Jump to content

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

From Alfawiki
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1976 in Gainesville, Florida, United States
FounderTom Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch, Ron Blair
Headquarters
Gainesville
,
United States
ProductsRock music, albums, singles

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers emerged as an American rock ensemble originating from Gainesville, Florida, in 1976. The founding members consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Tom Petty, lead guitarist Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench, drummer Stan Lynch, and bassist Ron Blair. In 1982, Blair departed and was succeeded by Howie Epstein, who remained with the group for twenty years. The lineup expanded in 1991 with the addition of Scott Thurston, a versatile musician primarily handling rhythm guitar and keyboards. Drummer Steve Ferrone took over from Lynch in 1994. Blair made a comeback in 2002, shortly before Epstein passed away. The band released multiple hit tracks, including "Breakdown" and "American Girl" (both from 1976), "Refugee" (1979), "The Waiting" (1981), "Learning to Fly" (1991), and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (1993).

Although commonly categorized under genres like Southern rock and heartland rock, Tom Petty preferred to describe their music simply as rock and roll. Their sound aligned them with contemporaries such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and John Mellencamp. Despite the waning popularity of heartland rock during the 1990s, the band sustained their activity and fanbase, continuing to tour until Petty’s death in 2017, after which the group dissolved. Their final studio release, Hypnotic Eye, came out in 2014.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, primarily recording under the name "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers." Additionally, Petty pursued a solo career with three albums, most notably Full Moon Fever (1989), featuring contributions from fellow band members as collaborators and session musicians.

Formation and initial albums (1974–1978)

During his teenage years in Gainesville, Florida, Tom Petty formed multiple bands such as the Sundowners and the Epics, where he performed on guitar, bass, and vocals. In 1970, he teamed up with fellow Floridian Mike Campbell, a lead guitarist, to create the band Mudcrutch. By 1972, they were joined by keyboardist Benmont Tench. Mudcrutch achieved regional recognition throughout Florida through steady club performances and music festivals held at "Mudcrutch Farm," located near their shared home.[1] Seeking broader opportunities, they relocated to Los Angeles in 1974 aiming to secure a major record deal. Signed by Leon Russell to Shelter Records, their debut single "Depot Street" released in 1975 did not achieve commercial success; subsequent releases also failed to gain traction, leading to Mudcrutch’s dissolution.[1]

Following Mudcrutch’s breakup, Petty continued with Shelter Records as both a songwriter and solo artist. In 1976, he reunited with Campbell and Tench to establish "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," incorporating fellow Gainesville musicians Stan Lynch on drums and Ron Blair on bass.[2] Their self-titled debut album initially experienced modest success within the United States but found a growing audience in the UK after they appeared on Top of the Pops performing "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll."[3] Although singles like "Breakdown" and "American Girl" struggled commercially in America at first, their UK fanbase expanded significantly. Petty regarded their 1976 British tour as a pivotal breakthrough due to enthusiastic reception.[3] The track "Breakdown" was reissued in the U.S. in 1978 following its success abroad and inclusion on the popular soundtrack of FM, eventually becoming a Top 40 hit. Additionally, "American Girl" was covered by Roger McGuinn on his 1977 album Thunderbyrd.

The group's sophomore release, You're Gonna Get It! (1978), marked their first gold certification by the RIAA, featuring singles such as "I Need to Know" and "Listen To Her Heart." In 1979, complications arose when Shelter’s distributor ABC Records was acquired by MCA Records. Petty opposed transferring his contract to MCA, resorting to filing for bankruptcy as a strategic move to retain control over his recording agreement.

Mainstream breakthrough (1979–1984)

After settling legal disputes in 1979, the Heartbreakers launched their third studio album, Damn the Torpedoes, under MCA's Backstreet imprint. The record swiftly achieved platinum status, propelled by major U.S. hits such as "Don't Do Me Like That" (peaking at #10) and "Refugee" (reaching #15).

Although prior albums had garnered success, Petty encountered challenges with his label during the release of Hard Promises (1981), the follow-up to Damn the Torpedoes. MCA attempted to set a $9.98 retail price—one dollar higher than the usual $8.98—prompting backlash from fans. Petty publicly criticized this "superstar pricing" strategy, leading MCA to reverse the price increase. The album ultimately secured Top Ten platinum status, featuring the single "The Waiting" (#19) and a duet with Stevie Nicks, titled "Insider."

For their fifth release, Long After Dark (1982), bassist Ron Blair was succeeded by Howie Epstein, forming a lineup that remained stable until 1991. This album yielded hits like "You Got Lucky" (#20 U.S.) and "Change of Heart" (#21 U.S.). Producer Jimmy Iovine omitted a track called "Keeping Me Alive," although Petty felt its inclusion might have enhanced the album’s success.

