and GFR will never get inducted. Heck, SOUTHERN rock bands get more love from the critics and Hall of Fame committee (who are usually one in the same--they are the "gatekeepers", and the "hip police" if you will)
Mike Murphy such a great singer and so underrated. This Version of the song is the best. I remember hearing this song on KShe-95.
I respectfully disagree with Mike doing this better than Kevin
You’re from St Louis area. Great radio station!
This reminds of the XENIA Tornado of 1974
@@rickmoore745 Kronin must have thought Murphy was better since he's banned all airplay of the studio version of "Ridin".
Look at Richrath shred...amazing guitar player
Self taught
One of the first band's I saw. Before Kevin. What a show then! I kept going to seeing them through out the years. They just got better!
I wish they had stayed with heavy rock like this.
This was Gary's world..... we just lived here with him. RIP Brother..... you were the best.
FOR YOU YOUNGER KIDS, NOW THIS IS A ROCK GROUP. LOOK,,,,,,,,,,,, REAL MUSICIAN'S PLAYING INSTRUMENTS. WOW!!!. NOW THAT TAKES REAL TALENT. NUF CED!!!!. CLASS OF ROCKIN 84 HERE!!!.
There is no doubt that the sound and talent of REO was Gary ... Even in the 80s he was the leader.
no, REO was a band. neal doughty was just as much a part of their sound as gary. cronins singing sealed the deal for the classic REO sound.
Have to agree. REO lost it's soul when Gary left. Amato has gotten much better over the years and still a fun band to listen to...but it's just not the same.
@@trapperkcmo3460 Yes true. Gregg Philbin was a great melodic bass player who played intricate walking bass lines and didn't just pedal on the root note of the chords.
The Real REO🎸!
Murphy's voice is so musical - tasty stuff. Philbin's bass playing is like pocket uphoria - wonderful lines and support without a rhythm guitarist. Of course, Gary's playing is true without rock star flash. . his heart through is fingers as always. Love this.
REO's best lineup
Wrong ! I saw the best line up play live at the old soldier field !..
A band needs to have a frontman who can play two instruments& not just sing.. plus Mike has the personality of a tail pipe !
huh Cronin is my Fav member of the band, but shit His ego and the bullshit he did to the band when fired Gary was really wrong, I won't forgive him.
@@KateryReminiec9399 Wrong. Murphy was by far the best lead REO ever had.
@@KateryReminiec9399 And Kronin is a whining harpy that won't shut up even for the guitar solo. Murphy SANG. Kronin shrieks. And are you saying that Robert Plant is a bad frontman because he plays no instrument?
Steffan Pila
A Glimpse of what REO Speedwagon should have of been in the late 70's as a harder- edge rock band. Long Live REO Speedwagon and rest in peace to the greatest guitarist in the History of Rock N' Roll, Gary Richrath.
Gary's son works in Peoria for Caterpillar. He comes out to play every once and awhile.
My buddy Tim Feirs was playing drums for Gary! I'd rather see Gary at a Peoria area dive bar than go see Cronin and the rest of the dirtbags that stole his fame! Quick name a REO song written after 89? Thats what I thought! Lol RIP Mr Eats Frets for breakfeast!
Really ? Wow man i pick up and deliver there every now and then, huge place haven't been there over a year, i know they were closing some plants and moving them to Texas don't know if that's one of them.
My Uncle retired from Peoria Caterpillar Plant. Went on vacation twice as a child to Aunt Eugenia n Uncle John’s home 60-70’s.
During a nasty rainstorm in northern Indiana at my brother's third annual, 3 day hog roast, 1978, we called Chicago's 98fm, the LOOP to play this song. They dedicated it to JD. Cranked it up on my 110 watt/ channel, Pioneer receiver and massive Utah speakers. I can still hear it. RIP, brother.
Because my wife is Gary's cousin I was able to go to many REO concerts over the years with back stage passes most of the time. The first show I saw was this lineup playing at the University of Il. That first show blew me away. thanks for posting.
lucky 1 - I have seen them many times throughout the years too (but I had to pay!) Rock on !!!
