
Toby Myers, Longtime Bassist for John Mellencamp, Passes Away
Renowned bassist Toby Myers, who made significant contributions to John Mellencamp’s musical legacy and was a key member of the band Roadmaster, passed away on January 16 at the age of 75. His legacy in the music industry resonates deeply, having played an integral role in shaping the sound of numerous hit albums.
A heartfelt message on Mellencamp’s official website expressed the profound loss felt by the band: “Sadness has entered the Mellencamp band and John over the passing of a longtime member. Toby was a great contribution to the music, and the band. We will miss him as a friend and a fellow musician.” This sentiment reflects the deep bonds formed within the music community, highlighting the impact of Myers’ presence both on and off the stage.
Jeffrey Myers, known to most as Toby Myers, was born on September 26, 1949, in Indianapolis. His passion for music ignited at a young age, often playing the bass guitar in a local music shop adjacent to the laundromat where his mother did the family laundry. In 1971, he became part of a local college funk band named Pure Funk, which later rebranded as Roadmaster in 1974. The band caught the attention of Todd Rundgren, leading to a deal with Village/Mercury Records, through which they released four albums from 1976 to 1980, showcasing their evolving sound and artistry.
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Myers officially joined Mellencamp’s band in 1982 and contributed to the creation of several multi-platinum records, including the iconic albums Uh-Huh (1983), Scarecrow (1985), and The Lonesome Jubilee (1987). His tenure with Mellencamp continued until 1999, which coincidentally marked the birth of his son Cash. Following this life change, he chose to step back from touring, prioritizing his role as a stay-at-home dad. However, his passion for music never waned, as he continued to perform with various groups, including No Net, Daisy Chain, and occasionally with the Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar.
Despite achieving remarkable success, with millions of records sold and countless packed arenas, Myers maintained a humble perspective on his career. In a 1987 television interview, he remarked, “We’re getting a lot of good press on this tour, but what’s it mean? Usually, you can pick up one paper and read the exact same thing in the next city.” This attitude underscores his genuine love for music rather than the accolades that came with it.
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso