Album Information:
Album ID: 10396
About Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were an American rock band that formed in 1976 in Gainesville, Florida. The band consisted of Tom Petty on vocals and guitar, Mike Campbell on lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Ron Blair on bass, and Stan Lynch on drums.
The band's first album, 'Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,' was released in 1976 and featured the hit song 'Breakdown.' The album was just the beginning of a long and illustrious career for the band, which would go on to release 13 studio albums and sell over 80 million records worldwide.
Throughout their career, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were known for their distinctive sound, which blended elements of rock, folk, and country. Among their biggest hits were 'Refugee,' 'Don't Do Me Like That,' 'Here Comes My Girl,' and 'Free Fallin'.' Petty's songwriting was celebrated for its raw power, honesty, and emotional resonance.
Petty and The Heartbreakers were also known for their live shows, which were considered some of the best in rock and roll. The band played with energy and grit, delivering powerful renditions of their most beloved songs. Petty's charismatic stage presence and connection with the audience made him one of the most beloved performers of his generation.
In addition to his work with The Heartbreakers, Petty also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists, including The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that also included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.
In 2017, Tom Petty died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 66. His death was a shock to many, and the music world mourned the loss of one of its most revered and beloved figures. Petty's legacy lives on, however, in his music, which continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.
About the album The Last DJ:
'The Last DJ' is the eleventh studio album by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, released on October 8, 2002. This album marks a departure from their previous releases and takes on a more political and social commentary tone. The main theme of the album is the corporate takeover of the music industry and how it is affecting the artists and fans.
The album opens with the title track 'The Last DJ', a scathing rebuke of the corporate music industry and its impact on music culture. The song features a strong guitar riff and a catchy chorus that is sure to make listeners nod along in agreement.
'Money Becomes King' is a slow, melancholic ballad that speaks to the destructive nature of greed and how money can corrupt even the most pure-hearted. The song features a beautiful piano melody and Petty's signature soulful vocals.
'Dreamville' continues the album's theme of commentary on corporate America. The song tells the story of a company town where the residents are trapped and oppressed by their employer. Petty's lyrics and the Heartbreakers' driving rhythms make for a powerful protest anthem.
'Joe' is a bittersweet tribute to Joe Strummer of The Clash, who had passed away just a year prior to the album's release. Petty reminisces about his friend and collaborator, remembering his spirit and passion for music.
'The Last DJ' also includes some more upbeat tracks, such as 'Like A Diamond' and 'Have Love Will Travel'. These songs have a more classic rock sound and feature catchy choruses that will get stuck in your head for days.
Overall, 'The Last DJ' is a thought-provoking and powerful album that speaks truth to power. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' signature sound is still present, but their focus on social commentary gives the album a unique and powerful edge.
Members:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were an American rock band founded in 1976. The key members of the band were:
1. Tom Petty - Lead Vocalist, Guitarist and Songwriter
Tom Petty was born on October 20, 1950, in Gainesville, Florida. He formed The Heartbreakers in 1976 and released over a dozen albums with them, including Damn the Torpedoes, Full Moon Fever, and Wildflowers. In addition to being a talented musician, he was known for his distinctive singing voice and songwriting abilities. He passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66.
2. Mike Campbell - Lead Guitarist
Mike Campbell was born on February 1, 1950, in Panama City, Florida. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1976 and played lead guitar on all of their albums. He worked with a number of other artists, including Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, and Johnny Cash. He left the band in 2018 to pursue other musical projects.
3. Benmont Tench - Keyboardist
Benmont Tench was born on September 7, 1953, in Gainesville, Florida. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1976 and played keyboards on all of their albums. He also worked as a sideman for other musicians, including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and U2.
4. Ron Blair - Bassist
Ron Blair was born on September 16, 1948, in San Diego, California. He was a founding member of The Heartbreakers and played bass on their first four albums. He left the band in 1982 but rejoined in 2002 and played with them until 2017.
5. Stan Lynch - Drummer
Stan Lynch was born on May 21, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1976 and played drums on their first nine albums. He also contributed to the band's songwriting and co-wrote several of their hits, including 'Don't Do Me Like That' and 'I Won't Back Down.' He left the band in 1994 to pursue other projects.
6. Howie Epstein - Bassist
Howie Epstein was born on July 21, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1982 and played bass on their albums from Long After Dark to Into the Great Wide Open. He was known for his tight harmonies and his work as a producer and session musician. He passed away on February 23, 2003, at the age of 47.
7. Scott Thurston - Multi-Instrumentalist
Scott Thurston was born on January 1, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. He joined The Heartbreakers in 1991 and played keyboards, harmonica, guitar, and percussion on their albums. He also worked as a sideman for other musicians, including The Eagles and Iggy Pop.
