Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock New Wave Alternative rock Pop rock Blues rock Soft rock Country rock Folk rock Power pop Psychedelic rock Roots rock Southern rock Punk rock Hard rock Classic rock Heartland rock album rock mellow gold

Members

Select a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Tom Petty

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Traveling Wilburys George's Band Mudcrutch Peace Choir The Trembling Blenders

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Mike Campbell

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Fleetwood Mac Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Mudcrutch

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Ron Blair

Roles:

Bassist

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Scott Thurston

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist

Groups:

The Stooges The Motels The New Order

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Howie Epstein

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist Music Producer

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Benmont Tench

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

Mudcrutch Big Star’s Third Killer Joe Works Progress Administration

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Stan Lynch

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer

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Steve Ferrone

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Scritti Politti Eric Clapton & His All Star Band The Black Sorrows Boogie Box High Saturday Night Live Band Bloodstone The Average White Band Dire Straits Legacy Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express It Was Fifty Years Ago Today David Garfield And The Cats BFD

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About

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is an iconic American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida, in 1976. Known for their blend of rock, blues, and folk influences, the group was fronted by the charismatic Tom Petty (vocals, guitar). The band's classic lineup included Mike Campbell (lead guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Ron Blair (bass, later replaced by Howie Epstein), and Stan Lynch (drums). Their sound captured the essence of heartland rock, weaving together elements of new wave and Southern rock with a rebellious edge. Over their storied career, the Heartbreakers released numerous hits, earning a place in the pantheon of classic rock legends.

How to Sound Like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

The sound of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is characterized by its clean yet gritty guitar tones and melodic storytelling. The interplay between Petty's jangly rhythm guitar and Campbell's searing lead parts creates a rich tapestry of sound, often supported by vintage amplifiers like the Vox AC30 for its chime and warmth. Mike Campbell’s use of effects, such as the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, adds a layer of depth and texture, enhancing the band’s dynamic range. The keyboards, often played through a swirling Leslie speaker, contribute to their rootsy, yet expansive sound. To capture the Heartbreakers' vibe, one should focus on crafting balanced, heartfelt melodies and utilizing gear that offers a blend of clarity and vintage character.

Discography

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

1976

You're Gonna Get It!

1978

Damn The Torpedoes (Remastered)

1979

Hard Promises

1981

Long After Dark

1982

Southern Accents

1985

Pack Up The Plantation: Live!

1985

Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)

1987

Into The Great Wide Open

1991

She's the One (Songs and Music from the Motion Picture)

1996

Echo

1999

The Last DJ

2002

Mojo

2010

Mojo Tour Edition

2010

Hypnotic Eye

2014

Nobody's Children

2015

Angel Dream (Songs and Music From The Motion Picture "She’s The One")

2021

Live at the Fillmore, 1997 (Deluxe)

2022

Mojo (Extra Mojo Version)

2023

Get the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Sound

Want to sound like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.