Sadly I never got to see them in person Mr. Wengert but Gary will always be a guitar god for me! He was the ESSENCE of what made REO great, hands down. Without Gary there would never have been any REO Speedwagon period! Please give my best to Eric and his mom.
Gary was REO ... no doubt
That's awesome didn't see them live back then bummer! RIP Richrath
My neighbor in Belleville,Illinois was..Neal Doughty. We lived on Cambridge Drive. When i was 12yrs. old he taught me how to play the piano! I still play the piano! Thank You...Mr. Doughty! Rock N' Roll Forever!
😊 this was my first free concert out doors. They ROCKED the grounds it was the best in vegas in the early 70s.
In '74 this was the first time I saw REO Speedwagon & Gary Richrath.
From that night on Gary has been my personal favorite guitar player & my strongest musical influence.
This video musically opened up a part of me that my naive 16 year old self hadn't found yet.
Richrath's stage presence, guitar tone, wide string stretching vibrato, fret-grinding licks & writing style resonated deep inside me.
I literally learned how to play guitar using REO's 1st 4 albums as textbooks, struggling to capture his sound & neck work.
It was always the ultimate flattery to be compared to Gary Richrath during my 21 years in a working band.
As luck would have it, I met & had an in depth conversation with him after a Richrath concert I saw while he was promoting his solo album in the mid 90's.
He was personally very interested in what I thought of the show & was worthy of all the "Hero Worship" I had uncontrollably piled on him for all those years.
I agree with one of the other posters who mentioned his sound being the best in the mid to late 70's.
This video is from when his Marshall's were covered in varnished wood & looked warm & distinctive on stage.
That stage of his career was when my favorite creations came from his Les Pauls.
Untamed raw energy, yet polished & melodic at the same time.
You'll always be my favorite. Rest in peace Gary.
1st band of the 1st concert I ever went to....with this lineup....1974.....you never forget your 1st.......
Wow! Great version of Ridin the Storm Out!
Gary has always been one of my guitar heroes. He was awesome. Thanks Gary, RIP Brother.
Not familiar with this singer, but you cannot mistake that is Gary on the guitar.... Always awesome!! Man you were one of the best! RIP
That lead singer was terry lutrell before Kevin Cronin
@@johnlsullivan7941 Mike Murphy, Terry Luttrell already left this time and Cronin replace him, before Murphy came in and Left, and again Cronin returned later.
Terry Lutrell went on to be singer in the prog band Starcastle
@@johnlsullivan7941 Its fefore I started listening to REO as i was barely 12 ... but was Terry not with the band only until 1972... this video looks more like 1970, from the Clothes .. I was a kid , but no way this was after 72 for those 2 reasons
I just had drinks with Mike Murphy!😁 He took over while Kevin tried a solo career. Very nice man!
I grew up with Michael Bryan Murphy's brother Danyn in Sterling, IL. Although I didn't see much of Michael it sure was cool to hang out with his brother and listen to REO....
I grew up in Sterling,Il in the 1960-1970's. Mike Murphy used to fill in for my uncles band ( Bill Watley and the Metronomes) when ever he had a member not able to make a gig. I guess he was in high school at Newman at that time. I did not pay that much attention to him rehearsing at our house on avenue k. I was busy kid playing baseball and riding bikes and stuff.
The man was an absolute expert guitarist. RIP 🪦
Man, this brings back the past. This has always been one of my favorite bands and this song.
About 3:45 and Gary comes up for his solo, he is shredding that guitar.
Gary was my biggest guitar hero as a teenager.....incredible...Michael Murphy is the only REO vocalist as far as I'm concerned.....
Love or hate Mike, they'd have never made it to the 80s with him. He fit the 70s well, but he'd have quickly faded. Not only that, but they were almost sacked by their label multiple times and faltered in popularity with Mike at the helm, forcing them to bring back Kevin.
REO was a business and living for these guys as much as it was a band. Keeping Mike would have ended things, much the same as keeping Terry Luttrell. They were 70s rock voices that never would have enjoyed mainstream popularity in the 80s.
As much as I adore Gary and am lukewarm at best on Cronin, bringing him back was a necessary evil to break down the next barrier of success.
