Pribek

Here’s a neat story; Tom Petty has put together a reunion with his original band, Mudcrutch (1970-1975), for a west coast club tour and record release.

The rhythm guitarist practicing today, Tom Leadon, quit Mudcrutch in 1972 while the band was still playing bars in Gainesville, taking a losing bet on making it in California. Now, however, he’s gearing up for his slot on a sold-out tour.

“I was driving home from getting groceries at Kroger’s, and my cellphone rang,” said Mr. Leadon, 55, who has taught at the same school for 17 years. “He said, ‘Hey, it’s your old pal Tom Petty.’ My first thought was that it was one of my friends pulling my leg. I wasn’t going to fall for that.” Once he was convinced that it really was his world-famous former band mate, Mr. Leadon pulled to the side of the road to chat, and Mr. Petty told him he wanted to get the group back together.

Tom Leadon’s brother is Bernie Leadon an original member of the Eagles, by the way.

I think it’s pretty cool for Petty to be doing this. I don’t think the musical connection goes away and, everybody develops as they go along. So, it would be a kick to see how it all comes together after all those years.