when was tom petty and the heartbreakers formed
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers In 1976, Petty, with himself as lead singer and guitarist, formed "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" with Mike Campbell (lead guitarist), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums), and Benmont Tench (keyboards).[3] The Heartbreakers began their recording career with a self-titled album, released through the Shelter label. Initially, the Heartbreakers did not gain much traction in the US, although they achieved success in the UK playing "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll" on Top of the Pops.[5] Early singles included "Breakdown" and "American Girl". Recalling the band's first gig in the UK in 1976, Petty states, "