Track List for The Last DJ:
Sure! Here are the tracks on 'The Last DJ' by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in order with their playtime and a detailed description:
1. 'The Last DJ' (3:30) - The title track sets the tone for the album, with Petty reflecting on the state of the music industry and how corporate interests have taken over the airwaves.
2. 'Money Becomes King' (5:11) - This song takes a look at the lure of money and how it can corrupt those who seek it, including musicians.
3. 'Dreamville' (3:49) - With its wistful lyrics and dreamy melody, 'Dreamville' is a nostalgic look back at a simpler time.
4. 'Joe' (3:15) - 'Joe' tells the story of a struggling musician who's just trying to make a living, and how his dreams are often dashed by a harsh reality.
5. 'When A Kid Goes Bad' (4:52) - In this track, Petty takes on the persona of a young troublemaker who's struggling to find his place in the world.
6. 'Like A Diamond' (4:38) - 'Like A Diamond' is a beautiful ballad that speaks to the endurance of love and how it can stand the test of time.
7. 'Lost Children' (4:27) - This song takes a darker turn, with Petty lamenting the loss of innocence and the toll that war takes on the young.
8. 'Blue Sunday' (2:57) - 'Blue Sunday' is a melancholy tune that evokes the feeling of a lazy day spent indoors, reflecting on the world outside.
9. 'You And Me' (2:59) - With its catchy melody and romantic lyrics, 'You And Me' is a sweet love song that will put a smile on anyone's face.
10. 'The Man Who Loves Women' (2:55) - Petty takes a wry look at male infatuation with this playful track, which features some fun vocal harmonies.
11. 'Have Love Will Travel' (4:06) - This upbeat track is a cover of a classic R&B tune, and it showcases the Heartbreakers' tight musicianship and Petty's soulful vocals.
12. 'Can't Stop The Sun' (4:49) - The album closes on a hopeful note with 'Can't Stop The Sun,' a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's always a glimmer of light to be found.
Overall, 'The Last DJ' is a strong album that showcases Petty and the Heartbreakers' range and depth as musicians and songwriters. From poignant ballads to upbeat rockers, each track tells a compelling story and leaves a lasting impression.
Discography for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
Sure, here is the complete discography of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
Albums:
1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - November 9, 1976
2. You're Gonna Get It! - May 2, 1978
3. Damn the Torpedoes - October 19, 1979
4. Hard Promises - May 5, 1981
5. Long After Dark - November 2, 1982
6. Southern Accents - March 26, 1985
7. Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) - April 20, 1987
8. Full Moon Fever - April 24, 1989
9. Into the Great Wide Open - July 2, 1991
10. Wildflowers - November 1, 1994
11. Songs and Music from 'She's the One' - August 6, 1996
12. Echo - April 13, 1999
13. The Last DJ - October 8, 2002
14. Highway Companion - July 25, 2006
15. Mojo - June 15, 2010
16. Hypnotic Eye - July 25, 2014
Singles (US Billboard Hot 100):
1. 'Breakdown' - #40, 1977
2. 'American Girl' - did not chart originally, peaked at #40 in 1994
3. 'Listen to Her Heart' - #59, 1978
4. 'I Need to Know' - #41, 1978
5. 'Don't Do Me Like That' - #10, 1979
6. 'Refugee' - #15, 1980
7. 'Here Comes My Girl' - #59, 1980
8. 'The Waiting' - #19, 1981
9. 'A Woman in Love (It's Not Me)' - #79, 1981
10. 'You Got Lucky' - #20, 1982
11. 'Change of Heart' - #21, 1983
12. 'Don't Come Around Here No More' - #13, 1985
13. 'Jammin' Me' - #18, 1987
14. 'Runnin' Down a Dream' - #23, 1989
15. 'I Won't Back Down' - #12, 1989
16. 'Free Fallin' - #7, 1989
17. 'A Face in the Crowd' - #46, 1990
18. 'Learning to Fly' - #28, 1991
19. 'Out in the Cold' - #60, 1991
20. 'Into the Great Wide Open' - #92, 1991
21. 'Mary Jane's Last Dance' - #14, 1993
22. 'You Don't Know How It Feels' - #13, 1994
23. 'You Wreck Me' - #2 Mainstream Rock, 1995
24. 'It's Good to Be King' - #68, 1995
25. 'Walls (Circus)' - #69, 1996
26. 'Swingin' - #52, 1999
27. 'Room at the Top' - #28 Mainstream Rock, 1999
28. 'The Last DJ' - #22 Mainstream Rock, 2002
Other Releases:
1. 'Playback' (Box Set) - November 20, 1995
2. 'Anthology: Through the Years' (Compilation) - October 31, 2000
3. 'The Live Anthology' (Live) - November 23, 2009
4. 'An American Treasure' (Compilation) - September 28, 2018
5. 'The Best of Everything: The Definitive Career-Spanning Hits Collection 1976-2016' (Compilation) - March 1, 2019