The Wrong Thing to Do

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "The Wrong Thing to Do" by Mudcrutch from their self-titled debut album. This track, a rollicking country-rock gem, captures the raw, live energy that defines the band’s 2008 reunion record. One juicy piece of trivia comes from guitarist Mike Campbell, who called the Mudcrutch album his favorite project, high praise from a guy who’s shredded with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for decades. He noted in an Amazon review that the album, including tracks like "The Wrong Thing to Do," was recorded live in just ten days at Petty’s Malibu studio, with no overdubs—just pure, unfiltered vibes. The song’s driving rhythm and twangy guitars give it an Eagles-esque swagger, as noted by a fan reviewer on Amazon, who felt it channels the spirit of classic country-rock.

Another tidbit from the recording process highlights the band’s laid-back approach. Engineer Ryan Ulyate shared in a 2017 uDiscover Music interview that the band wasn’t even focused on “making a record”—they were just jamming, rediscovering their roots, and having fun. This loose vibe shines through in "The Wrong Thing to Do," with its gritty, roadhouse energy. Tom Petty himself, in a 2008 New York Times interview, said the reunion was sparked by a “random thought” after reflecting on Mudcrutch’s early days while filming the documentary Runnin’ Down a Dream. The song’s live performance during their 2008 West Coast tour, as seen in fan-captured YouTube clips, was a crowd-pleaser, with Petty’s soulful delivery and Benmont Tench’s killer keyboard riffs stealing the show.

Mudcrutch started in 1970 in Gainesville, Florida, as a scrappy group of teens led by Tom Petty on bass and vocals, alongside Tom Leadon on guitar, Mike Campbell on guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, and Randall Marsh on drums. Originally called the Epics, they rebranded to Mudcrutch—a name Petty claimed wasn’t his idea, though bandmates disagreed, per Genius. They became local legends, playing bars and even serving as the house band at Dub’s Diner. By 1974, they chased fame in Los Angeles, signing with Shelter Records, but their single “Depot Street” flopped, and the band split in 1975. Petty, Campbell, and Tench then formed the Heartbreakers, rocketing to stardom. Mudcrutch stayed dormant until 2007, when Petty reunited the original lineup (minus a few early members) to finally record their debut, proving their chemistry never faded.

Stay connected with Mudcrutch through their official website for music, news, and merch. Their Facebook page shares updates and throwback photos, while their Instagram offers glimpses of their legacy. On X, you’ll find posts about their albums and tour memories. Fans can dive deeper at Tom Petty’s official site, which covers Mudcrutch projects, or join the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group to swap stories with fellow Zoo Freaks. For more fan-driven content, check out tompetty.com, a hub for all things Petty and Mudcrutch.