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Conversations With Tom Petty
OFFICIAL AND AUTHORIZED-NOW IN PAPERBACK! Tom Petty has long been seen as one of the great songwriters of American rock 'n' roll, as well as one of the key standard bearers of integrity in the music business. Conversations With Tom Petty is the first authorized book to focus solely on the life and work of the man responsible for some of the most memorable rock anthems of our generation, 'American Girl,' 'Breakdown,' 'Refugee,' 'The Waiting,' 'Don't Come Around Here No More,' 'I Won't Back Down,' 'Free Fallin',' 'Runnin' Down a Dream,' 'You Don't Know How It Feels,' 'Mary Jane's Last Dance,' and many others. He was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and his work with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, as well as his solo albums and those with the Traveling Wilburys, have been critically acclaimed the world over and have earned numerous Platinum-status awards from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as well as Grammys and other major awards. Tom and Paul conducted a series of in-depth discussions about Tom's career, with special focus on his songwriting. The conversations are reprinted here with little or no editorial comment and represent a unique perspective on Tom's entire career.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
158 people are currently reading
1646 people want to read
About the author
Paul Zollo
17 books22 followersPaul Zollo is a singer-songwriter, author, and music journalist. Since 1987, he's dedicated himself to interviewing the world's greatest songwriters. From 1987 to 1997, he was the editor of SongTalk, the journal of the National Academy of Songwriters. He's currently the senior editor for American Songwriter. Born in Chicago, he studied English and Music at Boston University and is the author of The Beginning Songwriter's Answer Book, Songwriters on Songwriting, and Hollywood Remembered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 24, 2017
Absolutely the wrong time to have read this book, since its format brings Tom Petty so vividly to life that it was actually quite upsetting. Nevertheless, this is wonderful.
As Tom writes in the foreword "This... is not an autobiography. That is for another book" (and interestingly, in the epilogue he mentions how a book written by his eventual biographer Warren Zanes helped inspire the album 'Highway Companion') - but as a portrait of a life in song, and of the life and times of the man that wrote them, this is peerless.
A tremendous achievement.
RIP, Tom Petty.
As Tom writes in the foreword "This... is not an autobiography. That is for another book" (and interestingly, in the epilogue he mentions how a book written by his eventual biographer Warren Zanes helped inspire the album 'Highway Companion') - but as a portrait of a life in song, and of the life and times of the man that wrote them, this is peerless.
A tremendous achievement.
RIP, Tom Petty.
November 25, 2007
IF you like T.P. this is the book for you, if your not a fan, then not so much. The book is split into two parts - the first about the man, the band, and their lives revolving around the music. Real interesting stuff and you realize just how prolific and solid an artist T.P. has been. What's more, he's just honest, funny and a genuinely good guy with a clear head on his shoulders.
The second part is a dissection, album by album, song by song of Petty's albums, collections and box sets. There's a lot of in depth discussion, all in interview form, about the craft of recording and song-writing which was fascinating, even to someone who doesn't play any instruments. T.P. has a great memory for how things went down in the studio and song-writing phases and is very forthcoming about his band's capabilities and where they have taken his music. Petty if nothing else is very critical of himself but often pleased with what he and the band have accomplished.
Mike Campbell (the driving musical force of the H.B's and Benmont Tench (their grounding rock) are paid their due in many respects throughout the book and the sad saga of Howie Epstein is covered with brutal honesty.
The best part of this book was seeing how big of a success T.P.'s career has been and that it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, my favorite part of this book was how it got me to get my T.P. albums off the shelf and listen to them a new. I felt like I was in high school again.
The second part is a dissection, album by album, song by song of Petty's albums, collections and box sets. There's a lot of in depth discussion, all in interview form, about the craft of recording and song-writing which was fascinating, even to someone who doesn't play any instruments. T.P. has a great memory for how things went down in the studio and song-writing phases and is very forthcoming about his band's capabilities and where they have taken his music. Petty if nothing else is very critical of himself but often pleased with what he and the band have accomplished.
Mike Campbell (the driving musical force of the H.B's and Benmont Tench (their grounding rock) are paid their due in many respects throughout the book and the sad saga of Howie Epstein is covered with brutal honesty.
The best part of this book was seeing how big of a success T.P.'s career has been and that it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Actually, my favorite part of this book was how it got me to get my T.P. albums off the shelf and listen to them a new. I felt like I was in high school again.
October 12, 2007
tom petty is the coolest uncle i never had.
October 27, 2025
This is a book full of information for the Tom Petty fan. The author includes interviews along with photos and a discography listing all of the artist's works. This particular edition is an expanded and updated 2020 version from the first edition being published in 2012. Zollo does a wonderful job capturing Tom's personality and you can just imagine him speaking with that distinctive drawl. He comes across as sincere, funny, and a musician that simply wanted to bring joy to his fans. There are sections including biographical information, a discussion of his songs and inspiration, question and answer sections along with additional interviews and reviews.