It's a small miracle that a band that started in the late 60s and lasted through the 70s would become larger than life in the 80s. Everything happens for a reason.
at the time, the way I heard it, Murphy only committed to playing with them for a limited time period anyway. he didn't want to commit to a permanent situation.
Sweet song my favorite one & young Gary Richrath was sooo cute.
I have been riding this storm put my whole life..great band to grow up with ..
Politics of music . EVERYONE KNOW HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST HANDS DOWN .HE WAS THE SOUND OF REO SPEEDWAGON .
@Human 101 long story.. royalties and other $ crap.. Murphy is a dear dear friend of mine.. still kills on keys !
As kids we'd go over to hear Gary practice in his garage. I miss you Gary, and I wish I'd have been a better friend to you. RIP.
Dude I loved Gary's tone and riffs. I would like to know more about him. He inspired my playing.
Darrin Ros Any way I cold help, I'd be glad to, but I wasn't around REO much. I actually got on being a roadie for Edwin Shirley Trucking CO. that moved Queen. When I was 9, I moved to E. Peoria, 3 doors down from Gary. We used to go over and listen to him play in his garage. Since I ended up with a 1960 Oldsmobile wagon and it would hold most of the equipment, I let him use it, and sometimes I drove and helped set up. We spent more than 1 night in that wagon since neither one of us had the $ for a cheap motel. Hell, we were lucky if we had enough to eat. I got drafted and went to Vietnam, and after I came back I concentrated on finishing school. After I got my Masters in engineering, I went to A Queen concert in Texas, and got hired on as a roadie. We kind of lost touch, but in 1982 I hired him and his side band, to play at my wedding. The bride didn't show up, so since I had everything paid for, we went right on and partied. I was kind of shocked at how much Champagne Gary could consume, but being an alcoholic myself, I didn't feel it was my place to say anything. I never saw him again. I wonder if I could have helped him somehow. I did the roadie thing for a little over 2 years, the got a job with a prototype robotic company, and then went to Martin-Marietta, to retire from there. I too play guitar, but I was never close to Gary's level. I always thought he was never allowed to shine on the records, and he was a great showman. He always told me after he made it, he'd pay me back, but I never was one to try and get money from my friends. One of my best memories from that time was when he'd start playing, Neil just seemed to know where he was going, and played it perfect. You would have thought they had rehearsed it for months, but they may have never played it before. One thing about his playing. At the (my) wedding fiasco, I asked him to play "Wonderful Tonight" and he did. He did the lead totally different from what it normally was. Everybody raved about it. I asked him why he came up with that great lead, he said anybody can copy others' songs, he liked to be original. And he was very much original, a true original. I miss him, I guess I also miss the part that has to do with the fact that I'll never see him again. I hope that he found peace on the other side. I still have my 1959 Les Paul that he signed. He always said he was going to steal it, but he said it smiling. When Gary smiles, it lit up the whole place. I didn't matter if he was in a stadium or his Mom's front room. I had a girlfriend that worked with his Mom at the hospital. His Mom's license plate said "REO MOM". Hope some of this helps. Smiles my new friend.
I started playing guitar because of Gary Richrath.
ChannelEleven59 I started because of Tony Iommi, but I never was anywhere near either one of them. I had to make up for my lack of talent with practice. Your comment made me smile, because I could see Gary's smile when anyone told him that. Thanks!
ChannelEleven59 nice man
Ahhhh - Gary Richrath. He was the main reason I saw REO so much in the 1970's and early 1980's. I was pretty much fixated on him as he played. His joy was palpable. He was pretty good to look at, too! Broke my heart when he was forced out of the band. He was pretty much responsible for bringing in the guy behind it, too.
No flaming Kevin makes this sound so much grittier. Love the clothes, jewelry, accessories, the kiddos in the audience, just everything about this video says we ARE REO SPEEDWAGON!!!
Hahahaha!!! "Flaming Kevin"!!!
R.E. frikin'0000!👍
Right there with you Mary 110%. Kevin was the demise of REO ultimately. After Gary was fired they went to shit!
@@bestplans9051 seriously? They never would have had the success they had without Cronin.