Southern Accents and Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) era (1985–1988)

Despite production difficulties—including Petty injuring his hand in frustration during mixing—the sixth album, Southern Accents (1985), sustained their upward momentum. It featured the psychedelic-inspired single "Don't Come Around Here No More" (#13 U.S.), co-written and produced by Dave Stewart. The music video, starring Stewart and depicting Petty as the Mad Hatter, stirred minor controversy but earned an MTV Video Music Award.

Following a strong tour, the live album Pack Up the Plantation: Live! (1985) highlighted the band’s onstage prowess. They also opened for Bob Dylan during his True Confessions Tour, which spanned Australia, Japan, the U.S. in 1986, and Europe in 1987; Petty expressed great respect for Dylan throughout this period.

In 1987, they released Let Me Up (I've Had Enough), an album designed to emulate a live performance atmosphere using recording techniques inspired by Dylan. It included "Jammin' Me" (#18 U.S.), co-written by Petty, Dylan, and Campbell. Additionally, Dylan recorded "Got My Mind Made Up" on his album Knocked Out Loaded, a track credited to both Dylan and Petty.

Resurgence and sustained popularity (1989–2005)

Petty’s first solo venture came in 1989 with Full Moon Fever, which produced five singles including "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'". He supported this release with a tour featuring the Replacements. In 1991, the Heartbreakers issued Into the Great Wide Open, produced by Jeff Lynne, containing standout tracks such as its title song and "Learning to Fly". Multi-instrumentalist Scott Thurston joined the band for the subsequent tour.

The 1993 compilation Greatest Hits featured new material including "Mary Jane's Last Dance". Drummer Stan Lynch departed in 1994; Nirvana’s Dave Grohl temporarily filled in for several shows but declined a permanent role. Starting in 1995, session drummer Steve Ferrone, who had contributed to Petty’s solo album Wildflowers, became the regular live drummer.

The extensive six-CD box set Playback was released in 1995, comprising previously issued tracks alongside B-sides, demos, and live performances. It included a solo rendition of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and "Waiting for Tonight," featuring vocals from the Bangles. The latter track also appeared on the 2000 anthology Anthology: Through the Years.

In 1996, Petty reunited with the Heartbreakers to produce Songs and Music from "She's the One" for the film starring Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. This soundtrack spawned charting singles such as "Walls (Circus)" with guest musician Lindsey Buckingham. Drummers on this project included Curt Bisquera, with appearances by both Ringo Starr and Ferrone.

The 1999 release Echo, produced by Rick Rubin, climbed to number 10 on U.S. charts. At this point, the band functioned officially as a quartet augmented by Ferrone on drums and Thurston handling multiple instruments; both musicians were later promoted to full membership. That same year, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 7018 Hollywood Boulevard.

Released in 2002, The Last DJ featured lyrics critiquing aspects of the music industry and reached number nine on U.S. charts. Bassist Ron Blair returned for two tracks and replaced Howie Epstein during touring due to Epstein’s personal struggles; Epstein passed away in 2003 at age 47.

Later years (2006–2017)

Marking their 30th anniversary in 2006, the band took center stage as headliners at the fifth annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and embarked on an extensive tour across prominent U.S. cities such as New York, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Denver. Among the supporting acts were Pearl Jam, the Allman Brothers Band, and Trey Anastasio. For several performances, Stevie Nicks joined the lineup, delivering renditions of Heartbreakers' material. The Highway Companion Tour introduced a fan club that offered perks including priority seating, discounts on merchandise, a free album, and personalized email accounts.

That same year, ABC enlisted Petty to create music for its NBA Playoffs broadcasts. On September 21, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were honored with keys to their hometown of Gainesville, Florida. From mid-2006 through 2007, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame showcased a collection of Petty memorabilia generously donated by the musician.

In 2007, the group contributed their version of "I'm Walkin'" to Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard Records), a tribute album honoring Fats Domino. The following year saw them perform during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLII. April 2008 marked Petty's reunion with his original band Mudcrutch, resulting in a full-length album release and a live EP later that year.

November 2009 brought the release of The Live Anthology, a compilation of live recordings, alongside the announcement of Mojo, slated for spring 2010. Their discography expanded with Hypnotic Eye in July 2014, followed by digital releases of archival recordings from their Playlist box set in 2015.

In 2017, the band celebrated their 40th anniversary with a U.S. tour starting April 20 in Oklahoma City and concluding on September 25 at the Hollywood Bowl. This final show featured their iconic track "American Girl" and represented the Heartbreakers' last live performance prior to Petty’s passing.

