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Mudcrutch

From Alfawiki
Mudcrutch
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1970
FounderTom Petty, Tom Leadon
Defunct2017
Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida
,
United States
ProductsSouthern rock, country rock music
Number of employees
6 (members)

Mudcrutch was a rock ensemble originating from Gainesville, Florida, known for merging elements of southern rock and country rock. Initially active during the 1970s and later revived in 2007, the band is primarily recognized for being the starting point of Tom Petty's musical journey.

Established in 1970, Mudcrutch built a strong following throughout Florida before relocating to Los Angeles in 1974 to secure a recording contract. They eventually signed with Shelter Records, though only one single with modest sales was released prior to their breakup in 1975. The next year, Petty, along with Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, formed the foundational lineup of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

In 2007, most of the original members reunited to produce their first album, followed by a tour and a subsequent album released in 2016. The band effectively ceased activities after Petty's passing in 2017; Leadon died in 2023.

1970–1975

Mudcrutch was created in 1970 by Gainesville natives Tom Petty and Tom Leadon (who is the brother of Eagles member Bernie Leadon). The initial roster featured Petty on bass and vocals, Leadon on guitar and vocals, Jim Lenahan as vocalist, Randall Marsh on drums, and Mike Campbell playing guitar. While Lenahan originally handled lead vocals, Petty soon assumed that role.

In 1971, the group released a regional single titled "Up In Mississippi"/"Cause Is Understood," both penned and sung by Petty. After Leadon and Lenahan departed in 1972, bassist/guitarist/vocalist Danny Roberts and keyboardist Benmont Tench joined the lineup. Mudcrutch became a prominent act throughout central Florida extending to southern Georgia, frequently performing live and hosting music festivals at their communal residence dubbed "Mudcrutch Farm."

Seeking broader opportunities, Mudcrutch relocated to Los Angeles in 1974 aiming for a contract with a major label. Despite numerous rejections, they secured a deal with Leon Russell's independent label Shelter Records. Their 1975 single "Depot Street" did not achieve chart success. Following Danny Roberts' exit, Charlie Souza took over bass duties while the band continued recording sessions at Russell's studios in Tulsa and his home in Encino. Due to limited commercial impact, Shelter Records disbanded Mudcrutch late in 1975 but retained Petty under contract. Within months, Petty reunited with Campbell and Tench to establish the Heartbreakers alongside fellow Gainesville musicians Stan Lynch (drums) and Ron Blair (bass).

Reformation: 2007–2017

In August 2007, Tom Petty brought together original Mudcrutch members Randall Marsh and Tom Leadon with Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell to revive Mudcrutch. They recorded Mudcrutch, which was released on April 29, 2008 through Reprise Records, containing fourteen tracks both old and new. To promote the album, the band toured California from April to May 2008; the album peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart.

During this tour, Ticketmaster purchasers were given six complimentary album downloads. On November 11, 2008, they issued the live EP Extended Play Live, featuring performances recorded live in April of that year. A documentary about the band aired on VH1 Classic on the same date.

Though initially scheduled for January, recording sessions for a new album were postponed until August 2015 due to guitarist Tom Leadon's health concerns. Early in 2016, prior to announcing their sophomore release, Mudcrutch headlined both the Bunbury Music Festival in Cincinnati and the Summer Camp Music Festival near Chillicothe.

Their follow-up album 2 was launched on May 20, 2016 via Reprise Records. It was preceded by singles including "Trailer," "Beautiful World," and "Hungry No More," ultimately reaching number ten on the Billboard 200. Less than three days after its release, Mudcrutch embarked on their first nationwide tour supporting this album, commencing with two benefit concerts for Los Angeles' Midnight Mission. Herb Pedersen, who contributed to 2, joined them on tour.

The group's activities concluded following Tom Petty's death from cardiac arrest on October 2, 2017; Tom Leadon passed away on March 22, 2023. These losses effectively ended any prospects for future Mudcrutch endeavors.

Members of the band

  • Tom Petty – bass guitar (1971–1974, 2007–2017; until his passing), backing vocals (1971–1973, 2007–2017), lead vocals and harmonica (1971–1975, 2007–2017), rhythm guitar (1973–1975), keyboards (1971–1973)
  • Mike Campbell – lead and rhythm guitars (1971–1975, 2007–2017), mandolin, occasional lead vocals (2015–2017)
  • Tom Leadon – rhythm and lead guitars, backing vocals (1971–1972, 2007–2017; deceased 2023), occasional lead vocals (2007–2017)
  • Jim Lenahan – lead vocals (1971–1972)
  • Benmont Tench – keyboards and backing vocals (1973–1975, 2007–2017), occasional lead vocals (2007–2017)
  • Randall Marsh – drums (1971–1975, 2007–2017), occasional lead vocals (2015–2017)
  • Danny Roberts – bass, rhythm guitar, backing and lead vocals (1973–1974)
  • Charlie Souza – bass guitar (1974–1975)

Studio albums

Album Title Release Information Highest Chart Positions
US BEL (FL) GER IRE NZ SWI UK
Mudcrutch
  • Released April 29, 2008
  • Label: Reprise
  • Available formats: LP, CD, streaming
 — |— |— |— |— |—
2
  • Released May 20, 2016
  • Label: Reprise
  • Available formats: LP, CD, streaming
 155 |40 |91 |39 |62 |62


Live albums

Singles

  • 1971: "Up in Mississippi Tonight" b/w "Cause Is Understood" (Pepper 9449)
  • 1975: "Depot Street" b/w "Wild Eyes" (Shelter SR-40357)
  • 2008: "Scare Easy" (March 25, 2008)
  • 2016: "Trailer" (March 25, 2016)
  • 2016: "Hungry No More"
  • 2016: "I Forgive It All"
  • 2017: "How Much Do You Need" (SiriusXM Exclusive)

Music videos

  • 2008: "Scare Easy"
  • 2008: "Lover of the Bayou"
  • 2016: "I Forgive It All"
  • 2019: "Crystal River"

Appearances on other releases

External links

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