I have always been a Tom Petty fan and later on I included my two teenage daughters. Living close to Nashville, we were always fortunate enough to attend his concert's starting with his 1999, 2001 and 2005 Starwood Amphitheater tours and ending with his 40th anniversary tour at Bridgestone Arena on 4-25-2017. His final show of this tour was 9-25-2017 and Tom passed away 10-2-2017.
I have always been a Tom Petty fan and later on I included my two teenage daughters. Living close to Nashville, we were always fortunate enough to attend his concert's starting with his 1999, 2001 and 2005 Starwood Amphitheater tours and ending with his 40th anniversary tour at Bridgestone Arena on 4-25-2017. His final show of this tour was 9-25-2017 and Tom passed away 10-2-2017.
August 11, 2011
What first drew me to Tom Petty's music some 20 years ago was the poetic way he put lyrics together coupled with a unique yet always accessible musical sound. His music truly is the soundtrack to his fans' lives. I can hear one of his songs and think Oh, yeah, I listened to this a lot when I was going through.... whatever it may be. I've seen the TP and the Heartbreakers 5 times with my husband and have come away with fantastic memories of those evenings. I hope to have that chance again someday.
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
August 29, 2021
The world was a better place with Tom Petty in it.
August 7, 2021
This is basically an extended, free-flowing interview accumulated over hours, days, and months. But the second half gets away from biography and into the craft of writing songs where a songwriter like Petty basically gets three minutes to tell a story. Take a line like: "Where the sky begins, the horizon ends despite the best intentions." According to Petty, sometimes it might takes months to hone. Sometimes a day. And then sometimes the line (or even the song) is literally a one-take moment of inspiration that even the artist can't explain. Anyway, another cool read about a great artist, the creative process and how it differs for everyone.
December 30, 2010
Pretty cool book. Interesting to hear behind the scenes details of the growing pains of the band and insight into his famous fellow musicians, most notably George Harrison who was a dear friend to Tom and his family and quite the merry prankster. Also cool to hear about how Annie Lennox was so thoughful, caring and nurturing to Tom and his family after his home was set fire with he and his family in it by a delusional "fan". They were able to escape with what they had on and not much else and Annie went and bought clothes for the entire family and did her best to make them comfortable. Also, Dave Stewart is a weirdo, but I already knew that. Really sad to hear about Howie Epstein's addiction finally taking his life and how much it impacted his fellow band mates as they had to come to terms with the fact that they were losing their dear friend.
October 16, 2017
We're in good hands with Zollo, and Petty nicely opens up and revels tons of cool stuff about his songs and songwriting process. It's something I wish more songwriters would do. Petty's was inclined to take the lonely road and write alone, yet most of the hit material emerged from "nose to nose / tape to tape" collaborations with the likes of Lynne & Campbell. It always helps to have a great bandmates at your disposal. Like any mindful writer, in the end, Petty reveals only what he wants. Forsaking most of the distasteful and juicy material like an ugly divorce and addiction. Reading this book at the time of his death was like having a dark cloud over my head. Which ain't always a bad thing. Perhaps my only real gripe is my digital copy having numerous spelling errors.
April 7, 2016
As a long time Tom Petty fan, I loved his interviews with Paul Zollo. I only wish he had discussed his private life more though he does include info on the time when someone committed arson and almost burned him and his wife and one of their daughters to death when burning their house down and especially interesting was how he, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan became the Traveling Wilburys. I love those songs too- like End of the Line.
September 7, 2023
I loved listening to this audio book. I was a teenager in the 70s when music was mostly albums with artwork, live concerts and FM radio play. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were a central force in the music scene then and in the decades since. In the 90s my youngest son was a huge fan as well (still is). My admiration for TP has only grown while experiencing this book. He had so much talent and passion for music as a songwriter, as a singer, and as a musician. This is 11+ hours of conversation and it's just a lovely gift to us music fans. In part one he tells of his childhood and growing up in Gainesville, of his love of music and his musical influences, of the hard work and obstacles, of his success along with the benefits and costs of fame on a personal level. Part 2 delves into the songs and albums and the stories behind them. He gives credit to the talent and work of everyone involved with bringing the music together. His passion and admiration shines through with honesty in his conversations here. This had me going back and listening to many of his songs with a whole new appreciation for both his well known and lesser known music. This conversational journey is just a joy!
July 3, 2010
Journalist Paul Zollo gives us exactly what's promised here: conversations with the prolific, popular songwriter/performer. Petty belongs in the pantheon of songwriters that includes Dylan, Young, Prine and Springsteen, among others. His popularity and populist songwriting themes probably cause a lot of people to underestimate him. But as I read through the book, I was reminded of just how many monster albums, just how many massive hits the man has recorded, both solo and with his longtime band The Heartbreakers.
