Terry Luttrell, the original lead singer of REO Speedwagon, was involved in a frightening car accident following a reunion performance at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where the band first formed.
Luttrell explained that he dozed off while driving on Interstate 57 on Sunday night, causing his car to roll over. “I just drifted off. When I woke up, I was surrounded by airbags. The car was completely wrecked.”
As the frontman for REO Speedwagon’s 1971 debut album, Luttrell co-wrote all eight tracks. Today, he performs with his tribute band, REO Classics Band, and recently released a limited-edition red vinyl of his Live at Shock City Studios album.
The reunion concert, titled “Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon: A Concert Event – Back Where it All Began,” brought Luttrell back to the stage with original members like keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer. Other performers included guitarist Steve Scorfina, bassist Bruce Hall, and early ’70s vocalist Mike Murphy. The event was designed to celebrate the band’s early days and honor deceased members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. Meanwhile, longtime frontman Kevin Cronin was performing with Styx in Oregon.
Miraculously, Luttrell escaped the crash with only a cracked sternum from the airbag deployment. He spent a few days recovering in a local hospital. “I managed to get out of the car,” he said. “I’ve got some back and neck pain, but it’s manageable.”
Luttrell attributed the accident to exhaustion, citing late-night autograph sessions after the concert. He signed for fans at the after-party and later at his hotel, where around 40 more awaited. “It was nonstop signing,” he recalled, noting he didn’t sleep until 4:30 AM and was back on the road by 7 AM.
