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Conversations with Tom Petty
OFFICIAL AND AUTHORIZED-NOW IN PAPERBACK! Tom Petty has long been seen as one of the great songwriters of American rock 'n' roll, as well as one of the key standard bearers of integrity in the music business. Conversations With Tom Petty is the first authorized book to focus solely on the life and work of the man responsible for some of the most memorable rock anthems of our generation, 'American Girl,' 'Breakdown,' 'Refugee,' 'The Waiting,' 'Don't Come Around Here No More,' 'I Won't Back Down,' 'Free Fallin',' 'Runnin' Down a Dream,' 'You Don't Know How It Feels,' 'Mary Jane's Last Dance,' and many others. He was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and his work with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, as well as his solo albums and those with the Traveling Wilburys, have been critically acclaimed the world over and have earned numerous Platinum-status awards from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as Grammys and other major awards. Tom and Paul conducted a series of in-depth discussions about Tom's career, with special focus on his songwriting. The conversations are reprinted here with little or no editorial comment and represent a unique perspective on Tom's entire career.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Tom Petty
78 books40 followersThomas Earl Petty was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He was the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and a member of Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury.
He recorded a number of hit singles with The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. Likewise, his music, most notably his hits, have become increasingly popular among younger generations as he continued to host sold out shows through September 2017.
In 2002, Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
He recorded a number of hit singles with The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. Likewise, his music, most notably his hits, have become increasingly popular among younger generations as he continued to host sold out shows through September 2017.
In 2002, Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 24, 2017
Absolutely the wrong time to have read this book, since its format brings Tom Petty so vividly to life that it was actually quite upsetting. Nevertheless, this is wonderful.
As Tom writes in the foreword "This... is not an autobiography. That is for another book" (and interestingly, in the epilogue he mentions how a book written by his eventual biographer Warren Zanes helped inspire the album 'Highway Companion') - but as a portrait of a life in song, and of the life and times of the man that wrote them, this is peerless.
A tremendous achievement.
RIP, Tom Petty.
As Tom writes in the foreword "This... is not an autobiography. That is for another book" (and interestingly, in the epilogue he mentions how a book written by his eventual biographer Warren Zanes helped inspire the album 'Highway Companion') - but as a portrait of a life in song, and of the life and times of the man that wrote them, this is peerless.
A tremendous achievement.
RIP, Tom Petty.
November 25, 2007
IF you like T.P. this is the book for you, if your not a fan, then not so much. The book is split into two parts - the first about the man, the band, and their lives revolving around the music. Real interesting stuff and you realize just how prolific and solid an artist T.P. has been. What's more, he's just honest, funny and a genuinely good guy with a clear head on his shoulders.
The second part is a dissection, album by album, song by song of Petty's albums, collections and box sets. There's a lot of in depth discussion, all in interview form, about the craft of recording and song-writing which was fascinating, even to someone who doesn't play any instruments. T.P. has a great memory for how things went down in the studio and song-writing phases and is very forthcoming about his band's capabilities and where they have taken his music. Petty if nothing else is very critical of himself but often pleased with what he and the band have accomplished.
Mike Campbell (the driving musical force of the H.B's and Benmont Tench (their grounding rock) are paid their due in many respects throughout the book and the sad saga of Howie Epstein is covered with brutal honesty.
The best part of this book was seeing how big of a success T.P.'s career has been and that it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, my favorite part of this book was how it got me to get my T.P. albums off the shelf and listen to them a new. I felt like I was in high school again.
The second part is a dissection, album by album, song by song of Petty's albums, collections and box sets. There's a lot of in depth discussion, all in interview form, about the craft of recording and song-writing which was fascinating, even to someone who doesn't play any instruments. T.P. has a great memory for how things went down in the studio and song-writing phases and is very forthcoming about his band's capabilities and where they have taken his music. Petty if nothing else is very critical of himself but often pleased with what he and the band have accomplished.
Mike Campbell (the driving musical force of the H.B's and Benmont Tench (their grounding rock) are paid their due in many respects throughout the book and the sad saga of Howie Epstein is covered with brutal honesty.
The best part of this book was seeing how big of a success T.P.'s career has been and that it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, my favorite part of this book was how it got me to get my T.P. albums off the shelf and listen to them a new. I felt like I was in high school again.