I'm currently researching a novel that deals, in part, with the hair-metal scene of Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. To that end, I've read biographies and autobiographies of bands like Guns 'N Roses, Quiet Riot, and Mötley Crüe. I read the Petty book (purely for pleasure) just after finishing Nikki Sixx's self-indulgent, lurid autobiography, "Heroin Diaries." The contrast between these two songwriters could not be greater.
It's not that Petty (and his band) were saints or teetotalers, not by a longshot. Hell, his fabulously talented bass player, Howie Epstein, died from a heroin overdose. The difference is that Petty and his cohorts were all about the music, where Sixx and his crew were all about the partying and trying to uphold their bad-boy image. Sixx's songwriting is laughably shallow and crude, especially when compared to the tight, elegant prose of Petty and his right-hand man, guitarist Mike Campbell.
As a songwriter, I found Zollo's "Conversations" to be chock-full of anectdotes and explanations of Petty's techniques and songwriting methods. It was very inspirational, and especially rewarding when I ran across any common ground I share with the Florida-born rocker.
Petty is massively successful, and living the good life in Malibu. His cushy existence, though, doesn't dampen his desire to create and I find that very inspiring indeed.
This is less a book about gossip and Hollywood "Behind the Music" titillation, than a clear glimpse into the creative mind and thought process of one of our generation's greatest musical talents. Any Tom Petty fan, or anyone who writes, plays or records music will find this an entertaining and illuminating experience.
(Thanks to Larry for recommending it; you also cost me about $65.00 in TP CDs.)
I'm currently researching a novel that deals, in part, with the hair-metal scene of Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. To that end, I've read biographies and autobiographies of bands like Guns 'N Roses, Quiet Riot, and Mötley Crüe. I read the Petty book (purely for pleasure) just after finishing Nikki Sixx's self-indulgent, lurid autobiography, "Heroin Diaries." The contrast between these two songwriters could not be greater.
It's not that Petty (and his band) were saints or teetotalers, not by a longshot. Hell, his fabulously talented bass player, Howie Epstein, died from a heroin overdose. The difference is that Petty and his cohorts were all about the music, where Sixx and his crew were all about the partying and trying to uphold their bad-boy image. Sixx's songwriting is laughably shallow and crude, especially when compared to the tight, elegant prose of Petty and his right-hand man, guitarist Mike Campbell.
As a songwriter, I found Zollo's "Conversations" to be chock-full of anectdotes and explanations of Petty's techniques and songwriting methods. It was very inspirational, and especially rewarding when I ran across any common ground I share with the Florida-born rocker.
Petty is massively successful, and living the good life in Malibu. His cushy existence, though, doesn't dampen his desire to create and I find that very inspiring indeed.
This is less a book about gossip and Hollywood "Behind the Music" titillation, than a clear glimpse into the creative mind and thought process of one of our generation's greatest musical talents. Any Tom Petty fan, or anyone who writes, plays or records music will find this an entertaining and illuminating experience.
(Thanks to Larry for recommending it; you also cost me about $65.00 in TP CDs.)
May 21, 2018
Part 1 flowed well. It followed a timeline set by the albums and what was going on musically and personally with Tom and the Heartbreakers. Lots of great trivia about how the albums and collaborations came about.
Part 2 was an album by album review of the songs and the stories behind the songs. Some of the ideas were duplicated from Part 1 but not many. I liked hearing how Tom felt about his songs and the ideas behind them, how they started with a skeleton idea or riff and created majesty. I wish I had the time to listen to the albums/songs while reading but I wouldn't be able to finish the book.
My favorite albums are Full Moon Fever, Into the Great Wide Open, and The Traveling Wilbury's Volume 1. I think Tom Petty's genius was that he wrote about everything and everyone around him, not just what was going on in his life. It gave him so many variables to write about and made his songs timeless and applicable to a broad audience. He comes across as humble even as he was driven to success. He didn't give himself an alternate, he had to be successful in a rock band because he didn't want to do any else. He had no backup plan. No Plan B.
The author asks great questions but the real value of the book is the straight-forward, honest, and thorough answers.
RIP Tom
Dana, I'm sad for your loss. There are no words in my vocabulary although I'm sure Tom would be able to come up with some.
Part 2 was an album by album review of the songs and the stories behind the songs. Some of the ideas were duplicated from Part 1 but not many. I liked hearing how Tom felt about his songs and the ideas behind them, how they started with a skeleton idea or riff and created majesty. I wish I had the time to listen to the albums/songs while reading but I wouldn't be able to finish the book.
My favorite albums are Full Moon Fever, Into the Great Wide Open, and The Traveling Wilbury's Volume 1. I think Tom Petty's genius was that he wrote about everything and everyone around him, not just what was going on in his life. It gave him so many variables to write about and made his songs timeless and applicable to a broad audience. He comes across as humble even as he was driven to success. He didn't give himself an alternate, he had to be successful in a rock band because he didn't want to do any else. He had no backup plan. No Plan B.
The author asks great questions but the real value of the book is the straight-forward, honest, and thorough answers.
RIP Tom
Dana, I'm sad for your loss. There are no words in my vocabulary although I'm sure Tom would be able to come up with some.
