Album Information:
Album ID: 10382
About Tom Petty:
Tom Petty was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer who has contributed some of the most beloved and enduring music of the last 40 years. Born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida, Petty was a pivotal figure in the music industry. He was a prolific songwriter whose music was influenced by rock and roll, folk, and country music.
Tom Petty's musical career began in the 1970s when he formed the band 'Mudcrutch' with several of his friends. However, it wasn't until Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their self-titled debut album in 1976 that Petty became a household name. The album featured hits like 'Breakdown' and 'American Girl' and showcased Petty's unique style of rock and roll.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers continued to release hit after hit, including 'Refugee,' 'Don't Do Me Like That,' and 'The Waiting.' Petty's music was characterized by his powerful songwriting and distinctive voice, as well as the Heartbreakers' tight musicianship and infectious energy.
Although Petty was a pioneer of the American rock scene, his music frequently incorporated elements of country and folk music as well. In the 1980s, Petty even joined forces with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison to form the supergroup 'The Traveling Wilburys' which produced two albums full of rootsy rock and roll music.
Tom Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and received numerous awards throughout his career for his contributions to music. Despite his success, Petty remained humble and dedicated to his craft, often performing lengthy sets to sold-out crowds well into his sixties.
Sadly, Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, due to an accidental medication overdose. He left behind a legacy of timeless music and an influence on countless musicians who followed in his footsteps.
About the album Full Moon Fever:
'Full Moon Fever' is a studio album by Tom Petty, released on April 24, 1989, by MCA Records. The album was co-produced by Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra and Tom Petty himself. It was Tom Petty’s first solo album without his backing band, the Heartbreakers. The album contains 12 tracks and has a runtime of 39 minutes and 42 seconds.
The album opens with the hit single 'Free Fallin', which features jangling guitars and catchy lyrics that made it an instant classic. 'I Won't Back Down' is another hit single that showcases Petty's iconic voice and simple yet powerful lyrics. It was a massive hit and became one of Petty's most iconic songs.
Other tracks on the album include 'Love is a Long Road', a driving rock song that features tight guitar work and lyrics about overcoming obstacles in relationships. 'A Face in the Crowd' is a bittersweet ballad that features Petty's heartfelt vocals and carefully crafted instrumentation.
Another standout track is 'Yer So Bad', a fun, upbeat rocker that features a catchy chorus and playful lyrics about a girl who is 'bad' in all the right ways. 'Runnin' Down a Dream' is an invigorating, high-energy rocker that highlights Petty's guitar skills and his ability to blend rock and roll with Americana influences.
'Full Moon Fever' also features a few slower, more introspective tracks, like 'Feel a Whole Lot Better' and 'Alright for Now', which showcase Petty's gentle side and his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs.
Overall, 'Full Moon Fever' is an exceptional album that showcases Tom Petty's versatility as a songwriter and his ability to create catchy, memorable songs that are still beloved by fans today.
Members:
Tom Petty's band members have changed over the years, so here are the key members of his various bands and their biographies:
1. Mike Campbell (guitarist)
Mike Campbell was born on February 1, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida. He became a professional musician in the 1970s when he moved to Los Angeles. He formed the band Mudcrutch with Tom Petty in the early 1970s, which eventually led to the formation of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Campbell has been a key member of the Heartbreakers, playing lead guitar and contributing to the songwriting. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.
2. Benmont Tench (keyboardist)
Benmont Tench was born on September 7, 1953, in Gainesville, Florida. He met Tom Petty in the late 1960s and became a member of Mudcrutch. He then joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and has been a key member of the band, contributing keyboards and backing vocals. In addition to his work with the Heartbreakers, he has worked with a variety of other artists including Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan.
3. Ron Blair (bassist)
Ron Blair was born on September 16, 1948, in San Diego, California. He joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976 after the band's original bassist, then moved to guitar, left the band. Blair was a member of the Heartbreakers until 1982 when he left the band to pursue other musical opportunities. He rejoined the band in 2002 and has been a key member ever since.
4. Stan Lynch (drummer)
Stan Lynch was born on May 21, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1976 and played drums on their first six albums. He also co-wrote many of their songs during his time with the band. Lynch left the Heartbreakers in 1994 to pursue other interests, including producing and songwriting.
5. Howie Epstein (bassist)
Howie Epstein was born on July 21, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1982, replacing Ron Blair on bass. He played with the band for over a decade, contributing bass and backing vocals. Epstein also worked as a producer for other artists and played with other bands such as Roy Orbison's Traveling Wilburys. He passed away on February 23, 2003, at the age of 47 from a drug overdose.
6. Scott Thurston (guitarist and keyboardist)
Scott Thurston was born on January 21, 1952, in San Pedro, California. He joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in 1991 as a guitar and keyboard player. Prior to joining the Heartbreakers, Thurston had played with a variety of other artists, including The Stooges and The Motels. He has been a key member of the Heartbreakers for over 30 years.
