Why was Terry Reid nicknamed 'Superlungs'? Details explored as he dies at 75

Terrance James Reid, famously known by his stage name Terry Reid, passed away on August 4 at the age of 75. Reid had recently postponed his 2025 autumn tour due to cancer treatment, as shared in a statement:

"Due to medical issues arising from recent treatment for cancer Terry has had to postpone his autumn 2025 UK, Irish and Norway."

The announcement came from his UK representative, who confirmed the news of his death to The Guardian. Reid was given the nickname of Superlungs for his powerful singing voice.

The nickname “Superlungs” came from his song “Superlungs My Supergirl,” released soon after his solo debut album in 1968, Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid. The song, Superlungs My Supergirl, featured his high-range voice with lyrics:

"I said now that's what she's got, super lung; I know I need me some super lungs; Whoa, super lungs"

In 2016, a documentary about Terry Reid titled Superlungs, directed by Richard Frias, was released and became a hit. Owing to the recognition he received from his nickname, Reid chose to use @superlungsterry as his Instagram handle.

In 2004, Reid released an album titled Super Lungs: The Complete Studio EMI Recordings 1966–1969, a compilation featuring 17 tracks from that era.

Robert Plant calls Terry Reid ‘Superlungs’ in tribute post

English singer Robert Plant, who was recommended by Terry Reid for Led Zeppelin, shared a tribute post on his social media, writing:

"Terry Reid's enthusiasm and encouragement were incredible back then ... still teenagers we crashed each others' gigs and crucified Season of the Witch time and time again … So much fun. So on it. He was all of everything ... such charisma."

Calling him Superlungs, he wrote:

"His voice, his range ... his songs capturing that carefree era ... Superlungs indeed. He catapulted me into an intense new world he chose to decline ... I listen now to his album The River and shed a tear for my brother in arms."

Along with being known by his nickname "Superlungs," Reid was also famous for turning down offers to join Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

To know more details, read: Why did Terry Reid turn down Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple?

Graham Nash, Reid's friend and producer of his album Seed of Memory, remembered the late singer through the statement:

"Finding it hard to put into words how sad I am about the passing of my dear friend Terry. How was it just a few short months ago we were smiling on my bus together? He was such a force. A talent beyond what I can express right now."

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