In a shocking turn of events, early REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Luttrell was involved in a harrowing automobile accident following his participation in a memorable reunion show at a venue associated with the University of Illinois in Champaign, the very place where the iconic band first gained recognition. This incident occurred after a night filled with nostalgia and celebration, and Luttrell described the moment of the accident, saying that he unfortunately fell asleep while driving on Interstate 57. “It just happened,” Luttrell shared with The News-Gazette. “I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up and I was in a cocoon [of airbags]. Sadly, the crash resulted in the complete loss of my vehicle.”
Terry Luttrell played a significant role as the frontman for REO Speedwagon’s self-titled debut album released in 1971, contributing as a co-writer on all eight tracks. Even today, he remains active in the music scene, touring with his tribute group, known as the REO Classics Band. Recently, Luttrell celebrated the reissuance of his album Live at Shock City Studios on a special limited-edition red vinyl, showcasing his enduring connection to his musical roots.
The reunion event held on Saturday night, titled “Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon: A Concert Event – Back Where it All Began,” brought Luttrell back on stage alongside Neal Doughty, the band’s keyboardist, and Alan Gratzer, who was part of the original R.E.O. Speedwagon sessions. The show also featured notable musicians from the band’s early history, including guitarist Steve Scorfina, long-time bassist Bruce Hall, and early-’70s singer Mike Murphy, among others, all contributing to a spectacular evening of music and memories.
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Hall explained that the purpose of this event was to allow the founding members, original vocalists, and classic lineup of REO Speedwagon to come together, reconnect, and bid a heartfelt farewell. He emphasized the concert as a significant opportunity to pay tribute to the legacies of Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin, two pivotal figures in the band’s history. It’s worth noting that Kevin Cronin, the band’s longest-serving frontman, was also performing that night with Styx in Bend, Oregon.
Remarkably, despite the severity of the accident, Luttrell only sustained a cracked sternum due to the deployment of his vehicle’s airbag. He spent a couple of days recovering at a local hospital, where he expressed gratitude for his survival. “I was able to get up and get out of the car,” he shared with The News-Gazette. “I have a little back pain and neck pain, but it’s nothing that I can’t overcome.” His resilience serves as a testament to his character and determination.
Luttrell attributed his exhaustion and subsequent accident to the lengthy autograph sessions he held during the concert after-party, followed by another round of signings at the hotel, where he noted that around 40 additional fans were eagerly waiting. “It was just sign-sign-sign,” Luttrell recalled, estimating that he didn’t manage to get to bed until around 4:30 AM, yet was back on the road by 7, demonstrating his dedication to his fans and passion for his music.
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Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
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