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REO Speedwagon alum Terry Luttrell’s bandmate provides emotional update after rocker’s terrifying car crash

BBG News

According to drummer Michael Mesey, former REO Speedwagon member Terry Luttrell considers himself fortunate for having survived a harrowing car rollover accident over the weekend.

According to a private communication given to DailyMail.com, Meseys shares that his fellow band member, Luttrell, will now focus on rehabilitation as he mends from the recent event.

78-year-old Luttrell dozed off behind the wheel on a Sunday morning. His drummer subsequently disclosed that Luttrell is grateful for the airbags, as they played a crucial role in preserving his life.

In an exclusive conversation with DailyMail.com, I shared that Terry mentioned he will be undergoing physical therapy for a while and is eagerly anticipating returning to perform the classic REO tunes.

He’s incredibly fortunate to have survived the accident, largely attributable to divine intervention and the safety features of his BMW, such as the airbags.

Terry’s feeling incredibly upbeat and grateful for all the love and prayers pouring in from people across the nation.

Messina and Luttrell are part of the five-member ensemble known as REO Classics Band, who play tracks that feature hits by REO Speedwagon. Notably, Messina had previously been a drummer for the bands Head East and the late Chuck Berry.

On Sunday morning, I found myself unintentionally rolling my vehicle along Interstate 57 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, after a brief moment of unconsciousness behind the wheel, as reported by The News-Gazette.

The airbag deployed during the crash, causing Luttrell to sustain a cracked sternum.

In a conversation over the phone from his hospital bed, Luttrell shared details about the harrowing accident, stating that upon regaining consciousness, he found himself encircled by the deployed airbags.

After a lengthy evening where Luttrell played at the State Farm Center along with his band, and then attended an afterparty for autograph signing, the accident took place.

Luttrell left the party at 2AM and didn’t get to bed until 4:30AM.

However, his respite didn’t last long, as he found himself behind the wheel once more within a few hours, accompanied by the keyboardist from REO Speedwagon on the highway.

While Luttrell admitted to feeling ‘a little bit sleepy’, he believed he would be fine to drive.

He explained that he must have fallen asleep,” the musician said. “The car ended up rolling over as a result, and when I regained consciousness, I found myself enclosed, unfortunately, within an airbag casing, which meant the vehicle was badly damaged.

Luttrell has been admitted to the hospital and intends to stay for a few more days as part of his rehabilitation process.

As an overly enthusiastic admirer, I’d say, “I managed to climb out after the incident, sharing this with the media. The airbag deployed, causing a slight fracture in my chest.

‘I have a little back pain and neck pain. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome,’ he added.

As fate would have it, several of the nurses who cared for him attended his Saturday night concert.

Luttrell said the concert ‘was a good show all the way around.’

The roots of REO Speedwagon can be traced back to 1966, a time when future bandmates Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer first crossed paths while they were attending the University of Illinois, as reported by WCIA.

In the year that followed, the band was formally established, as Doughty discovered the name of their ensemble scribbled on a classroom blackboard, according to WCIA’s report.

Luttrell joined the group in 1967, and their eponymous first album was released in 1971.

Subsequently, he departed from the band following the release of their first record, and later became a member of the band Starcastle. In turn, Kevin Cronin stepped in to replace him during the recording of their second album titled R.E.O./T.W.O.

1980 saw the release of Hi Infidelity by the band, gaining them significant popularity in the pop market through chart-topping songs such as “Keep On Lovin’ You”, “Take It On The Run”, “In Your Letter” and “Don’t Let Him Go”.

The record spent 15 weeks at the top of Billboard’s 200 chart and sold more than 10 million copies.

The 1984 album “Wheels Are Turnin'” was where fans first heard the chart-topping song “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” as well as popular hits like “I Do Wanna Know” and “One Lonely Night.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself reflecting on the evolution of a legendary band that’s been an integral part of our musical landscape for over five decades. In the vibrant autumn of September 2024, they shared the poignant news – after 57 years of harmonious unity, they had reached an impasse, a chasm that proved irreconcilable in their relationships. This decision, while bittersweet, is testament to the profound impact they’ve left on music and our collective memories.

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2025-06-19 08:04

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