Bruce Tull, Scud Mountain Boys Guitarist Who Helped Define Alt-Country Sound, Dies at 71

Bruce Tull, the guitarist and pedal steel player for the 1990s alt-country band Scud Mountain Boys, died on June 22 at age 71. He passed away at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a brief illness, according to Rolling Stone and Stereogum.

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Rolling StoneBruce Tull, Scud Mountain Boys Guitarist and Pedal Steel Player, Dies at 71StereogumScud Mountain Boys guitarist Bruce K. Tull dies at 71

"an indescribable beauty"

Rolling Stone reported that frontman Joe Pernice shared a tribute on Instagram expressing grief over the loss of Tull, whom he described as having an indescribable beauty. Stereogum added that Pernice mourned the loss of their nearly 40-year friendship and musical partnership. The two had been close since the band's formation in the 1990s.

"nearly 40-year friendship and musical partnership"

Scud Mountain Boys, known for their blend of country instrumentation and indie rock, relied heavily on Tull's pedal steel work to define their sound. Rolling Stone noted that Tull was the band's lead guitarist and pedal steel player, contributing to their distinctive alt-country style throughout their run. The band released several albums in the 1990s before going on hiatus.

Tull's death marks the loss of a key figure in the alt-country scene. According to Stereogum, his passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, particularly Pernice, who shared a deep musical and personal bond with Tull over nearly four decades.