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REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath has died

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 4: Gary Richrath playing with 'REO Speedwagon' performing at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California on July 4, 1980. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Credit: Larry Hulst

Credit: Larry Hulst

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 4: Gary Richrath playing with 'REO Speedwagon' performing at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California on July 4, 1980. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Sept 14, 2015

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REO Speedwagon has officially announced one of the band's guitarists has died.

Gary Richrath, the lead guitarist for the band, known for '80s ballad "Can't Fight this Feeling" died at the age of 65.

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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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