As Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers celebrate 50 years since their debut, a new collection is looking into the years that made Tom Petty an artist, tracing his earliest recordings to the formation of the powerhouse band. Heartbreaks drummer Stan Lynch recently joined Remy Maxwell for an Audacy Check In to take a deep dive into the band’s history, and the emotional impact of Petty’s passing.
LISTEN NOW: Audacy Check In with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Stan Lynch
The comprehensive new box set, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Origins 1971–1978, is out November 6
Throughout the conversation, Lynch discusses his deep bonds with his former bandmates, describing keyboardist Benmont Tench as the original catalyst for bringing the musicians together. He details his personal journey within the group, acknowledging the conflict and drama that naturally occur in rock bands of this magnitude, while emphasizing the overwhelming sense of joy, love, and mutual respect that defined their work.
“The overarching experience for all of us, I believe, and I can certainly speak for myself, was tremendous joy and admiration and love, respect,” he reveals. “I mean, without those guys, for me, forget it, you know, I didn't even know where I'd be."
Lynch left the band in 1994, viewing it as the necessary end to one chapter that enabled a second career in songwriting and music production.
"Remember, the song is written at the microphone, not on the guitar,” admits Lynch. All that is contributing factors, but the rubber hits the road when the guy's lips open up and the microphone goes, there's your song."
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Origins 1971–1978, features unreleased tracks, remastered studio albums, and historic live television appearances. It’s available on November 6.
The comprehensive new box set, 'Origins 1971-1978,' out November 6
The comprehensive new box set, 'Origins 1971-1978,' out November 6