@@edsturm4099 Kevin Write The Hits But Gary Make It Better With His Guitar!!!!!!
the original...that song is huge!! true rock and roll
David Charles actually, Cronin sang the original that would’ve appeared on the album had he not been kicked out in 73. The original version with Cronin can be heard in REO’s Box Series CD’s and on any music streaming services.
this is the lineup I saw a 1970 right outside of Milwaukee Wisconsin in a outdoor venue I was right up front I was only 16 years old and they were awesome Riding the Storm Out just blew my mind! Garry's one of the most underrated guitar players ever rest in peace brother!
This singer didn't join the band until 72 or 73,... they play PBS in 1971 when they only had one album out.. look it up they have a different singer.. that is probably who you saw the exact same band only a different singer and he was a good singer too.. they didn't put Riding the Storm Out until this guy joined the band
@@jeffbogue3718 mike Murphy is my second cousin and had 3 albums with reo from what i was told
He is one of baddest guitarist around Jimmi would I digg it man
Yep Awesome song one of my favorite songs Richrath Rules my Angel Gray was a ROCK and roll Star
REO Speedwagon kicking some serious ASS!!!
I remember back in the early 70's four of us crammed into a Datsun B 210 (?) it was SMALL driving from SW Florida to Pensacola, about a 6 hour trip, listening to REO's first album Riding the Storm Out on the cars stereo cassette player. We just about wore that tape out! Jammin all the way to the panhandle; those were great memories...
My favorite REO singer 😄
I followed a link to find this one! So nice to see Michael Murphy here. I used to follow his prior band, One Eyed Jacks and REO, and a few other great Champaign IL bands. Loved watching him play in the Jacks with his brother, Terry. Nice ride down memory lane.
Ya know what I also followed all those same bands back then in Bloomington, Il. As they of course did bookings there. Personally I abhor Kevin such a narcissist!
2020 anyone?
Thanks for sharing! Finally a clip with Mike Murphy, one of them great guitar solo's of Gary Richrath :-)
You are so right ..I've been waiting years to.see live footage of mike . He frickin rocked man.. no comparison to Kevin
@@waynemilune2559 I just had drinks tonight with Mike Murphy. A wonderful man and he had fun stories about REO. He's now living in Wisconsin. 🥰
Remembered like yesterday💕
Love these guys gree up listening to them😎
Mike Murphy The Best…….
And I just had drinks with him and we watched this video. He's doing fine living in Wisconsin 🥰
@@lifeisfairitkillseveryone536 awesome good for him to be still with us. Good for you that you got to have a drink with him. Awesome
WOW !!!! I did not know this version/video existed. Fantastic !
Grew up in Urbana Il Loved the band got to see them twice. Miss when they rocked Gary was the best amazing writer gifted player. Shame they went soft.
While I like Mikes version of this song better, there is no doubt he could not do as well on other songs, such as the ballads Kevin did. Ultimately the members of REO decided the same thing when push came to shove. In my opinion, both have their strengths ans weaknesses, but both are great in their own way/style. As to Gary on the Axe, he was top shelf 24/7/365
In regards to your comment about Gary top shelf on the Les, 24/7/365 was very well said. IMO the 70's he was really rocking REO SW. A good friend of mine who knew Gary very well said he was always no further than a few feet from his guitar. Amazing artist. *PEACE*
one of my favorite songs & Gary Richrath
Sweet one of my favorite songs.
Most fortunate to have seen this lineup in early 70s...Michael Murphy was so much more REO then Cronin. Love the way Gary stomps that first 'D' in before the solo !!!!!
That was the best... that was rock!!!
Gary Richrath was Blessed for his looks 2 me he was a very sweet man
Definitely the best version of this song
The best version ❤❤❤
I was 10 years old when this was played, so I never heard of Murphy. The later years proved this song to be full of energy, and still a classic to this day. Bag all you want on Kev. He's still up there and you're not.
Good One!!
Sweet one of my favorite songs
Awesome group REO Speedwagon
OMG GARY XXXXXX REST IN PEACE... SO BEAUTIFUL
Best version........