March 27, 2007
Being a huge fan, I've always had a hard time perceiving what the general public thinks of Tom Petty, but I get the impression people see him as some sort of Bob Dylan-imitating, pot-smoking, long hair-sporting, no nukes-advocating folk rocker. Other than the hair and the advocacy, I've always found this impression pretty far off -- and in this book of straight Q & A, Petty's Type A personality shines right through. Readers interested in the musical process will enjoy scrupulous detail about the instruments and recording techniques used; for those who enjoy the more personal side of the songwriting process, Petty's description of the Traveling Wilburys' collaboration will wow. A confidentiality clause in Petty's divorce agreement with Jane Benyo, his wife of 22 years, keeps the musician from getting into a fair share of the personal, but this book -- a songwriter speaking about the music he has loved (he's almost encyclopedic) and the music he's created (he's always humble) -- is a refreshing rock bio read.
June 3, 2019
"It always feels good to finish an album, because I've done it long enough to know these things are gonna be around a lot longer than me. It's something that wasn't there and now it's there. That's what is great about music and composing in the first place. Something that wasn't there a few minutes ago is there. I love that about art. You just created something, and now it's here and it will be here longer than you."
Tom Petty is just someone I have always admired, as a musician and person, but after reading this book, he is just my favorite musician in the world. He is so humble, he wasn't taking any shit from any record producers, and he always put the audience 1st, even until the day he died. I loved how this book was written as an interview because it felt like I was in the room having a conversation with my best friend. I enjoyed this read so much and had tears in my eyes when it was over because I just didn't want it to end. Luckily, Tom's music will live on forever, because he was just that incredible of a musician.
Tom Petty is just someone I have always admired, as a musician and person, but after reading this book, he is just my favorite musician in the world. He is so humble, he wasn't taking any shit from any record producers, and he always put the audience 1st, even until the day he died. I loved how this book was written as an interview because it felt like I was in the room having a conversation with my best friend. I enjoyed this read so much and had tears in my eyes when it was over because I just didn't want it to end. Luckily, Tom's music will live on forever, because he was just that incredible of a musician.
September 26, 2014
I found the first half of the book enjoyable as it is a vast Q & A that ranges back and forth across the whole of Tom Petty's career. The second half is where the author gives Tom a name of one of his songs and they discuss. As I don't know the whole Tom Petty back catalog I found it more enjoyable to dip in and out of the second half rather than read it from start to finish. It seems Tom Petty is one hell of a nice guy.
July 9, 2017
A must-read for all his fans. Very in-depth. Hard to put down.
October 23, 2024
Please don't ask me how many times I teared up while reading this book. Just know it was many.
It's been seven years since we lost Tom, and I am still not nor will I ever be "over it" in any meaningful sense. TPHB are tied for my favorite band (with Depeche Mode, because I contain multitudes, at least when it comes to music...my Apple Music library looks like it's shared by half a dozen people). Their music has meant so much to me, since I was a little girl. Thankfully, being raised by hippies meant always having great music playing in the house, and my folks were fans of the guys from early on. And then I recall when I first saw Tom on TV in a video and my lifelong crush developed instantaneously. He was brilliant, he was talented, he was funny, he was kind, he was cute...I was gone and have remained so, LOL. But in all honesty, I could have never seen his face or heard a word from him outside of his music and he still would have meant the world to me, because those songs felt to me, as I'm sure they did to millions of others, as though they were speaking directly to me. He and I were from very different worlds and backgrounds -- him a straight Southern Christian boy, me a queer Jewish girl from the Bay Area -- but part of the finesse of his songwriting was that the lyrics could be both personal to him and to everyone in the audience at the same time.
And the fact that he was absurdly good right out the gate (for fuck's sake, Breakdown and American Girl were on their debut album) and just kept getting better and better, kept amazing us with how much he still had in the tank, kept growing and maturing and changing while still always and forever being so very much himself...it's truly unique. Most songwriters and bands that last as long as they did at some point end up largely resting on their laurels, putting out good but not wholly memorable new music, not seeming to see a need to try as hard now as they did decades ago. That was never the case for Tom and the guys, and that's proven by the fact that their final album, Hypnotic Eye, is absolutely some of their best work. And that's also why it broke my heart even harder when he died, because I am positive he still had so much genius to share with the world.
This book was a treasure to read, to learn so much about the intimate details of his childhood, his first steps into the music business, his writing process, his struggles and fears and his achievements and joys. I've read a thousand or more interviews with him, seen plenty of late night TV appearances and documentaries, but still there was so much in this book that was new and enlightening and wonderful. Even the parts that were difficult -- particularly the chapter about Howie Epstein dying -- were also a gift because Tom's big heart and boundless love for his friend was on full display, and it confirmed all over again that unlike so many male rock stars, he was truly a good and decent man, the kind of man we desperately need more of in this world, and sadly we had one less of when he left it.