October 12, 2007
tom petty is the coolest uncle i never had.
August 11, 2011
What first drew me to Tom Petty's music some 20 years ago was the poetic way he put lyrics together coupled with a unique yet always accessible musical sound. His music truly is the soundtrack to his fans' lives. I can hear one of his songs and think Oh, yeah, I listened to this a lot when I was going through.... whatever it may be. I've seen the TP and the Heartbreakers 5 times with my husband and have come away with fantastic memories of those evenings. I hope to have that chance again someday.
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
August 7, 2021
This is basically an extended, free-flowing interview accumulated over hours, days, and months. But the second half gets away from biography and into the craft of writing songs where a songwriter like Petty basically gets three minutes to tell a story. Take a line like: "Where the sky begins, the horizon ends despite the best intentions." According to Petty, sometimes it might takes months to hone. Sometimes a day. And then sometimes the line (or even the song) is literally a one-take moment of inspiration that even the artist can't explain. Anyway, another cool read about a great artist, the creative process and how it differs for everyone.
December 30, 2010
Pretty cool book. Interesting to hear behind the scenes details of the growing pains of the band and insight into his famous fellow musicians, most notably George Harrison who was a dear friend to Tom and his family and quite the merry prankster. Also cool to hear about how Annie Lennox was so thoughful, caring and nurturing to Tom and his family after his home was set fire with he and his family in it by a delusional "fan". They were able to escape with what they had on and not much else and Annie went and bought clothes for the entire family and did her best to make them comfortable. Also, Dave Stewart is a weirdo, but I already knew that. Really sad to hear about Howie Epstein's addiction finally taking his life and how much it impacted his fellow band mates as they had to come to terms with the fact that they were losing their dear friend.
October 16, 2017
We're in good hands with Zollo, and Petty nicely opens up and revels tons of cool stuff about his songs and songwriting process. It's something I wish more songwriters would do. Petty's was inclined to take the lonely road and write alone, yet most of the hit material emerged from "nose to nose / tape to tape" collaborations with the likes of Lynne & Campbell. It always helps to have a great bandmates at your disposal. Like any mindful writer, in the end, Petty reveals only what he wants. Forsaking most of the distasteful and juicy material like an ugly divorce and addiction. Reading this book at the time of his death was like having a dark cloud over my head. Which ain't always a bad thing. Perhaps my only real gripe is my digital copy having numerous spelling errors.
April 7, 2016
As a long time Tom Petty fan, I loved his interviews with Paul Zollo. I only wish he had discussed his private life more though he does include info on the time when someone committed arson and almost burned him and his wife and one of their daughters to death when burning their house down and especially interesting was how he, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan became the Traveling Wilburys. I love those songs too- like End of the Line.
September 7, 2023
I loved listening to this audio book. I was a teenager in the 70s when music was mostly albums with artwork, live concerts and FM radio play. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were a central force in the music scene then and in the decades since. In the 90s my youngest son was a huge fan as well (still is). My admiration for TP has only grown while experiencing this book. He had so much talent and passion for music as a songwriter, as a singer, and as a musician. This is 11+ hours of conversation and it's just a lovely gift to us music fans. In part one he tells of his childhood and growing up in Gainesville, of his love of music and his musical influences, of the hard work and obstacles, of his success along with the benefits and costs of fame on a personal level. Part 2 delves into the songs and albums and the stories behind them. He gives credit to the talent and work of everyone involved with bringing the music together. His passion and admiration shines through with honesty in his conversations here. This had me going back and listening to many of his songs with a whole new appreciation for both his well known and lesser known music. This conversational journey is just a joy!
July 3, 2010
Journalist Paul Zollo gives us exactly what's promised here: conversations with the prolific, popular songwriter/performer. Petty belongs in the pantheon of songwriters that includes Dylan, Young, Prine and Springsteen, among others. His popularity and populist songwriting themes probably cause a lot of people to underestimate him. But as I read through the book, I was reminded of just how many monster albums, just how many massive hits the man has recorded, both solo and with his longtime band The Heartbreakers.
