Tom Leadon, former bandmate of Tom Petty from his original band, Mudcrutch, and brother of Bernie Leadon of the Eagles, has passed away at the age of 70. Leadon died peacefully of natural causes on March 22, as confirmed by an online statement from his brother.
Fellow former Mudcrutch member Mike Campbell paid tribute to Leadon, describing him as his ‘deepest guitar soul brother‘ and stating that ‘a kinder soul never walked the earth.’ Leadon’s brother Mark shared heartfelt words on Tom Petty’s official fan page, highlighting Tom’s friendly personality, wit, and love for his family, friends, and fans.
Here is what Campbell wrote about Leadon’s death:
“Tom Leadon was my deepest guitar soul brother; we spent countless hours playing acoustic guitars and teaching each other things. A kinder soul never walked the earth. I will always miss his spirit and generosity. Sleep peacefully, my old friend.”
On the official fan page of Tom Petty, brother Mark Leadon expressed that Tom Leadon was a friendly and humorous person who had a great love for his family, friends, and fans. He enjoyed engaging with his fans and appreciated their support, which made his final years special. He also reflected on his sadness for Tom’s passing, acknowledging that he was deeply loved and will be missed by many.
Mark’s words on his brother:
“Tom had a friendly and outgoing personality and sharp wit. He was a great and very funny storyteller. Tom loved his family and close friends, and all of the Mudcrutch, Tom Petty, and Bayjacks fans. He enjoyed meeting and talking with all of you. Thank you for helping make his last years great ones. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.”
Born just a few blocks away from Petty in Gainesville, Florida, Leadon and Petty first played together as teenagers in the Epics before forming Mudcrutch. The band was a regular part of the University of Florida fraternity circuit, garnering a cult following around town. However, Leadon left the band in 1972 to move to Los Angeles following a disagreement with Petty.
In Los Angeles, Leadon followed in his brother Bernie’s footsteps, becoming the lead guitarist in Linda Ronstadt’s backing band. He also co-wrote ‘Hollywood Waltz‘ on the Eagles’ 1975 LP ‘One Of These Nights.’ Reflecting on this experience, Leadon said it was an invaluable education in the music business, helping him understand the complexities of publishing and its potential pitfalls.
In 1976, Leadon joined the country-rock band Silver, alongside future Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland. The band scored a Number 16 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang’ but disbanded two years later. Tom Leadon’s impressive career also included collaborations with the Beach Boys, Martha Reeves, James Jamerson, and Big Mama Thornton.
More recently, Leadon formed his own pop-blues band, The Bayjacks. When Tom Petty reformed Mudcrutch in 2007, Leadon rejoined the lineup, playing on the band’s long-awaited debut album ‘Mudcrutch’ and the 2016 follow-up ‘Mudcrutch 2.’ He also participated in the promotional tours for both albums, but further activities were halted by the untimely death of Petty in 2017.
The music world has lost a talented and kindhearted musician in Tom Leadon. His contributions to the industry, as well as the love and admiration of his family, friends, and fans, will ensure that his memory lives on.
Tom Leadon was my deepest guitar soul brother, we spent countless hours playing acoustic guitars and teaching each other things.
A kinder soul never walked the earth.
I will always miss his spirit and generosity.
Sleep peacefully my old friend.Mike pic.twitter.com/UfF86HaULp
— Mike Campbell // The Dirty Knobs (@MikeCampbellHQ) March 27, 2023