I really appreciate the meticulous nature of this work, going into almost every single song, into such depth of Tom's history, the band's history, the music industry itself. And having it written out in interview format was excellent because it really made it feel like Tom was recounting all of this stuff to the reader directly. I could hear his words in his voice, that voice we know so well, hear his laughter and picture his half-grin. And it just took the whole experience to another level.
If you are a fan, I highly recommend this. It's the closest you'll come to having met the man himself. I'll never stop being heartsick that Tom is gone, but damn am I ever grateful that we got to share this Earth with him as long as we did, and that he left us with more joy and wisdom and beauty than anyone else could ever hope to.
Love you miss you Tom.
It's been seven years since we lost Tom, and I am still not nor will I ever be "over it" in any meaningful sense. TPHB are tied for my favorite band (with Depeche Mode, because I contain multitudes, at least when it comes to music...my Apple Music library looks like it's shared by half a dozen people). Their music has meant so much to me, since I was a little girl. Thankfully, being raised by hippies meant always having great music playing in the house, and my folks were fans of the guys from early on. And then I recall when I first saw Tom on TV in a video and my lifelong crush developed instantaneously. He was brilliant, he was talented, he was funny, he was kind, he was cute...I was gone and have remained so, LOL. But in all honesty, I could have never seen his face or heard a word from him outside of his music and he still would have meant the world to me, because those songs felt to me, as I'm sure they did to millions of others, as though they were speaking directly to me. He and I were from very different worlds and backgrounds -- him a straight Southern Christian boy, me a queer Jewish girl from the Bay Area -- but part of the finesse of his songwriting was that the lyrics could be both personal to him and to everyone in the audience at the same time.
And the fact that he was absurdly good right out the gate (for fuck's sake, Breakdown and American Girl were on their debut album) and just kept getting better and better, kept amazing us with how much he still had in the tank, kept growing and maturing and changing while still always and forever being so very much himself...it's truly unique. Most songwriters and bands that last as long as they did at some point end up largely resting on their laurels, putting out good but not wholly memorable new music, not seeming to see a need to try as hard now as they did decades ago. That was never the case for Tom and the guys, and that's proven by the fact that their final album, Hypnotic Eye, is absolutely some of their best work. And that's also why it broke my heart even harder when he died, because I am positive he still had so much genius to share with the world.
This book was a treasure to read, to learn so much about the intimate details of his childhood, his first steps into the music business, his writing process, his struggles and fears and his achievements and joys. I've read a thousand or more interviews with him, seen plenty of late night TV appearances and documentaries, but still there was so much in this book that was new and enlightening and wonderful. Even the parts that were difficult -- particularly the chapter about Howie Epstein dying -- were also a gift because Tom's big heart and boundless love for his friend was on full display, and it confirmed all over again that unlike so many male rock stars, he was truly a good and decent man, the kind of man we desperately need more of in this world, and sadly we had one less of when he left it.
I really appreciate the meticulous nature of this work, going into almost every single song, into such depth of Tom's history, the band's history, the music industry itself. And having it written out in interview format was excellent because it really made it feel like Tom was recounting all of this stuff to the reader directly. I could hear his words in his voice, that voice we know so well, hear his laughter and picture his half-grin. And it just took the whole experience to another level.
If you are a fan, I highly recommend this. It's the closest you'll come to having met the man himself. I'll never stop being heartsick that Tom is gone, but damn am I ever grateful that we got to share this Earth with him as long as we did, and that he left us with more joy and wisdom and beauty than anyone else could ever hope to.
Love you miss you Tom.
November 26, 2021
This book was such a beautiful tastament to Tom’s music. I would recommend it to any fan, but just remember to keep those tissues close, because you will without a doubt shed a few tears.
August 19, 2023
This book was a lot of fun and informational. The question/answer format makes it easy to read. Also, I miss Tom Petty.
January 3, 2025
Great read especially if you’re a huge music lover. RIP
February 3, 2023
Skipped a few parts at the end. Overall great read.
January 29, 2022
Written in interview form, true fans will enjoy this in depth look at Tom and his music. The reader get a sense of what a down to earth individual he was and of course, a talented musician. I recommend this book for fans who want a deep dive into his music, methods and musings.
January 1, 2023
Fantastic read. You can almost hear Tom's voice.
July 3, 2022
Conversations with Tom Petty, Expanded Edition by Paul Zollo
emotional, funny, hopeful, informative, inspiring, reflective, relaxing, sad
medium-paced
5.0 Stars
I've been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from the first time I heard one of their songs, but I was never obsessed. I don't know why, for almost every song that I heard from them, I've loved.
While reading this book, I would set it aside, pull up Pandora and listen to an album. What an amazing way of reading a book.
It was like a Rock history lesson. So many great songs, and the influences that made up each song/album.
Then, when the book goes record by record...what an amazing trip. Getting to read what Tom was thinking about, who the songs were with (who played what) and how it effected them as artists and a band (family).
