Tom Petty: The Complete 1986 "Guitar Player" Interview on Songwriting and Rhythm Guitar

Rock music lost one of its premier songwriters and rhythm guitarists when Tom Petty passed away on October 2, 2017. For decades Petty fronted the band that bore his name - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
One of the qualities I most admired about Tom was how he stood up for himself. He was unwavering in his all-or-nothing fight to control his artistic freedom and integrity. Like his musical heroes John Lennon and Keith Richards, he was devoted to rhythm guitar, which is one of the major themes of our interview. Over time he evolved into one of rock’s preeminent songwriters, crafting enduring songs that deal with social outcasts, love, heartbreak, resilience, and especially American individualism. It’s fitting that when the iconic Traveling Wilburys initially came together as a self-described “band of brothers,” Tom Petty received equal billing with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne.
At the time of our interview, the Heartbreakers had just finished a world tour with Bob Dylan and Tom had begun work on what would become the "Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough)" album. Our conversation took place mid-afternoon on May 27, 1986. Just before the interview was to begin, a publicist informed me that I could only have fifteen minutes with Tom and that I was forbidden to bring up the topics of sex and drugs. Tom, it turned out, would have none of that. A few minutes later he came into the room and pulled his chair so close to mine that our knees touched. He locked eyes with me and we got right to it. He ignored the time restriction, speaking for nearly 50 minutes.
An edited version of this interview appeared in the August 1986 issue of Guitar Player magazine. A complete transcription is included in my book "Talking Guitar: Conversations With Musicians Who Shaped Twentieth-Century American Music" [UNC Press, 2017].
Thanks to Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of the decades-old master tape. We hope you enjoy this unique recording.
You can help us continue to produce "Talking Guitar" podcasts of historic interviews by sending a donation c/o paypal.me/TalkingGuitar. Thank you!
Be sure to check out the other historic interviews on the Talking Guitar KZbin channel. For dozens more guitar-intensive podcasts, interview transcripts, and articles, visit Talking Guitar magazine at jasobrecht.substack.com/.
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This podcast is copyright 2023 by Jas Obrecht. All rights reserved.
©2022 Jas Obrecht. All right reserved.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

NOBODY was better than Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers….the PUREST American rock n roll that’s ever been done

[@sub-jec-tiv]

On Mike: "I’d be lost without him." What a great dude.

[@user-id5wo9rz9j]

Love Mike Campbell and Tom Petty

[@Notamember8556]

Thank you so much. After reading these interviews almost 40yr ago to be able to hear the artist….wonderful. Thanking you again Jas.

[@bonzey1171]

Nice to see your face finally, Jas. Thanks again for sharing all these great audio tapes, you are much appreciated

[@geraldskinner63]

Good to see you Jas! Thanks as always for posting these interviews from a magazine that was a very important part of me learning to play guitar and dreaming of being a rock star back in the day.

[@timbofferding4451]

I have always loved “Refugee “ ever since the first time my ears listened to the song way back in 1982.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Top 10 all time rock record

[@user-nz5jw2yn6c]

Y'all in america got Tom, with much respect & here in Canada we had the tragically hip

[@chops9779]

Thanks for sharing Jas., Toms one of my fav artists. 🎸👍 great interview !!

[@oceanview5545]

Loved this interview!

[@liveforeverluckymanej-2008]

Great interview and some fantastic questions.

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Hey now... Johnny Beane sent me! This rocks! Thanks for sharing! 😎🤘🎸

[@brannonmcclure6970]

I had a 630 Ruby Red; beautiful guitar.👨‍🎓♾️🎸

[@brannonmcclure6970]

620 that is.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

I have one in blonde…Mr.Jangles

[@jamarwright]

Thank you so much for sharing these great interviews, Jas. I’m learning so much from some of my favorite players via these.

[@5150show]

Incredible

[@user-po8fb1mj5l]

God I love him!! Tom Petty A "Show Pony" / "Song Bird" & He looks just like my3rd husband... and I've only been married twice! WORD! FROM D Shoeless

[@NelsonRodriguez_]

Far out man peace from California Silver Strand Beach The Volcano Posse

[@gailremp8389]

In Florida. Friday 5/31/2014…what a great two days,,a convicted Trump on Thursday and this interview came up in my algorithm this😂 morning. Good deal. I don’t need to read more about Trump because I know his lack of character as an asshole crook. And, as Tom Petty said, one time, “son, don’t shave your legs and don’t vote Republican .” So this is delightful. Thank you so so much. This just made my morning completely. Be safe, vote. 💙💙💙

[@duffbaker9554]

'Wow'. Just.....'wow'.

[@larryzink8978]

Audio quality yikes.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Dude be grateful…I could listen to Tom Petty with shitty audio ANYTIME

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Pretty funny hearing the interviewer, who was GREAT, bum a cig from Tom