Tom Petty's passing and subsequent events (2017–present)

On October 2, 2017, Tom Petty was discovered unconscious at his home due to cardiac arrest and later passed away at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica at age 66. Although the band never formally disbanded, Petty expressed in his last interview with the Los Angeles Times that the Heartbreakers would probably cease if any member died or became too ill to continue performing.

In April 2018, Campbell, Tench, and Ferrone acted as the house band for Los Angeles' Light Up the Blues benefit concert, supporting artists such as Beck, Neil Young, Patti Smith, and Stephen Stills while performing Petty’s "I Won't Back Down." That same month saw Campbell join Fleetwood Mac alongside Neil Finn to fill the role left by lead guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

Most recently, in September 2023, Campbell, Tench, and Ferrone accompanied Bob Dylan during an unexpected appearance at Farm Aid.

Session contributions (1970s–2017)

Throughout their careers, members of the Heartbreakers engaged extensively in session work. In 1981, Petty and Campbell co-wrote "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," which became a duet with Stevie Nicks on her album Bella Donna, featuring every Heartbreaker except Ron Blair.

During the mid-1980s, Campbell, Tench, and Lynch collaborated with Don Henley on his albums Building the Perfect Beast (1984) and The End of the Innocence (1989), co-producing tracks and contributing to hits such as "The Boys of Summer" and "The Heart of the Matter."

In 1986, Bob Dylan recorded "Band of the Hand," supported by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers along with Stevie Nicks; this track is credited to "Bob Dylan and the Heartbreakers."

Stan Lynch produced Henley's albums Inside Job (2000) and Cass County (2015), while also contributing to the Eagles' 1994 reunion album Hell Freezes Over. Additionally, Lynch and Campbell performed on Warren Zevon's 1987 release Sentimental Hygiene.

Mike Campbell lent slide guitar work to The Wallflowers' 1996 hit "6th Avenue Heartache" without having met members of the band.

In the mid-1990s, members of the Heartbreakers collaborated extensively on Johnny Cash's American Recordings series. The entire band played on Unchained, though Lynch had departed by then in 1994. Later installments included contributions from Campbell and Petty; notably, Petty performed a duet with Cash on "I Won't Back Down." Tench and Campbell appeared on volumes IV through VI. In 2014, Cash’s son indicated that additional American Recordings releases might emerge in the future.

Live performances

Petty's solo albums

Tom Petty released three albums as a solo artist. His debut solo record, 1989’s Full Moon Fever, included iconic tracks such as "Free Fallin'", "I Won't Back Down"—which was later covered by Johnny Cash—"Runnin' Down a Dream", and a rendition of Gene Clark’s "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better".

Although the Heartbreakers were unhappy with Petty pursuing solo work, guitarist Campbell performed solos on every track, pianist Tench contributed to one song, and backing vocals were supplied by Epstein on two tracks.

Petty’s sophomore solo effort, Wildflowers, featured all Heartbreakers except Stan Lynch, with drummer Steve Ferrone stepping in. The album yielded the single "You Don't Know How It Feels".

His third and final solo album, Highway Companion, was produced by Jeff Lynne, who also worked on Full Moon Fever. Campbell handled lead guitar duties; all other instrumentation and vocals were performed by Petty, Campbell, and Lynne.

Relationship with music industry

Throughout his career, Petty confronted his record label on several occasions: notably in 1979 regarding a label transfer and again in 1981 over pricing disputes related to his records. He openly criticized aspects of the music business and contemporary radio practices—issues that formed the core themes of his 2002 album The Last DJ and its accompanying limited edition DVD.

In an interview with Billboard, Petty described himself as largely disengaged from "the business side of music."

Members

  • Tom Petty – vocals (lead), rhythm and lead guitar, bass, harmonica, keyboards (1976–2017; until his passing)
  • Mike Campbell – lead and rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, occasional vocal contributions (1976–2017)
  • Benmont Tench – piano, organ, keyboards, backing vocals (1976–2017)
  • Stan Lynch – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1976–1994)
  • Ron Blair – bass guitar, backing vocals (1976–1982, 2002–2017; studio guest 1982–1985)
  • Howie Epstein – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (1982–2002; deceased 2003)
  • Scott Thurston – rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards, harmonica, backing vocals (1999–2017; touring and session musician 1991–1999)
  • Steve Ferrone – drums, percussion (1999–2017; touring and session musician 1994–1999)

Discography

See also

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named timeline
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named zanesbio
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Petty 2017
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Tom_Petty_and_the_Heartbreakers&oldid=86862"