Sat. Jun 14th, 2025

Toby Myers Indianapolis Obituary, American Musician/Bassist Passed Away at Age 75

Toby Myers Death – The world of music mourns the loss of Toby Myers, a legendary bass player and beloved Indianapolis native who passed away on January 16 at the age of 75.

Known for his work with Roadmaster, Pure Funk, and John Mellencamp, Myers left an indelible mark on the music industry and the lives of those who knew him.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Jeffrey G. Myers on September 26, 1949, Toby Myers grew up in the Indianapolis area. His passion for music began in his formative years, as he learned to play the bass in a music shop adjacent to the laundromat where his mother did the family’s laundry.

Myers attended the John Herron School of Art from 1968 to 1971 but soon realized that music was his true calling. He began performing in local bands during high school, quickly earning a reputation as a talented and dedicated musician.

In 1971, Myers joined Pure Funk, a popular Indianapolis-based college funk band. This collaboration marked the beginning of his professional music journey. Three years later, Pure Funk rebranded as Roadmaster, shifting their sound toward pomp rock.

Roadmaster enjoyed moderate success, releasing four albums under Village/Mercury Records. The band garnered attention from music legend Todd Rundgren, who played a role in their early rise. Despite Roadmaster’s talent and growing fan base, the group disbanded in the early 1980s after their fourth album, Fortress, failed to chart.

In 1982, Myers was recruited to join John Mellencamp—then known as John Cougar—as the band’s bass guitarist. After just a few weeks of rehearsal, Myers made his debut performance with Mellencamp on Saturday Night Live on April 10, 1982.

This was the beginning of a 17-year collaboration that would define Myers’ career. He became a core member of Mellencamp’s band, contributing to some of the most iconic albums and performances of the era.

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