I'm currently researching a novel that deals, in part, with the hair-metal scene of Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. To that end, I've read biographies and autobiographies of bands like Guns 'N Roses, Quiet Riot, and Mötley Crüe. I read the Petty book (purely for pleasure) just after finishing Nikki Sixx's self-indulgent, lurid autobiography, "Heroin Diaries." The contrast between these two songwriters could not be greater.
It's not that Petty (and his band) were saints or teetotalers, not by a longshot. Hell, his fabulously talented bass player, Howie Epstein, died from a heroin overdose. The difference is that Petty and his cohorts were all about the music, where Sixx and his crew were all about the partying and trying to uphold their bad-boy image. Sixx's songwriting is laughably shallow and crude, especially when compared to the tight, elegant prose of Petty and his right-hand man, guitarist Mike Campbell.
As a songwriter, I found Zollo's "Conversations" to be chock-full of anectdotes and explanations of Petty's techniques and songwriting methods. It was very inspirational, and especially rewarding when I ran across any common ground I share with the Florida-born rocker.
Petty is massively successful, and living the good life in Malibu. His cushy existence, though, doesn't dampen his desire to create and I find that very inspiring indeed.
This is less a book about gossip and Hollywood "Behind the Music" titillation, than a clear glimpse into the creative mind and thought process of one of our generation's greatest musical talents. Any Tom Petty fan, or anyone who writes, plays or records music will find this an entertaining and illuminating experience.
(Thanks to Larry for recommending it; you also cost me about $65.00 in TP CDs.)
I'm currently researching a novel that deals, in part, with the hair-metal scene of Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. To that end, I've read biographies and autobiographies of bands like Guns 'N Roses, Quiet Riot, and Mötley Crüe. I read the Petty book (purely for pleasure) just after finishing Nikki Sixx's self-indulgent, lurid autobiography, "Heroin Diaries." The contrast between these two songwriters could not be greater.
It's not that Petty (and his band) were saints or teetotalers, not by a longshot. Hell, his fabulously talented bass player, Howie Epstein, died from a heroin overdose. The difference is that Petty and his cohorts were all about the music, where Sixx and his crew were all about the partying and trying to uphold their bad-boy image. Sixx's songwriting is laughably shallow and crude, especially when compared to the tight, elegant prose of Petty and his right-hand man, guitarist Mike Campbell.
As a songwriter, I found Zollo's "Conversations" to be chock-full of anectdotes and explanations of Petty's techniques and songwriting methods. It was very inspirational, and especially rewarding when I ran across any common ground I share with the Florida-born rocker.
Petty is massively successful, and living the good life in Malibu. His cushy existence, though, doesn't dampen his desire to create and I find that very inspiring indeed.
This is less a book about gossip and Hollywood "Behind the Music" titillation, than a clear glimpse into the creative mind and thought process of one of our generation's greatest musical talents. Any Tom Petty fan, or anyone who writes, plays or records music will find this an entertaining and illuminating experience.
(Thanks to Larry for recommending it; you also cost me about $65.00 in TP CDs.)
May 21, 2018
Part 1 flowed well. It followed a timeline set by the albums and what was going on musically and personally with Tom and the Heartbreakers. Lots of great trivia about how the albums and collaborations came about.
Part 2 was an album by album review of the songs and the stories behind the songs. Some of the ideas were duplicated from Part 1 but not many. I liked hearing how Tom felt about his songs and the ideas behind them, how they started with a skeleton idea or riff and created majesty. I wish I had the time to listen to the albums/songs while reading but I wouldn't be able to finish the book.
My favorite albums are Full Moon Fever, Into the Great Wide Open, and The Traveling Wilbury's Volume 1. I think Tom Petty's genius was that he wrote about everything and everyone around him, not just what was going on in his life. It gave him so many variables to write about and made his songs timeless and applicable to a broad audience. He comes across as humble even as he was driven to success. He didn't give himself an alternate, he had to be successful in a rock band because he didn't want to do any else. He had no backup plan. No Plan B.
The author asks great questions but the real value of the book is the straight-forward, honest, and thorough answers.
RIP Tom
Dana, I'm sad for your loss. There are no words in my vocabulary although I'm sure Tom would be able to come up with some.
Part 2 was an album by album review of the songs and the stories behind the songs. Some of the ideas were duplicated from Part 1 but not many. I liked hearing how Tom felt about his songs and the ideas behind them, how they started with a skeleton idea or riff and created majesty. I wish I had the time to listen to the albums/songs while reading but I wouldn't be able to finish the book.
