Hi, Gary! In case you're reading this before you read the Retro Speedwagon page, let me introduce myself. My name is Kimberly Tolley, and I've been an REO fan since 1981. For the past 7 years, I've had the privilege of building a bridge with the current lineup in REO. I invite you to read all their cyber letters on this web site, as well as Alan's letter.
What I enjoyed most about you in the old days was your fearless sense of humor. Actually, "smartass" is the word that comes to mind!! Hehehehe. From your portrayal of the blue eye shadowed, gum chewing he-waitress in the video for One Lonely Night, to the way you screeched into the parking lot at Rumbo Records in your souped-up Porsche in MTV's documentary, The Making of Wheels Are Turnin, to your knack for revving up K.C.'s schmaltzy love ballads with your spine tingling, crunchy lead guitar riffs....you were REO's confident, strutting peacock, showing off his rainbow-colored plumage every chance he got. Like Kevin said in Behind The Music, "I miss looking over to my left and watching The Gary Richrath Show happen." I've only seen you on videotape, never in concert, and I'm blown away!
Speaking of K.C....you sure knew how to keep that boy on his toes, didn't you?? He also kept you on yours as well!! Hehehehe. That was what made you two work so well together: you were both stubborn as fence posts, and were constantly battling for the alpha male position, just like two rams out in a field, locking horns and butting heads. If you guys agreed on everything, the music you created would have been too watered down and bland. But the undercurrent of competition added plenty of spice to the mix!
I liked what K.C. said at the end of Behind The Music about wanting the creative friction back that was the foundation of your relationship, and how he hoped you would show up at Chez Kevin, guitar in hand, ready to work. I think you guys really miss each other, but you're afraid that the old conflicts will come back. You have too much history between you to not give it one last go. Maybe nothing will come of this attempt. If so, you won't be any worse off than you are now. But if there's even the slightest glimmer of possibility that you could plug into the successful formula again, why not go for it?
A couple years ago, you and Alan joined REO onstage at the L.A. County Fair. I moved to L.A. a year after that gig, so I didn't see it in person, only pictures on the internet. Both you and Kevin looked sooooo happy to be sharing a stage after all these years. That's what makes me remain hopeful of a future collaboration. That said, I also think fans have unrealistic expectations of what you can and can't offer. A lot of time has passed. People have changed. You have changed. I can appreciate and respect modern day Gary as much, if not more that, retro Gary.
You at least have the courage to face your demons sober, and that's no easy feat, after years of self-medicating. So I applaud your efforts in that endeavor! Just remember to take one day at a time, and don't try to take the problems of the world on your shoulders. You're just a person, like everyone else. You can only take control of you. It will get better, I promise. Be patient, and give it time.
Well, I guess it's time for me to "take it on the run." Take care of yourself, be good to yourself, and keep those Marshall amps cranked up to 11!! :O) I love you and miss you! Maybe one day we can meet face to face. That would be such a monster dream come true for me! (((Gary)))
See you later,
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© 2003, Rent A Geek/Kimberly Tolley
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