Category: Music | Title: REO Speedwagon Members Who Have Died: Names, Causes, and Timeline | Tag: REO Speedwagon | Meta Description: A concise list of REO Speedwagon members who have died, with causes of death, dates, and career highlights...
Founding and Longtime Members Who Have Died
REO Speedwagon has lost several key members over the decades, including its original guitarist and a longtime drummer. These deaths are documented in band biographies and music archives AllMusic REO Speedwagon biography. The band formed in 1966 at the University of Illinois and built a following that later fueled stadium rock tours across North America.
The first major loss came with the death of original guitarist Gary Richrath, who died on September 13, 2015, at age 65 from complications related to a perforated ulcer Rolling Stone REO Speedwagon Gary Richrath obituary. Richrath co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, including "Ridin' the Storm Out" and "Take It on the Run."
Gary Richrath
Richrath joined the band in 1970 and remained the lead guitarist until 1989, shaping the group's arena-ready sound with layered electric guitar parts and melodic hooks Billboard REO Speedwagon Gary Richrath report. His departure marked the end of the band's classic guitar-driven lineup.
Alan Gratzer
Original drummer Alan Gratzer left the band in 1988 and later stepped away from public music work. Gratzer played on the platinum-certified albums "Hi Infidelity" and "Good Trouble," which defined the band's late-1970s and early-1980s chart success.
Bassist and Vocalist Losses in the Band's History
REO Speedwagon also experienced the death of bassist Gregg Philbin's bandmate and early collaborator Bruce Hall's predecessor in certain lineup accounts, though the most documented passing among core members remains that of Richrath. The band's official website and press releases list current members and historical lineup changes Official REO Speedwagon website.
Vocalist Terry Luttrell, who sang on early albums including "R.E.O." and "Ridin' the Storm Out," left the band in 1972 and later pursued solo work. While Luttrell is not reported as deceased, the band's history includes several personnel shifts that fans often conflate with member deaths.
Bruce Hall
Bruce Hall joined as bassist in 1977 and remains the longest-serving member of the current lineup. He has not died and continues to perform with the band, including appearances on the "Find Your Own Way Home" album and subsequent tours.
Kevin Cronin
Kevin Cronin, the band's lead vocalist since 1972 and returnee in 1976, is alive and active. He has fronted the group through its biggest pop hits, including "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling," which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Current Status and Legacy of Deceased Members
The band still tours under the REO Speedwagon name with a lineup that includes Cronin, Hall, guitarist Dave Amato, and drummer Bryan Hitt