My favorite albums are Full Moon Fever, Into the Great Wide Open, and The Traveling Wilbury's Volume 1. I think Tom Petty's genius was that he wrote about everything and everyone around him, not just what was going on in his life. It gave him so many variables to write about and made his songs timeless and applicable to a broad audience. He comes across as humble even as he was driven to success. He didn't give himself an alternate, he had to be successful in a rock band because he didn't want to do any else. He had no backup plan. No Plan B.
The author asks great questions but the real value of the book is the straight-forward, honest, and thorough answers.
RIP Tom
Dana, I'm sad for your loss. There are no words in my vocabulary although I'm sure Tom would be able to come up with some.
March 27, 2007
Being a huge fan, I've always had a hard time perceiving what the general public thinks of Tom Petty, but I get the impression people see him as some sort of Bob Dylan-imitating, pot-smoking, long hair-sporting, no nukes-advocating folk rocker. Other than the hair and the advocacy, I've always found this impression pretty far off -- and in this book of straight Q & A, Petty's Type A personality shines right through. Readers interested in the musical process will enjoy scrupulous detail about the instruments and recording techniques used; for those who enjoy the more personal side of the songwriting process, Petty's description of the Traveling Wilburys' collaboration will wow. A confidentiality clause in Petty's divorce agreement with Jane Benyo, his wife of 22 years, keeps the musician from getting into a fair share of the personal, but this book -- a songwriter speaking about the music he has loved (he's almost encyclopedic) and the music he's created (he's always humble) -- is a refreshing rock bio read.
June 3, 2019
"It always feels good to finish an album, because I've done it long enough to know these things are gonna be around a lot longer than me. It's something that wasn't there and now it's there. That's what is great about music and composing in the first place. Something that wasn't there a few minutes ago is there. I love that about art. You just created something, and now it's here and it will be here longer than you."
Tom Petty is just someone I have always admired, as a musician and person, but after reading this book, he is just my favorite musician in the world. He is so humble, he wasn't taking any shit from any record producers, and he always put the audience 1st, even until the day he died. I loved how this book was written as an interview because it felt like I was in the room having a conversation with my best friend. I enjoyed this read so much and had tears in my eyes when it was over because I just didn't want it to end. Luckily, Tom's music will live on forever, because he was just that incredible of a musician.
Tom Petty is just someone I have always admired, as a musician and person, but after reading this book, he is just my favorite musician in the world. He is so humble, he wasn't taking any shit from any record producers, and he always put the audience 1st, even until the day he died. I loved how this book was written as an interview because it felt like I was in the room having a conversation with my best friend. I enjoyed this read so much and had tears in my eyes when it was over because I just didn't want it to end. Luckily, Tom's music will live on forever, because he was just that incredible of a musician.
September 26, 2014
I found the first half of the book enjoyable as it is a vast Q & A that ranges back and forth across the whole of Tom Petty's career. The second half is where the author gives Tom a name of one of his songs and they discuss. As I don't know the whole Tom Petty back catalog I found it more enjoyable to dip in and out of the second half rather than read it from start to finish. It seems Tom Petty is one hell of a nice guy.
July 9, 2017
A must-read for all his fans. Very in-depth. Hard to put down.
August 29, 2021
The world was a better place with Tom Petty in it.
November 26, 2021
This book was such a beautiful tastament to Tom’s music. I would recommend it to any fan, but just remember to keep those tissues close, because you will without a doubt shed a few tears.
August 19, 2023
This book was a lot of fun and informational. The question/answer format makes it easy to read. Also, I miss Tom Petty.
February 3, 2023
Skipped a few parts at the end. Overall great read.
January 29, 2022
Written in interview form, true fans will enjoy this in depth look at Tom and his music. The reader get a sense of what a down to earth individual he was and of course, a talented musician. I recommend this book for fans who want a deep dive into his music, methods and musings.
January 1, 2023
Fantastic read. You can almost hear Tom's voice.