It was hard to hear of the tough times, too. Losing of band members and then ultimately, losing Tom Petty, himself.
For me, they've always been around. Now, I am becoming an even more fervent fan of the band. They did so much. Hit, after hit after hit...and those weren't always the best songs. There are albums that have so many hidden gems in them.
I encourage you (the reader of this review) to pick up this book and read it...with the intention of also stopping from time to time to listen to a song (or hell...as whole album). This is the real experience of this book.
Tom Petty was a songwriter and a great musician...who just loved to play. Blue collar worker of music.
We love ya, Tom...but thanks for all the great music that you've left us with. You will not be forgotten.
emotional, funny, hopeful, informative, inspiring, reflective, relaxing, sad
medium-paced
5.0 Stars
I've been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from the first time I heard one of their songs, but I was never obsessed. I don't know why, for almost every song that I heard from them, I've loved.
While reading this book, I would set it aside, pull up Pandora and listen to an album. What an amazing way of reading a book.
It was like a Rock history lesson. So many great songs, and the influences that made up each song/album.
Then, when the book goes record by record...what an amazing trip. Getting to read what Tom was thinking about, who the songs were with (who played what) and how it effected them as artists and a band (family).
It was hard to hear of the tough times, too. Losing of band members and then ultimately, losing Tom Petty, himself.
For me, they've always been around. Now, I am becoming an even more fervent fan of the band. They did so much. Hit, after hit after hit...and those weren't always the best songs. There are albums that have so many hidden gems in them.
I encourage you (the reader of this review) to pick up this book and read it...with the intention of also stopping from time to time to listen to a song (or hell...as whole album). This is the real experience of this book.
Tom Petty was a songwriter and a great musician...who just loved to play. Blue collar worker of music.
We love ya, Tom...but thanks for all the great music that you've left us with. You will not be forgotten.
May 6, 2021
At one point in Conversations with Tom Petty, quoted in one of his new introductions to this expanded 2020 edition, author Paul Zollo asks Tom if he was able to appreciate how much his songs meant to so many people. The reply, after a pause: "I hope so. I remember how much it meant to me" (pg. xxxii). This is one of the book's many great examples of Tom Petty's essence: humble, thoughtful, perceptive, non-reactionary, original, soulful. He remembered how important good rock and roll music was to him as a kid, listening to Elvis and the Beatles, and he remembered how sustaining his own creative endeavours were when he was writing them.
Petty, while not a notable raconteur, is nevertheless eloquent, incisive and entirely gripping when being interviewed by Zollo here, for precisely these reasons. He lived a unique life in rock and roll, that encompassed everything good about it – even some heights, like the sustained songwriting ability and the Wilburys adventure, that many others could never even reach – and that also navigated the lows of that lifestyle with grace. I have tried elsewhere (in my review of Warren Zanes' biography Petty, also on this website) to summarize the enormity of Petty's achievement in music, but Zollo frames it concisely in his own book:
"He gave us way more than anyone has any right to expect. Had he written only one song at the level of 'Free Fallin'' or 'Insider' or 'Southern Accents', he'd be an artist we'd revere forever. But he did so much more. He devoted nearly forty solid years to writing and recording the purest, truest rock and roll he could coax out of his soul. And not once did he let us down." (pg. 428)
Petty's is one hell of an achievement. It is a near-unique combination of genius songwriting ability and a highly-skilled band of musicians who are also lifelong friends; as Zollo notes, "even Dylan rarely had a band of this greatness" (pg. 399) and never for very long. Only the Beatles had that same synergy of songwriting ability and personal intimacy between musicians, and even then it was only for seven years compared to the Heartbreakers' more than forty. Any time you listen to Petty's music, or read about him, or watch a documentary, you start off being entertained and, while still being entertained, you end up fascinated. Consequently, when he speaks about it all, openly, you listen.
I first read this book about twelve years ago, and had been meaning to return to it even before they announced a new expanded edition. I was worried it wouldn't hold up, or, more accurately, that it wouldn't hold my interest; I know all the stories behind the songs by now, all the anecdotes. I listen to the songs nearly every day, had recently watched the Runnin' Down a Dream documentary yet again, and it hadn't been that long since I'd read Warren Zanes' afore-mentioned biography. I was worried the book would, because of Tom's sudden, tragic death, now read like it was under a dark cloud – what Zollo, in his new introduction, calls "the risk of starting this whole show in a minor key" (pg. xvii). I was worried I would be worn out.
Not a bit of it. The book quickly settles into a warm – and, to me, familiar – groove; Petty and Zollo talking freely and at length during "a year of Saturdays" (pg. 418) about life, family, music and songwriting craft. Every time I put the book down I wanted to pick it up again, every page I read I wanted to slow down and savour it, every anecdote I stopped and brought the memory of the song being discussed into my head. And every so often I would realise I had a big healthy smile on my face just from reading it. Like everything else Petty-related, it feels essential, and yet without any sort of obligation. Slow, fast, high, low – whatever it is, you just enjoy the experience.
