A difficult week with sad news from The Long Ryders
Posted on thelongryders.com on Sunday January 24th, 2021:
“To all our friends, fans and family… it is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news our brother Tom Stevens has left us quite suddenly. We ask you all to keep Tom, his loving wife Elaine, Sarah, Zach and James in your thoughts. Tom loved you all so much.
Play his beautiful song “Let it Fly” and be grateful for the time we all had together. We are.
Peace, love and Tom Stevens to you all.
Sid, Stephen & Greg“
This was a shock to everyone, ourselves included, Billboard and Variety covered the news and the band wrote the above statement to be placed on their website.
We had previously edited this video for the track ‘Let It Fly’ from the bands latest album, Psychedelic Country Soul, with footage shot in the studio during its recording. Tom both wrote the song and sings the lead vocal on it, with backing from the rest of the band and Vicki and Debbi Peterson of The Bangles.
I believe we were originally planning to launch it alongside a tour announcement but given the statement from the band mentioned this specific song it seemed appropriate to make it public.
Much of Tom Stevens solo work is on his Bandcamp page, which he had recently launched and also Sid Griffin wrote an appreciation and remembrance of his friend for Shindig! Magazine here.
Our thoughts are with Tom’s family and the band. There will be more announcements and news in the coming weeks as we all come to terms with this news.