May 6, 2021
At one point in Conversations with Tom Petty, quoted in one of his new introductions to this expanded 2020 edition, author Paul Zollo asks Tom if he was able to appreciate how much his songs meant to so many people. The reply, after a pause: "I hope so. I remember how much it meant to me" (pg. xxxii). This is one of the book's many great examples of Tom Petty's essence: humble, thoughtful, perceptive, non-reactionary, original, soulful. He remembered how important good rock and roll music was to him as a kid, listening to Elvis and the Beatles, and he remembered how sustaining his own creative endeavours were when he was writing them.
Petty, while not a notable raconteur, is nevertheless eloquent, incisive and entirely gripping when being interviewed by Zollo here, for precisely these reasons. He lived a unique life in rock and roll, that encompassed everything good about it – even some heights, like the sustained songwriting ability and the Wilburys adventure, that many others could never even reach – and that also navigated the lows of that lifestyle with grace. I have tried elsewhere (in my review of Warren Zanes' biography Petty, also on this website) to summarize the enormity of Petty's achievement in music, but Zollo frames it concisely in his own book:
"He gave us way more than anyone has any right to expect. Had he written only one song at the level of 'Free Fallin'' or 'Insider' or 'Southern Accents', he'd be an artist we'd revere forever. But he did so much more. He devoted nearly forty solid years to writing and recording the purest, truest rock and roll he could coax out of his soul. And not once did he let us down." (pg. 428)
Petty's is one hell of an achievement. It is a near-unique combination of genius songwriting ability and a highly-skilled band of musicians who are also lifelong friends; as Zollo notes, "even Dylan rarely had a band of this greatness" (pg. 399) and never for very long. Only the Beatles had that same synergy of songwriting ability and personal intimacy between musicians, and even then it was only for seven years compared to the Heartbreakers' more than forty. Any time you listen to Petty's music, or read about him, or watch a documentary, you start off being entertained and, while still being entertained, you end up fascinated. Consequently, when he speaks about it all, openly, you listen.
I first read this book about twelve years ago, and had been meaning to return to it even before they announced a new expanded edition. I was worried it wouldn't hold up, or, more accurately, that it wouldn't hold my interest; I know all the stories behind the songs by now, all the anecdotes. I listen to the songs nearly every day, had recently watched the Runnin' Down a Dream documentary yet again, and it hadn't been that long since I'd read Warren Zanes' afore-mentioned biography. I was worried the book would, because of Tom's sudden, tragic death, now read like it was under a dark cloud – what Zollo, in his new introduction, calls "the risk of starting this whole show in a minor key" (pg. xvii). I was worried I would be worn out.
Not a bit of it. The book quickly settles into a warm – and, to me, familiar – groove; Petty and Zollo talking freely and at length during "a year of Saturdays" (pg. 418) about life, family, music and songwriting craft. Every time I put the book down I wanted to pick it up again, every page I read I wanted to slow down and savour it, every anecdote I stopped and brought the memory of the song being discussed into my head. And every so often I would realise I had a big healthy smile on my face just from reading it. Like everything else Petty-related, it feels essential, and yet without any sort of obligation. Slow, fast, high, low – whatever it is, you just enjoy the experience.
This, of course, was also true in the original 2005 edition, so it is worth taking a moment to consider what the 2020 version adds. At first glance, nothing essential, though certainly interesting: a new interview with Tom's widow Dana, as well as new introductions, articles and retrospectives, which, whilst quoting liberally from the main text, go some way in processing Tom's death. The layout of the book is much better than the original, though it should also be said there are more than a few typos and proofing errors in the new stuff. (It would be harsh to criticise typos, but the errors include once referring to the Hypnotic Eye album as Hurricane Eye (pg. xxxiii), to Howie Epstein as a founding member of the band (pg. 341), and to Tom's cameo in Waterworld (pg. 426 – he was actually in The Postman).) A review of Hypnotic Eye offers us Zollo's opinions on the songs, but crucially, it is Petty's thoughts we thirst for. There is, however, a serendipitous first-hand review of the Heartbreakers' final concert – with Tom at the top of his game – which is to be cherished.
It is this concert review, written by Zollo and rightly in awe of Petty's presence, that gives us a line which should perhaps form our final image of the man. Tom, basking in the music and the crowd and the virtuosity of his band-members, is comfortable, "always smiling, and never trying to dazzle as much as add more musical kindling to this great blazing rock and roll fire" (pg. 398). We know, now, that Tom was in great physical pain at this time, which contributed to his death just a week later, and yet we can also believe that he was happy, exultant, in his element. The man believed in the redemptive power of music and was undeniably authentic in all he did. The pain could well have melted away in that rock and roll fire. If he looked good on that last night, then he was good.
