Tom Leadon, a founding member of Mudcrutch, Tom Petty’s original band, has been confirmed dead at the age of 70.
The news of his passing was announced on Facebook by Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch guitarist Campbell.
Tom Leadon, also known as Thomas Joseph Leadon, passed away on March 22, 2023, peacefully of natural causes in Nashville, Tennessee and Gainesville, Florida, as stated in a post shared on Tom Petty’s official fan club.
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A post shared on Tom Petty’s official fan club said: “It is with great sadness, but profound love and gratitude for his life, that the family of Tom Leadon (Thomas Joseph Leadon) of Nashville, Tennessee and Gainesville, Florida, announce his passing on March 22, 2023 peacefully of natural causes.”
Mike Campbell, in an Instagram post, expressed his grief over the loss of his “deepest guitar soul brother” and described him as a kind and generous soul.
“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 Campbell wrote on Instagram.
Petty’s daughter, Adria, also spoke fondly of Tom Leadon, stating that he was an excellent and accomplished musician and a dear friend to Tom and the rest of the band. She also mentioned that Tom Leadon was the reason Mudcrutch was reformed, allowing the band to spend more time together and make more music.
Petty’s daughter, Adria, said; “He was a dear friend of Tom and the fellas in the band and our entire family. He was part of the brotherhood, he was an excellent and accomplished musician and was the reason Tom reformed Mudcrutch, so that the band could enjoy more time and more music together. Tom loved him deeply.”
Tom Leadon Cause Of Death
Just as stated earlier above in the statement confirming the news of his death, Tom died peacefully of Natural cause.
Tom Leadon’s Biography
Tom Leadon was an American musician, best known as a founding member of Tom Petty’s original band, Mudcrutch. He was born on August 30, 1952, in California, and grew up in Gainesville, Florida.
Leadon began his music career in the late 1960s as a guitarist and vocalist for a local band called The Epics, which also included future Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon, who is Tom’s older brother. In 1970, Leadon formed Mudcrutch with Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, and Randall Marsh. The band recorded several demos, but they disbanded in 1975 after failing to secure a record deal.
After Mudcrutch disbanded, Leadon briefly played with the Flying Burrito Brothers before quitting music to become a commercial fisherman. He later returned to music and released a solo album, “13th Apostle,” in 1992.
In 2007, Mudcrutch reunited, and Leadon contributed to the band’s self-titled album. He continued to perform with Mudcrutch and also played with other bands, including The Flying Burrito Brothers tribute band, Burrito Deluxe.
On March 22, 2023, Tom Leadon passed away at the age of 70 due to natural causes. He was remembered by his friends, family, and fans for his contributions to the music industry and his kind and generous spirit.
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