Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (December 19, 1946 – January 23, 2012) was an American guitarist best known for his work with the rock groups Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond. He contributed to several influential recordings of the late 1960s and early 1970s and was noted for his blues‑inflected, psychedelic guitar style.
Early life and education
Larry Reinhardt was born in San Antonio, Texas, United States. Details of his early musical education are limited, but he began playing guitar in his teenage years, drawing influence from blues and early rock‑and‑roll artists.
Career
Iron Butterfly (1968–1971)
Reinhardt joined the psychedelic rock band Iron Butterfly in 1968, replacing original guitarist Danny Weis. He performed on the band's third studio album, In‑A‑Blank (1970) and participated in the subsequent touring cycle. His playing contributed to the group's evolution from its earlier psychedelic sound toward a heavier, more blues‑based approach.
Captain Beyond (1971–1974, 1990s reunions)
In 1971, Reinhardt co‑founded the progressive rock trio Captain Beyond, alongside former Deep Purple vocalist Rod Evans and former Iron Butterfly drummer Lee Dorman. The group released two studio albums, Captain Beyond (1972) and Sufficiently Breathless (1973), both of which received critical praise for their complex arrangements and improvisational style. Reinhardt's guitar work on these recordings showcased extended solos, modal experimentation, and a fusion of hard rock with jazz influences.
Later projects
After Captain Beyond disbanded, Reinhardt participated in a variety of musical endeavors, including session work and occasional reunions with former bandmates. He occasionally performed with bands such as the Charles Murray Group and contributed to live shows in the Southern United States.
Personal life
Reinhardt resided in the Dallas–Fort Worth area during his later years. Information about his family and personal interests outside of music is not extensively documented in reliable sources.
Death
Larry Reinhardt died of a heart attack on January 23, 2012, at the age of 65.
Legacy
Reinhardt is remembered for his distinctive guitar tone and his role in shaping the early hard‑rock and progressive‑rock scenes. Musicians and fans of the era regard his work with Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond as influential, particularly in the development of heavy, improvisational rock guitar. Posthumous tribute concerts and reissues of his recordings have contributed to a continued appreciation of his contributions.