Mudcrutch, formed in 1970 in Gainesville, Florida, served as a precursor to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, featuring a young Tom Petty on bass along with other future Heartbreakers members. Despite initial splintering, the band regrouped and evolved into the iconic Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, releasing their debut album in 1976. In 2007, the original Mudcrutch lineup reunited to record and release a self-titled album in 2008, followed by a limited tour and a live EP. Their second album, "2," was released in 2016, but the untimely deaths of Tom Petty in 2017 and guitarist Tom Leadon in 2023 marked the end of the group's revival.

Mudcrutch's journey from a Florida bar circuit favorite to the formation of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and their subsequent reunion in the 2000s reflects a storied musical legacy. Their self-titled debut album in 1976 marked the beginning of Tom Petty's enduring success, while the 2008 reunion and subsequent releases showcased the band's enduring chemistry and musical prowess. Despite the loss of key members, the impact and influence of Mudcrutch and their contribution to the landscape of American rock music remain significant.