This, above all, is the key to understanding Tom Petty, whether in Zollo's book or Zanes' book or in Wildflowers or Damn the Torpedoes: his authenticity. "If it all ends tomorrow, I'm fine," Tom says here, on page 321, when talking about the decline of the music industry. "But I just think it's sad that there's such a wonderful thing there, this music thing, and integrity in music and in art should be respected." A fine sentiment, and a lasting message; but the astonishing thing is that, at the highest level, this man lived so resolutely to that creed.
Petty, while not a notable raconteur, is nevertheless eloquent, incisive and entirely gripping when being interviewed by Zollo here, for precisely these reasons. He lived a unique life in rock and roll, that encompassed everything good about it – even some heights, like the sustained songwriting ability and the Wilburys adventure, that many others could never even reach – and that also navigated the lows of that lifestyle with grace. I have tried elsewhere (in my review of Warren Zanes' biography Petty, also on this website) to summarize the enormity of Petty's achievement in music, but Zollo frames it concisely in his own book:
"He gave us way more than anyone has any right to expect. Had he written only one song at the level of 'Free Fallin'' or 'Insider' or 'Southern Accents', he'd be an artist we'd revere forever. But he did so much more. He devoted nearly forty solid years to writing and recording the purest, truest rock and roll he could coax out of his soul. And not once did he let us down." (pg. 428)
Petty's is one hell of an achievement. It is a near-unique combination of genius songwriting ability and a highly-skilled band of musicians who are also lifelong friends; as Zollo notes, "even Dylan rarely had a band of this greatness" (pg. 399) and never for very long. Only the Beatles had that same synergy of songwriting ability and personal intimacy between musicians, and even then it was only for seven years compared to the Heartbreakers' more than forty. Any time you listen to Petty's music, or read about him, or watch a documentary, you start off being entertained and, while still being entertained, you end up fascinated. Consequently, when he speaks about it all, openly, you listen.
I first read this book about twelve years ago, and had been meaning to return to it even before they announced a new expanded edition. I was worried it wouldn't hold up, or, more accurately, that it wouldn't hold my interest; I know all the stories behind the songs by now, all the anecdotes. I listen to the songs nearly every day, had recently watched the Runnin' Down a Dream documentary yet again, and it hadn't been that long since I'd read Warren Zanes' afore-mentioned biography. I was worried the book would, because of Tom's sudden, tragic death, now read like it was under a dark cloud – what Zollo, in his new introduction, calls "the risk of starting this whole show in a minor key" (pg. xvii). I was worried I would be worn out.
Not a bit of it. The book quickly settles into a warm – and, to me, familiar – groove; Petty and Zollo talking freely and at length during "a year of Saturdays" (pg. 418) about life, family, music and songwriting craft. Every time I put the book down I wanted to pick it up again, every page I read I wanted to slow down and savour it, every anecdote I stopped and brought the memory of the song being discussed into my head. And every so often I would realise I had a big healthy smile on my face just from reading it. Like everything else Petty-related, it feels essential, and yet without any sort of obligation. Slow, fast, high, low – whatever it is, you just enjoy the experience.
This, of course, was also true in the original 2005 edition, so it is worth taking a moment to consider what the 2020 version adds. At first glance, nothing essential, though certainly interesting: a new interview with Tom's widow Dana, as well as new introductions, articles and retrospectives, which, whilst quoting liberally from the main text, go some way in processing Tom's death. The layout of the book is much better than the original, though it should also be said there are more than a few typos and proofing errors in the new stuff. (It would be harsh to criticise typos, but the errors include once referring to the Hypnotic Eye album as Hurricane Eye (pg. xxxiii), to Howie Epstein as a founding member of the band (pg. 341), and to Tom's cameo in Waterworld (pg. 426 – he was actually in The Postman).) A review of Hypnotic Eye offers us Zollo's opinions on the songs, but crucially, it is Petty's thoughts we thirst for. There is, however, a serendipitous first-hand review of the Heartbreakers' final concert – with Tom at the top of his game – which is to be cherished.
