The Heartbreakers

Rock Band Fronted by Tom Petty

The Heartbreakers, often referred to as Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers to distinguish them from Tom Petty's band of the same name, were an influential American punk rock band that came to prominence in the mid-1970s. Formed in 1975 by former New York Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders and drummer Jerry Nolan after the collapse of their previous band, The Heartbreakers were rounded out by bassist Richard Hell, who was later replaced by Billy Rath, and guitarist Walter Lure. They became a part of the early punk scene at the legendary New York club CBGB and were one of the bands to transport punk rock to the UK during the Anarchy Tour with the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned in 1976.