Indiana, US – Toby Myers, a member of the band Roadmaster, rock stars and Bassist, has died on January 18, 2025. Toby is known for his incredible talent and magnetic stage presence, Toby played bass guitar for John Mellencamp during some of the most successful years of Mellencamp’s career. He was 75 years old.
Toby Myers was not just a musician but a key figure in the rock scene, helping to shape the sound of the 1980s and 90s alongside Mellencamp. He played on eight of Mellencamp’s songs that reached the Top 10 of Billboard’s singles chart, cementing his legacy as a critical part of that musical success. Toby’s influence stretched far beyond the stage, as his creativity and collaboration extended to songwriting as well. He wrote the song “Emotional Love,” which appeared on Mellencamp’s 1996 album Mr. Happy Go Lucky, and co-wrote “Days of Farewell” for Mellencamp’s 1998 self-titled album.
Toby’s journey to stardom began in Indiana, where he attended Pike High School and later Herron Art School. Before joining Mellencamp’s band in 1982, he made waves in the Indianapolis music scene as a member of the band Roadmaster. His addition to Mellencamp’s group was pivotal, and his presence was quickly felt. Reflecting on Toby’s importance to the band, longtime guitarist Larry Crane said, “When Toby joined the band, we knew everything was complete. The right sound, the right personalities, the perfect musical family.”
The camaraderie within the Mellencamp band was something Toby always cherished. He often spoke about the tight bond they shared, comparing their determination to that of other legendary bands. “We always felt we could make way better records than Springsteen and get one-fourth of the credit,” Toby once said. “We never let go of that.” His passion for music and his fierce loyalty to his bandmates drove him to give every performance his all, pushing them to new heights.
One of Toby’s fondest memories came from a concert in Philadelphia, where he estimated 14,000 lighters were raised in an audience of 16,000 during an encore. “We were unstoppable,” he said. “We were bad, man.” Moments like these captured the essence of Toby’s time with Mellencamp—a period defined by electrifying performances, massive crowds, and a sense of triumph that only true rock stars experience.
Toby’s versatility as a musician was further showcased in a unique 1991 recording session that included Mellencamp, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch. This extraordinary collaboration resulted in the track “Miss Missy,” which was later featured on Mellencamp’s self-titled album in 1998. The session exemplified Toby’s range and the respect he commanded within the music industry.
After a storied career, Toby retired from Mellencamp’s band following a New Year’s Eve performance at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis on December 31, 1998. While his time on the road came to a close, his love for music and his lasting influence on the industry continued to resonate.
In recent years, Toby faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and later suffered a stroke, but through it all, he remained strong and was supported by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Roberta, and their son, Cash, who stood by him throughout his battle.
The passing of Toby Myers marks the end of an era for Indiana’s rock music scene, but his legacy will live on through the countless fans, friends, and musicians who were touched by his talent and his spirit. Toby’s contributions to the world of music, his unforgettable bass lines, and his boundless energy will not be forgotten.
Toby Myers will always be remembered as a true rock star, a dedicated musician, and a beloved figure in Indiana’s rich musical history. Rest in peace, Toby. You will be deeply missed.