Early REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Luttrell was involved in a car accident the day after performing at a charity reunion concert with surviving band members Bruce Hall and others. News-Gazette reported the incident.
Luttrell described the incident. He explained how he fell asleep while driving and rolled his vehicle over.
“It just happened,” Luttrell said. “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.”
The accident occurred following the band’s fundraising reunion performance. Luttrell had reunited with fellow REO Speedwagon members for the charitable event.
The crash highlights the ongoing connection between Luttrell and the band that launched his career decades ago. This connection persists despite his departure in the early 1970s.
Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Luttrell was the frontman on REO Speedwagon’s 1971 self-titled debut album. He earned co-writing credits on all eight songs, including the enduring track “157 Riverside Avenue,” which remains a fan favorite and a live staple for the band. His contributions to the band’s early sound helped establish the foundation for their later commercial success.
Luttrell built a distinguished career in rock music following his time with REO Speedwagon. REO Classics Band revealed that he became the lead singer for the progressive rock band StarCastle. He has earned eight gold and platinum record awards throughout his career. His extensive experience includes recording in some of the most renowned studios worldwide and performing at iconic venues such as the Los Angeles Coliseum and the Montreal Olympic site.
Luttrell has maintained his connection to classic rock through touring alongside legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, and Aerosmith. Saturday Evening Post documented that he continues to tour with his own band performing classic REO Speedwagon material. He keeps the early catalog alive for fans who remember the band’s original sound.
The reunion concert that preceded the accident represents the ongoing legacy of REO Speedwagon’s early years. Surviving members occasionally come together for special charitable causes and performances that honor the band’s five-decade history in rock music.
