Former REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Luttrell recently experienced a serious automobile accident shortly after participating in a highly anticipated reunion show at a venue run by the University of Illinois in Champaign, a city that holds significant memories for the band as it is where they initially gained recognition. Luttrell shared that he fell asleep while driving on Sunday night, leading to a crash on Interstate 57. “It just happened,” Luttrell remarked in an interview with The News-Gazette. “I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up and I was in a cocoon [of airbags]. Unfortunately, it totaled the car.”

Luttrell was the frontman for REO Speedwagon’s self-titled debut album released in 1971, where he earned co-writing credits for all eight tracks. Presently, he is actively touring with his tribute band, the REO Classics Band, and has recently reissued his live album titled Live at Shock City Studios on a limited-edition red vinyl, showcasing his enduring passion for music and performance.

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The reunion concert, titled “Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon: A Concert Event – Back Where it All Began,” featured Luttrell sharing the stage once again with Neal Doughty, the band’s keyboardist, and Alan Gratzer, who also contributed during the R.E.O. Speedwagon sessions. The event also welcomed notable musicians from the early days, including guitarist Steve Scorfina, longtime bassist Bruce Hall, and early-70s vocalist Mike Murphy, among others.

Hall elaborated on the purpose of the event, stating, “This event was created to provide the founding fathers, original singers, and classic REO lineup a chance to reunite and say a proper goodbye.” He emphasized that the concert was also a heartfelt opportunity to pay tribute to the late Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin, honoring their contributions to the band’s legacy. While the longest-serving frontman, Kevin Cronin, was performing with Styx that evening in Bend, Oregon, the reunion remained a significant moment for the band.

In Luttrell’s case, he miraculously sustained only a cracked sternum due to the deployment of his vehicle’s airbag and spent a couple of days recuperating at a local hospital. “I was able to get up and get out of the car,” he explained to The News-Gazette. “I have a little back pain and neck pain. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome.” His resilience is commendable, especially considering the circumstances of his accident.

Luttrell attributed his fatigue to extensive autograph sessions after the concert, both at the after-party and later at the hotel, where he met with approximately 40 enthusiastic fans. “It was just sign-sign-sign,” said Luttrell, who estimated that he didn’t get to bed until around 4:30 AM, only to be back on the road by 7. His dedication to his fans and the music community remains unwavering, reflecting the spirit of a true performer.