Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were an American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976, built around singer-songwriter Tom Petty and lead guitarist Mike Campbell. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 - their first year of eligibility - they recorded 13 studio albums and sold over 80 million records worldwide. Their sound drew on heartland rock, Southern rock and new wave, producing enduring hits like "American Girl", "Refugee" and "Free Fallin'". Petty died in October 2017 shortly after completing the band's 40th anniversary tour, leaving behind one of the most celebrated catalogs in American rock.
The band's 50th anniversary in 2026 has prompted a wave of tribute tours and special events, including tribute shows in Germany (Halle, Bensheim) and a UK anniversary tour by Heartbreak: The Tom Petty Show.
Guitarist Mike Campbell told Rolling Stone he has 'mixed feelings' about a potential 50th-anniversary reunion show, saying he does not want to dishonor the band's legacy.
Mike Campbell published his memoir 'Heartbreaker: A Memoir', which debuted as an instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench announced an eight-city solo tour for early 2026, supporting his solo album 'The Melancholy Season'.
An expanded reissue of the 'Wildflowers' album was released, including seven previously unreleased songs.