This, of course, was also true in the original 2005 edition, so it is worth taking a moment to consider what the 2020 version adds. At first glance, nothing essential, though certainly interesting: a new interview with Tom's widow Dana, as well as new introductions, articles and retrospectives, which, whilst quoting liberally from the main text, go some way in processing Tom's death. The layout of the book is much better than the original, though it should also be said there are more than a few typos and proofing errors in the new stuff. (It would be harsh to criticise typos, but the errors include once referring to the Hypnotic Eye album as Hurricane Eye (pg. xxxiii), to Howie Epstein as a founding member of the band (pg. 341), and to Tom's cameo in Waterworld (pg. 426 – he was actually in The Postman).) A review of Hypnotic Eye offers us Zollo's opinions on the songs, but crucially, it is Petty's thoughts we thirst for. There is, however, a serendipitous first-hand review of the Heartbreakers' final concert – with Tom at the top of his game – which is to be cherished.
It is this concert review, written by Zollo and rightly in awe of Petty's presence, that gives us a line which should perhaps form our final image of the man. Tom, basking in the music and the crowd and the virtuosity of his band-members, is comfortable, "always smiling, and never trying to dazzle as much as add more musical kindling to this great blazing rock and roll fire" (pg. 398). We know, now, that Tom was in great physical pain at this time, which contributed to his death just a week later, and yet we can also believe that he was happy, exultant, in his element. The man believed in the redemptive power of music and was undeniably authentic in all he did. The pain could well have melted away in that rock and roll fire. If he looked good on that last night, then he was good.
This, above all, is the key to understanding Tom Petty, whether in Zollo's book or Zanes' book or in Wildflowers or Damn the Torpedoes: his authenticity. "If it all ends tomorrow, I'm fine," Tom says here, on page 321, when talking about the decline of the music industry. "But I just think it's sad that there's such a wonderful thing there, this music thing, and integrity in music and in art should be respected." A fine sentiment, and a lasting message; but the astonishing thing is that, at the highest level, this man lived so resolutely to that creed.
Petty, while not a notable raconteur, is nevertheless eloquent, incisive and entirely gripping when being interviewed by Zollo here, for precisely these reasons. He lived a unique life in rock and roll, that encompassed everything good about it – even some heights, like the sustained songwriting ability and the Wilburys adventure, that many others could never even reach – and that also navigated the lows of that lifestyle with grace. I have tried elsewhere (in my review of Warren Zanes' biography Petty, also on this website) to summarize the enormity of Petty's achievement in music, but Zollo frames it concisely in his own book:
"He gave us way more than anyone has any right to expect. Had he written only one song at the level of 'Free Fallin'' or 'Insider' or 'Southern Accents', he'd be an artist we'd revere forever. But he did so much more. He devoted nearly forty solid years to writing and recording the purest, truest rock and roll he could coax out of his soul. And not once did he let us down." (pg. 428)
Petty's is one hell of an achievement. It is a near-unique combination of genius songwriting ability and a highly-skilled band of musicians who are also lifelong friends; as Zollo notes, "even Dylan rarely had a band of this greatness" (pg. 399) and never for very long. Only the Beatles had that same synergy of songwriting ability and personal intimacy between musicians, and even then it was only for seven years compared to the Heartbreakers' more than forty. Any time you listen to Petty's music, or read about him, or watch a documentary, you start off being entertained and, while still being entertained, you end up fascinated. Consequently, when he speaks about it all, openly, you listen.
I first read this book about twelve years ago, and had been meaning to return to it even before they announced a new expanded edition. I was worried it wouldn't hold up, or, more accurately, that it wouldn't hold my interest; I know all the stories behind the songs by now, all the anecdotes. I listen to the songs nearly every day, had recently watched the Runnin' Down a Dream documentary yet again, and it hadn't been that long since I'd read Warren Zanes' afore-mentioned biography. I was worried the book would, because of Tom's sudden, tragic death, now read like it was under a dark cloud – what Zollo, in his new introduction, calls "the risk of starting this whole show in a minor key" (pg. xvii). I was worried I would be worn out.
Not a bit of it. The book quickly settles into a warm – and, to me, familiar – groove; Petty and Zollo talking freely and at length during "a year of Saturdays" (pg. 418) about life, family, music and songwriting craft. Every time I put the book down I wanted to pick it up again, every page I read I wanted to slow down and savour it, every anecdote I stopped and brought the memory of the song being discussed into my head. And every so often I would realise I had a big healthy smile on my face just from reading it. Like everything else Petty-related, it feels essential, and yet without any sort of obligation. Slow, fast, high, low – whatever it is, you just enjoy the experience.
