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REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin wrote on the band's official Facebook page that Richrath died Sunday, saying his bandmate was "the embodiment of the tough guy with a heart of gold."

Richrath joined the band in 1971 and left in 1989, replaced by Miles Joseph as lead guitarist, according to the band's official site.

He recorded 12 albums with the band and wrote the hit "Take It On The Run," released in 1980.

Richrath last performed with REO Speedwagon in 2013 for Rock to the Rescue, Music News reported.

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez