Mudcrutch

07 May 2008

Written by

David Palermo
Photographed by

A. Arthur Fisher

Mudcrutch rocked The Arlington Theatre on the evening of April 19.

Mudcrutch, Tom Petty's newly reunited band, (before the Heartbreakers), performed at the Arlington Theater Saturday April 19. The last time this band performed was in the 70s - a mere 30 odd years ago! You wouldn't know it. They performed flawlessly as if they had been doing this all their lives.

Mike Campbell The band flawlessly played songs from the newly released debut CD, "Mudcrutch" as well as songs by Bob Dylan and The Byrds. Both Dylan and The Bryds were early influences for Petty. The Byrds song, "Lover of the Bayou" is featured on the new CD.

Mudcrutch was originally formed in 1970 but received little attention and after 5 years dissolved. Perhaps they were ahead of their time. Judging by last night's performance that migTom Petty & Randall Marshht be true. The current lineup consists of Tom Petty - bass and vocals, Randall Marsh - drums, Tom Leadon - guitar and vocals, Mike Campbell - guitar, and Benmont Tench - keyboards. Both Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench are
also members of Petty's band The Heartbreakers.

ThTom Pettye almost full house at the Arlington was treated to over an hour and a half of music. There was a lot of great energy in every song from the hypnotic 11 minute "Crystal River" to Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 and 35". The audience was on their feet for most of the concert and clearly enjoyed every song.

Throughout the night Petty repeatedly thanked the audience for being there. It was almost as if he was surprised to see such a full house show up for Mudcrutch. He seemed genuinely grateful and it was obvious he was having a lot of fun performing with his buddies. Any Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fan would enjoy the familiar and not so familiar sounds of Mudcrutch. The debut CD is available. Get it.

Set list:
1, “Shady Groove”
2, “Orphan of the Storm”
3, “Six Days on the Road”
4, “Scare Easy”
5, “Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)”
6, “This is a Good Street”
7, “Lover of the Bayou”
8, “Queen of the Go Go Girls”
9, “Oh Maria”
10, “Topanga Cowgirl”
11, “The Wrong Thing to Do”Benmont Trench
12, “Bootleg Flyer”
13, “June Apple”
14, “House of Stone”
15, “Love Please Come Home”
16, “Crystal River”
17, “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35″

Encore:
18, “Summertime Blues”
19, “High School Confidential”