Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Iconic American Rock Band

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were an iconic American rock band that rose to fame in the late 1970s. Formed in 1976 in Gainesville, Florida, the band was fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Petty, with Mike Campbell as the lead guitarist, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Ron Blair on bass, Stan Lynch on drums, and later Howie Epstein taking over bass duties from Blair. They first gained mainstream attention with their third album, "Damn the Torpedoes" (1979), which became a breakthrough success, cementing their place as rock superstars. The album featured hits like "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That," showcasing their blend of rock and roll with heartland rock influences.