Track List for Full Moon Fever:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty in order with their play times along with a brief description of each track:
1. Free Fallin' (4:15) - The opening track of the album is one of Tom Petty's most popular songs. A beautiful acoustic ballad with a catchy chorus and simple yet poignant lyrics that talk about the endless possibilities of life.
2. I Won't Back Down (2:57) - Tom Petty's anthem of resilience and defiance features a driving beat, electric guitars, and an unforgettable chorus. The song inspires listeners to stand up for themselves and fight against adversity.
3. Love Is a Long Road (4:07) - A fast-paced, upbeat song that features a classic Tom Petty melody with lyrics that explore the ups and downs of relationships, with a catchy guitar riff.
4. A Face in the Crowd (3:59) - A powerful, introspective ballad that tells the story of an ordinary person who becomes a celebrity overnight, but ultimately realizes the cost of fame.
5. Runnin' Down a Dream (4:23) - A wild ride of a song that uses driving guitars, pounding drums, and a powerful vocal performance to propel the listener through the journey of chasing a dream.
6. Feel a Whole Lot Better (2:47) - A cover of the classic Byrds song that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers make their own. The track is a jangly guitar-pop tune that showcases the band's tremendous harmonies.
7. Yer So Bad (3:05) - A cheeky, humorous song with a catchy melody that pokes fun at the little quirks and foibles of people in love.
8. Depending on You (2:47) - A bittersweet ballad that explores the fragile nature of relationships and the inevitable moments of doubt and uncertainty that come with them.
9. The Apartment Song (2:31) - A fun, upbeat track that celebrates the joys of living in a cramped apartment with your significant other.
10. Alright for Now (2:00) - A slow, gentle ballad that offers a sense of hope and comfort to those who may be in a dark place.
11. A Mind With A Heart of Its Own (3:28) - A catchy, upbeat song that showcases Tom Petty's tongue-in-cheek wit and humor, with a powerful chorus that makes it a standout track.
12. Zombie Zoo (2:57) - The album's closing track is a quirky, upbeat number that uses amusing lyrics and a bouncy melody to paint a picture of a world gone mad.
Overall, Full Moon Fever is a classic album that showcases Tom Petty's musical and lyrical talents, with each track offering something unique and memorable.
Discography for Tom Petty:
Tom Petty Discography:
1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - release date: November 9, 1976
2. You're Gonna Get It! - release date: May 2, 1978
3. Damn the Torpedoes - release date: October 19, 1979
4. Hard Promises - release date: May 5, 1981
5. Long After Dark - release date: November 2, 1982
6. Southern Accents - release date: March 26, 1985
7. Pack Up the Plantation: Live! - release date: November 9, 1985 (live album)
8. Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) - release date: April 21, 1987
9. Full Moon Fever - release date: April 24, 1989
10. Into the Great Wide Open - release date: July 2, 1991
11. Greatest Hits - release date: November 16, 1993 (compilation album)
12. Wildflowers - release date: November 1, 1994
13. Songs and Music from 'She's the One' - release date: August 6, 1996 (soundtrack album)
14. Echo - release date: April 13, 1999
15. Anthology: Through the Years - release date: October 31, 2000 (compilation album)
16. The Last DJ - release date: October 8, 2002
17. Highway Companion - release date: July 25, 2006
18. Mojo - release date: June 15, 2010
19. Hypnotic Eye - release date: July 29, 2014
Singles:
- 'Breakdown' - release date: September 1977
- 'American Girl' - release date: February 1977
- 'Listen to Her Heart' - release date: October 1978
- 'Don't Do Me Like That' - release date: November 1979
- 'Refugee' - release date: January 1980
- 'Here Comes My Girl' - release date: February 1980
- 'The Waiting' - release date: August 1981
- 'You Got Lucky' - release date: November 1982
- 'Change of Heart' - release date: February 1983
- 'Don't Come Around Here No More' - release date: February 1985
- 'Jammin' Me' - release date: August 1987
- 'Runnin' Down a Dream' - release date: February 1989
- 'Free Fallin' - release date: October 1989
- 'Learning to Fly' - release date: June 1991
- 'Into the Great Wide Open' - release date: July 1991
- 'Mary Jane's Last Dance' - release date: October 1993
- 'You Don't Know How It Feels' - release date: November 1994
- 'You Wreck Me' - release date: January 1995
- 'Walls (Circus)' - release date: March 1996
- 'Free Girl Now' - release date: October 1999
- 'Swingin' - release date: October 1999
Other releases:
- 'Playback' - release date: November 20, 1995 (box set)
- 'An American Treasure' - release date: September 28, 2018 (compilation album)