Special Sub-Topic: Heartbreakers Trivia Click Here To Play: Heartbreakers Trivia

From what Florida city does Tom hail?

Gainesville. Florida boy makes good.

Who inspired Tom to become a rock and roll musician?

Elvis. He saw Elvis at age 12 at the state fair and was star struck. He came home, saved for a guitar and dedicated his life to making it in the rock music business.

With what band did Tom first get a national recording contract with?

Mudcrutch. In fighting erupted when Tom started to evolve into the charismatic leader. His songs were the more developed ones and he ended up getting most of the writing credits.

What record label was that band signed to?

Shelter. Shelter was owned by Leon Russell. They treated the band badly, whitholding royalties. This and band fighting caused the band to eventually break up. Several Mudcrutch songs ended up on earlier Heartbreaker albums.

What does Tom wear over his shoulders on the cover of the first album, 'Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers'?

Bullet holders. For some reason the photographer felt it gave Tom a harder edge. This was the age of punk, where Tom was originally placed by American radio.

Who was the original bass player for the Heartbreakers?

Ron Blair. He left the band after the third album due to too much traveling.

On what sound track did Breakdown appear?

FM. Steely Dan wrote the hit song for the movie which starred, among others, Martin Mull. It helped propel the band into the American rock scene.

What type of guitar is Tom sporting on the cover of 'Damn the Torpedos'?

Rickenbacher. The Rickenbacher gave him the Byrds sound the band is noted for. The Flying V is in the logo for the band.

Who plays lead guitar for the Heartbreakers?

Mike Campbell. Mike is in my opinion the most underrated guitarist in American rock.

In the song 'American Girl', what was she raised on?

promises. A classic early Petty song that truly stands the test of time.