An attorney for Tracy Morgan said the former Saturday Night Live actor is having a tough time recovering from a June accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that left a fellow comedian dead. Benedict Morelli told The Star-Ledger newspaper that Morgan relies on a wheelchair and that it might be months before he can fully walk again. Morelli said Morgan appears to be making progress, but it will be a month before he is assessed “cognitively.” Morgan broke his leg, nose and several ribs in a six-car accident involving his limousine bus, and comedian James McNair was killed. The bus was struck by a Wal-Mart truck. The truck driver has pleaded innocent to vehicular homicide and assault by auto. Morgan has accused Wal-Mart of negligence in a federal lawsuit.
Kings of Leon will play its first show today since drummer Nathan Followill injured his ribs in a tour bus incident earlier this month. The group is headlining the second night of the Budweiser Made In America festival in Philadelphia. Kings of Leon lead singer Caleb Followill said in an interview Friday that his younger brother has been “doing good” since he broke his ribs after the band’s tour bus driver was forced to stop short when a pedestrian crossed the street in front of the vehicle. “He has this protective gear that he’s wearing that’s there to help him,” Caleb Followill said. The family band includes youngest brother Jared Followill, who plays bass, and cousin Matthew Followill, who plays guitar. The group canceled two weeks of shows after the Aug. 9 incident and were set to mark a comeback Thursday before deciding to postpone more shows. “Hopefully he continues to heal,” Caleb Followill said. “We’re going to throw a long set at him this weekend, so he better bring his A-game.” Kings of Leon had its musical breakthrough in 2009 when the rock song “Use Somebody” crossed over to the pop charts and won three Grammy Awards, including record of the year. The band released its sixth album, Mechanical Bull, last year, and Caleb said he’s been itching to write new songs.