This, of course, was also true in the original 2005 edition, so it is worth taking a moment to consider what the 2020 version adds. At first glance, nothing essential, though certainly interesting: a new interview with Tom's widow Dana, as well as new introductions, articles and retrospectives, which, whilst quoting liberally from the main text, go some way in processing Tom's death. The layout of the book is much better than the original, though it should also be said there are more than a few typos and proofing errors in the new stuff. (It would be harsh to criticise typos, but the errors include once referring to the Hypnotic Eye album as Hurricane Eye (pg. xxxiii), to Howie Epstein as a founding member of the band (pg. 341), and to Tom's cameo in Waterworld (pg. 426 – he was actually in The Postman).) A review of Hypnotic Eye offers us Zollo's opinions on the songs, but crucially, it is Petty's thoughts we thirst for. There is, however, a serendipitous first-hand review of the Heartbreakers' final concert – with Tom at the top of his game – which is to be cherished.
It is this concert review, written by Zollo and rightly in awe of Petty's presence, that gives us a line which should perhaps form our final image of the man. Tom, basking in the music and the crowd and the virtuosity of his band-members, is comfortable, "always smiling, and never trying to dazzle as much as add more musical kindling to this great blazing rock and roll fire" (pg. 398). We know, now, that Tom was in great physical pain at this time, which contributed to his death just a week later, and yet we can also believe that he was happy, exultant, in his element. The man believed in the redemptive power of music and was undeniably authentic in all he did. The pain could well have melted away in that rock and roll fire. If he looked good on that last night, then he was good.
This, above all, is the key to understanding Tom Petty, whether in Zollo's book or Zanes' book or in Wildflowers or Damn the Torpedoes: his authenticity. "If it all ends tomorrow, I'm fine," Tom says here, on page 321, when talking about the decline of the music industry. "But I just think it's sad that there's such a wonderful thing there, this music thing, and integrity in music and in art should be respected." A fine sentiment, and a lasting message; but the astonishing thing is that, at the highest level, this man lived so resolutely to that creed.
November 10, 2022
Conversations with Tom Petty soars when it delivers just that: conversations with Tom that feel thoughtful and genuine. Paul Zollo's decision to organize the book, separating Tom's life and songwriting feels unnecessary. Similarly, much of Zollo's final section - added in this expanded edition - feels like he is repeating himself while also pulling the same quotes from his interviews with Tom.
On a curious note, while hearing from Tom directly stands as something special, these interviews were conducted largely in the early 2000's, long before Warren Zane conducted his interviews that would act as the foundation for his book, "Petty: The Biography". Zane's study of Tom feels far more real, reaching into Tom's struggles with mental health and addiction, painting a very different and revealing portrait of the songwriter, whereas Zollo's Tom seems much happier. I am not sure if this is a matter of Zollo's gushing tone, or Tom's choice to present his life in a simpler, less vulnerable manner, or a combination of both. Either way, this should not take away from Conversations with Tom Petty, but it is something to keep in mind.
On a curious note, while hearing from Tom directly stands as something special, these interviews were conducted largely in the early 2000's, long before Warren Zane conducted his interviews that would act as the foundation for his book, "Petty: The Biography". Zane's study of Tom feels far more real, reaching into Tom's struggles with mental health and addiction, painting a very different and revealing portrait of the songwriter, whereas Zollo's Tom seems much happier. I am not sure if this is a matter of Zollo's gushing tone, or Tom's choice to present his life in a simpler, less vulnerable manner, or a combination of both. Either way, this should not take away from Conversations with Tom Petty, but it is something to keep in mind.
March 30, 2017
This is one of the best rock and roll biographies out there. The unique format of having the rock star give candid interviews for the entire chronological story of his life is exceptional. And Tom Petty seems to really enjoy reminiscing about his childhood, his early years as a musician in Florida and his seemingly overnight stardom with The Heartbreakers. I truly loved the section about his friendship and collaborations with George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Their output together is extraordinary. My only criticism would be the seemingly laid back commentary by Petty on the death of his longtime bandmate, Howie Epstein. It sounds like Petty is remorseful, but certainly elusive in sharing his honest feelings for not doing more to help this talented man during a prolonged addiction. That aside, this is an insightful read on the life and career of one of our great rock musicians.
December 5, 2017
A little break from plowing through all of these YA novels for some inspiration with Tom Petty.
Very well done, using interviews with Tom to piece together his life story in his own words. While I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book which chronologically followed his life, the true treasure for me was the last third where they dissecting songwriting and the process of creating an album.
As someone who writes and performs and dissects music constantly, these interviews were fascinating. Comments about his process, how he tries to be an antennae to anything that may turn into a line in a song, etc. It all resonated profoundly and inspired me to begin writing again.
Fantastic. Even sadder that he's gone.
Very well done, using interviews with Tom to piece together his life story in his own words. While I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book which chronologically followed his life, the true treasure for me was the last third where they dissecting songwriting and the process of creating an album.
As someone who writes and performs and dissects music constantly, these interviews were fascinating. Comments about his process, how he tries to be an antennae to anything that may turn into a line in a song, etc. It all resonated profoundly and inspired me to begin writing again.
Fantastic. Even sadder that he's gone.
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