In 2016, Tom Petty’s “other” band, Mudcrutch, performed on a brief 21-date tour in support of their second album – simply titled 2. The album arrived on May 20, 2016, via Petty’s longtime home, Warner Bros.’ Reprise label. Along the way, several classic rock legends joined them on stage.
In New York – where Best Classic Bands reviewed them – the band was joined by Roger McGuinn who was in town to help induct Petty into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On June 26 at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA, Stephen Stills was the evening’s surprise guest.
In introducing Stills, Petty said: “I thought that the Buffalo Springfield were the coolest band in America. We’re so happy Steve Stills is here tonight.” Not surprisingly, the crowd went nuts. As Stills strapped on his guitar, Petty joked: “Don’t worry. We practiced backstage,” as they launched into “The Wrong Thing to Do” from Mudcrutch’s 2008 debut.
Stills rejoined the band for some spirited guitar licks, towards the end of the evening’s final song, “Crystal River.” (The Heartbreakers’ Steve Ferrone can also be seen playing percussion.)
The five-week tour was at small venues, running from May 23 in Northridge, CA and concluding back in Cali in San Diego. The performance halls included New York’s Webster Hall, The Fillmore in San Francisco and Washington DC’s 9:30 Club, as well as several festivals.
2 was produced by Petty, Mike Campbell and Ryan Ulyate, the same team that oversaw Mudcrutch’s 2008 self-titled debut, which featured “Shady Grove” and “Lover of the Bayou” among its tracks. For the uninitiated, Mudcrutch was formed in 1970 by Petty and his teenage pal, Tom Leadon (brother of Eagle Bernie Leadon). Among the other early members were drummer Randall Marsh and the future Heartbreakers, guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench.
Stills had recently completed a tour with his occasional band, The Rides.
Related: In 2018, members of the Heartbreakers returned the favor
1 Comment
I get the idea of having slots for all these guitar players, but geez, the band would sound so much better with a real bass player, who didn’t just root along on single tonic notes. Sheryl Crow is guilty of doing the same thing, to be a “versatile”musician.