Scare Easy

The song Scare Easy by Mudcrutch, featured on their 2008 self-titled album, holds a special place in the band’s history as a track that showcases their raw, rootsy sound. Written by Tom Petty, the song served as a promotional cornerstone for the album, appearing in a 2008 commercial for the TV series My Name Is Earl and playing over the end credits of the Western film Appaloosa, though it was curiously omitted from the movie’s soundtrack. A notable tidbit comes from a 2008 post on the Laptop Sessions blog, where musician Chris Moore shared his excitement about recording an acoustic cover of Scare Easy after discovering it on the Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Message Board. Moore described the song as “a lot of fun to record” and even added harmonica to compensate for the missing guitar solo, reflecting its appeal among fans and musicians alike. On social media, Tom Petty himself highlighted the song’s significance, noting in an April 2022 post on X that playing bass on Scare Easy with drummer Randall Marsh felt “so natural” that he didn’t have to think twice about it, underscoring the effortless chemistry of the reformed Mudcrutch lineup.

Scare Easy also resonates with fans for its lyrical depth and the band’s reunion story. A 2017 Reddit post on the r/Music subreddit by user littlemuffles praised the track, calling it a standout from the 2008 album and linking it to Mudcrutch’s reformation after decades apart. The song’s laid-back yet poignant vibe captures the band’s Gainesville, Florida roots, blending Southern rock with a touch of country. Its prominence is further evidenced by a cover version released in 2019 by the band Open Sound on Bandcamp, showing how Scare Easy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. These stories and fan engagements highlight the song’s enduring appeal and its role in Mudcrutch’s legacy as a band that rekindled their early magic.

Mudcrutch’s journey began in 1970 in Gainesville, Florida, where a group of young musicians—Tom Petty (bass and vocals), Mike Campbell (guitar), Tom Leadon (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), and Randall Marsh (drums)—formed the band with dreams of making it big. Initially called The Sundowners and later The Epics, they adopted the name Mudcrutch around 1970 and became a local staple, playing as the house band at a Gainesville venue called Dub’s. By 1974, the band, now including Danny Roberts alongside Petty, Campbell, Tench, and Marsh, relocated to Los Angeles in pursuit of a record deal. They signed with Shelter Records and released a single, Depot Street backed with Wild Eyes, in 1975, but it failed to chart, and the band dissolved soon after. Petty, Campbell, and Tench went on to form Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, achieving massive success, while Leadon and Marsh pursued other paths. In 2007, Petty spearheaded a Mudcrutch reunion, bringing back Leadon, Marsh, Campbell, and Tench to record their first full album, released in 2008, followed by a second album, 2, in 2016. This reformation allowed the band to finally realize their potential, blending their early country-rock influences with the seasoned artistry of their later years.

For fans looking to connect with Mudcrutch’s music and legacy, several official and fan-driven platforms are available. The band’s official website is integrated into Tom Petty’s website, where you can find discography details, news, and merchandise. Their official Facebook page, under Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, frequently shares Mudcrutch-related content, including throwbacks to the 2008 album. On Instagram, the Tom Petty account posts nostalgic photos and clips, occasionally spotlighting Mudcrutch tracks like Scare Easy. The X account for Tom Petty is similarly active, with posts like the 2022 reflection on Scare Easy engaging fans directly. Fan communities thrive online, notably the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group, a vibrant space where Zoo Freaks can discuss Mudcrutch and share their love for the band’s music. While no dedicated Mudcrutch fan websites stand out prominently, the Tom Petty website and related social media serve as central hubs for all things Mudcrutch, keeping the band’s spirit alive for new and longtime listeners.