Since his arrival on the music scene in the 1970s, Tom Petty has been one of the stalwarts of rock & roll. His rhythms, vocals and skills on the guitar set him apart as one of the most accomplished musical artists of his generation. Born in Florida, Petty is best known for his work as the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He is also known as the co-founder and member of the late 1980s group called Traveling Wilburys, and his early band, Mudcrutch.
With countless hits, both with the heart breakers and as a solo artist, Petty has established himself as a rock n roll force.
If you are one of his many fans, you need to get your hands on these Tom Petty tickets for his latest shows around the country!
Early Life and the Heartbreakers
Born in Gainesville, Florida, on October 20, 1950, Tom Petty dropped out of school to join the band Mudcrutch. His interest in rock and roll developed when he met Elvis Presley, at the age of ten. Soon after, he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show and realized he wanted to be in a band. One of his early guitar teachers was Don Felder, who would later join the Eagles.
Petty’s first band, Mudcrutch, was popular in Gainesville. However, their music went unnoticed in the mainstream media. After the band split, Petty was reluctant to embark upon a solo career. Soon after, with the collaboration of Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Ron Blair and Stan Lynch, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was formed. Their debut self-titled album gained minor popularity with the American audiences, though they achieved better success in the UK. The single “Breakdown” reached No.40 in the early 1978.
The next album, You’re Gonna Get It! was the band’s first Top 40 album, featuring singles “I Need to Know” and “Listen To Her Heart”. The third album by the band, Damn the Torpedoes, became their most successful album at the time, quickly achieving a multi-platinum status with three million record sales. The album included hit singles “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “Refugee” and “Here Comes My Girl.”
Released in 1981, Hard Promises, quickly became a Top-10 hit, going platinum. The hit single “The Waiting” was a part of this album, along with Petty’s first duet with Stevie Nicks, “Insider”. Long After Dark was released in 1982, followed by Southern Accents in 1985. This album included the band’s hit single “Don’t Come Around Here No More”, produced by Dave Stewart. The band was then invited to join Bob Dylan’s True Confessions Tour. The band also played a few shows with the Grateful Dead in 1986 and 1987. In 1987, the band also released Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough), their seventh studio album.
The Traveling Wilburys and Going Solo
Still a part of the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty joined the Traveling Wilburys. This group included greats Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. The band released several songs, such as “Handle with Care” and “End of the Line”.
In 1989, Tom Petty decided to go solo. He released Full Moon Fever, which included hit singles “Free Fallin,” “I Won’t Back Down” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” Even though this was technically Petty’s first solo album, it still had some of the Heartbreakers along with some other well-known musicians.
In 1989, Tom Petty signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and released his first album with the label in 1994. The album, Wildflowers, was the second of the three solo albums by Tom Petty. It included singles “It’s Good To Be King” and “You Don’t Know How It Feels”. This album, produced by Rick Rubin sold more than three million copies in the US.
Petty’s third solo album, Highway Companion, was released in July 2006 and included the hit single “Saving Grace”. The album debuted at No.4 on the Billboard 200 and was briefly promoted through the “30th Anniversary Tour” alongside the Heartbreakers.
Awards and Achievements
Both as a solo artist and a part of various groups, Tom Petty has received many awards and honors, over the years. He won the Billboard Century Award in 2005. He has also won multiple Grammy Awards, including for Best Music Video, Long Form, Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Male and the Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. In addition to the Grammys, he has also won several MTV Video Music Awards and Radio Music Awards.
During his long distinguished career, Tom Petty has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Petty was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Tom Petty Tour Tickets
To the delight of his fans, Tom Petty is touring the country. With a major chunk of tour done, there are still a couple of shows remaining. If you are a fan of this amazing artist, you need to get your hands on these Tom Petty tour tickets before all the remaining shows get sold out as well.
Tom Petty will be travelling to Los Angeles on September 21, 2017, for three shows at the Hollywood Bowl after which he will head out to New York for his final two shows at the Iridium.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity and catch this legend live!