I remember seeing REO multiple times live before they ever made an album and did cover songs! Always loved Gary's guitar abilities! Additionally prior to his membership in REO he was Mike Murphy and the One Eyed Jacks another band during the era featuring Mike Murphy on guitar and vocals.
Suburban 9 to 5...
Saw One Eyed Jacks at a high school dance back in 72 Baraboo High School Baraboo WI
Before that he was in a local Sterling band called The Inspirations - used to see them at the Sterling IL YMCA during their Friday night dances. The Newell brothers played guitars - twins who would occasionally break out into fist fights during the show. Mike played organ and Dennis Milby played drums.
Thank You 💓 for sharing
Thank you for posting. I never tire of the real REO.
How GREAT was Gary Rich Richrath. Gone way too early. Very underrated
Awesome group REO Speedwagon , & A young Gary Richrath
Great stuff! My very first concert BTO/REO 1974. Good as it gets. Thanks for sharing!
I went to that BTO/REO show when they were in Columbus, but REO canceled. A band called Point Blank played. I was crushed.
OMG now that had to have been the show to end all shows :)!
Wow Sweet One of my favorite song. & Gary Richrath what a very cute guy he was
Awesome REO Speedwagon & a very cute young Gary Richrath sweet
Wow awesome one of my favorite songs & Gary Richrath was sooo cute.
Sweet one of my favorite song.Oh a young Gary Richrath he was so cute.
class rock its the best
mike is just killer. lost in a dream is a FANTASTIC album. loved it. wore it out.
You know it. Thanks for posting. Back then, had REO produced its own albums in the same way as their live shows, maybe we would have kept MIke. Live production like You Get What You Play For is what did it for them, not Cronin.
So awesome
RIP gary
I would love to see a whole concert with this lineup
Gary! What a damned, fine musical he was.
Very much an AM Gold classic! You can almost see the dust pound out of that one speaker in the dashboard, with the windshield wipers going, and the defrost on high ;)
man I've played many gigs with Mike Murphy, and he's a dear friend of mine.. this footage is rare and amazing ! thank you for finding/posting !
Thats great he was the best singer REO had in my opinion. This is by far the best line up
Jesper Kristensen He truly is an amazing vocalist!
You know Mike Murphy? I'd love to know why Sly Stone played the lead guitar on 'You Can Fly' off This Time We Mean It album. Mike wrote that song, why didn't Gary play the lead break?
How is he doing now days? Hope all is well
@@bradfordsanders7766 f
I like that singer !
Thank you for posting this! I'd always wondered if there were any live recordings of this song with Mike singing lead.
Yep Awesome song one of my favorite songs
Sweet I love this song .
Gary was one of the original Gods of rock
Me gusta mucho como canta Murphy. Me gusta mucho esta alineación de REO.
Everyone MUST watch the nicest set of twins ever viewed by man at 1: 16. Even women will appreciate these :)..........Meanwhile,back at the ranch. I didn't even know Kevin Cronin wasn't the original singer in their earlier day's.........p.s. seriously nice twins !!
Thrilled this showed up in my feed. So many comments on so under rated when in fact goes to show you they are not under rated. Think about it! I have this cassette by the way. Will be playing it again this week end.
Sounds.
So.
Good.
CLASSIC, Thanks for the upload!
Saw them in SanAntonio opening act for the Doobie Brothers around 1973
I'll say this, REO have been a band blessed with many talents, not least of which are two fantastic and horribly underrated bass players! The pictures that Gregg Philbin is painting at the low end here are brilliant! Bruce Hall does much the same.
Gary was badass!
as a bassist that bassline is bad azz.
RIP Gregg Philbin
Awesome! Thank you for posting this video.
that's awesome...
Gary’s vibrato was just sick
I wish they would have stayed this way in the 80's.
Love you all💓💞💕
I remember seeing this line up of reo in early 70$ me and my wife went to keil autotorim to see them a photographer grabbed my wife out of front roll set her up on stage and took a couple photos she was amazed loved every minute
Classic.
Epic.
Sweet one of my favorite songs and Gary Richrath was so so so so cute
Wow great song & Gary Richrath