October 18

 Joe Egan

October 18, 1946 – July 6, 2024

Joe Egan co-founded Stealers Wheel with Gerry Rafferty in 1972 after the two had previously performed together in several local groups and remained longtime musical partners. As a singer, keyboard player, guitarist, and songwriter, he shared lead vocal duties and contributed songs to the albums Stealers Wheel, Ferguslie Park, and Right or Wrong. He co-wrote and sang on "Stuck in the Middle with You," while also writing songs including "Star" and "Good Businessman."

Following the breakup of Stealers Wheel in 1975, Egan launched a solo career and released the albums Out of Nowhere in 1979 and Map in 1981. He later contributed backing vocals to Gerry Rafferty's 1992 album On a Wing and a Prayer before gradually stepping away from the music business. His work with Stealers Wheel secured his place among the distinctive voices of 1970s folk rock.

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Gary Richrath

September 18, 1949 – September 13, 2015

Gary Richrath joined REO Speedwagon in 1970 and became the band's lead guitarist, a lead vocalist, and one of its principal songwriters. His guitar work and songwriting helped shape albums such as R.E.O./T.W.O., Ridin' the Storm Out, Lost in a Dream, This Time We Mean It, You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, and Hi Infidelity. He wrote songs including "Ridin' the Storm Out," "Golden Country," and "Take It on the Run."

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Richrath's energetic guitar playing and songwriting played a major role in REO Speedwagon's rise from a hard-touring Midwestern rock band to one of the most successful arena rock acts of the era. He remained with the group until 1989 before pursuing solo projects.

Richrath released the solo album Only the Strong Survive in 1992 and occasionally performed in later years. His work with REO Speedwagon established him as one of the notable guitarists of 1970s and 1980s rock.

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