Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were a legendary American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976. Led by singer and guitarist Tom Petty, the group included Mike Campbell on lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Stan Lynch on drums, and Ron Blair on bass. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with Howie Epstein, Steve Ferrone, and Scott Thurston joining at different times. Known for their catchy melodies and straightforward rock sound, the Heartbreakers produced a series of classic hits such as American Girl, Breakdown, Refugee, The Waiting, Learning to Fly, and Mary Jane's Last Dance. Their music blended elements of rock and roll, Southern rock, and heartland rock, alongside artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger. The band toured and recorded steadily for more than four decades, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Their 2014 album Hypnotic Eye was their last, as the group disbanded after Petty’s death in 2017. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, highlighting their enduring impact on American rock music.