It is this concert review, written by Zollo and rightly in awe of Petty's presence, that gives us a line which should perhaps form our final image of the man. Tom, basking in the music and the crowd and the virtuosity of his band-members, is comfortable, "always smiling, and never trying to dazzle as much as add more musical kindling to this great blazing rock and roll fire" (pg. 398). We know, now, that Tom was in great physical pain at this time, which contributed to his death just a week later, and yet we can also believe that he was happy, exultant, in his element. The man believed in the redemptive power of music and was undeniably authentic in all he did. The pain could well have melted away in that rock and roll fire. If he looked good on that last night, then he was good.
This, above all, is the key to understanding Tom Petty, whether in Zollo's book or Zanes' book or in Wildflowers or Damn the Torpedoes: his authenticity. "If it all ends tomorrow, I'm fine," Tom says here, on page 321, when talking about the decline of the music industry. "But I just think it's sad that there's such a wonderful thing there, this music thing, and integrity in music and in art should be respected." A fine sentiment, and a lasting message; but the astonishing thing is that, at the highest level, this man lived so resolutely to that creed.
March 30, 2017
This is one of the best rock and roll biographies out there. The unique format of having the rock star give candid interviews for the entire chronological story of his life is exceptional. And Tom Petty seems to really enjoy reminiscing about his childhood, his early years as a musician in Florida and his seemingly overnight stardom with The Heartbreakers. I truly loved the section about his friendship and collaborations with George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Their output together is extraordinary. My only criticism would be the seemingly laid back commentary by Petty on the death of his longtime bandmate, Howie Epstein. It sounds like Petty is remorseful, but certainly elusive in sharing his honest feelings for not doing more to help this talented man during a prolonged addiction. That aside, this is an insightful read on the life and career of one of our great rock musicians.
December 5, 2017
A little break from plowing through all of these YA novels for some inspiration with Tom Petty.
Very well done, using interviews with Tom to piece together his life story in his own words. While I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book which chronologically followed his life, the true treasure for me was the last third where they dissecting songwriting and the process of creating an album.
As someone who writes and performs and dissects music constantly, these interviews were fascinating. Comments about his process, how he tries to be an antennae to anything that may turn into a line in a song, etc. It all resonated profoundly and inspired me to begin writing again.
Fantastic. Even sadder that he's gone.
Very well done, using interviews with Tom to piece together his life story in his own words. While I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book which chronologically followed his life, the true treasure for me was the last third where they dissecting songwriting and the process of creating an album.
As someone who writes and performs and dissects music constantly, these interviews were fascinating. Comments about his process, how he tries to be an antennae to anything that may turn into a line in a song, etc. It all resonated profoundly and inspired me to begin writing again.
Fantastic. Even sadder that he's gone.
October 15, 2020
I don’t remember when I started this book, but it has been a fine companion for a few months. As with other music bios, when I read them I use it as a chance to Relisten to the discography of the artist and reconsider my opinions of different works. This book is divided into three sections, the main body which allowed me to pass through the whole library of Petty music and then surprise! They dissect nearly every song in chronological order so it was a do over. This time even a slower journey. What made this project last a while is that maybe I don’t want to listen to Tom Petty and weeks go by. Or the two weeks I spent with Long After Dark before moving on. It is a great book, like sitting down and listening to Petty with TP on your sofa. A perfect gift for some knee rehabbing!
June 29, 2012
This was good. It was written for music nerds, not a Dirt style biography. Petty is very careful about what he talks about, and the interviewer is a true fan boy and doesn't push. For the most part Petty came across much like I imagined he would always sound like which is super laid back. However, in his old age he is slipping into the mindset of what you would assume an aging rock star would, which is that no good music is being made currently, and American Idol should get off his lawn. I'm inspired to check out some of his work that I hadn't listened to in the past, he's a genius and has worked really hard for what had appeared effortless to me, then again I’m not a music nerd.
November 12, 2016
Very comprehensive discussions with Petty on his entire music career. Zollo did an amazing amount of research before his interviews. The only drawbacks is the book ends very abruptly with no concluding summary of Petty's career to date and future direction.
November 9, 2018
I've read this 3 times and I never get sick of it
September 6, 2019
Miss him
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