Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Celebrate 30 Years

Thirty years, 12 albums, 16 Grammy nominations and an induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after the release of their self-titled debut, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are still going strong. The band is touring America, playing several sold-out shows, including the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn. last Friday.

In recognition of the anniversary, Peter Bogdanovich, who was nominated for a Best Director Oscar for 1971’s The Last Picture Show, will take the helm of a new film documenting the band’s long career.

Petty’s current projects don’t end with the Heartbreakers. The rocker recently inked a contract with American Recordings, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Records founded by producer Rick Rubin. Petty is due to put out his third solo release, Highway Companion, on July 25 on his new label. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne — who also produced 1989’s Full Moon Fever and 1991’s Into The Great Wide Open — along with Mike Campbell, who plays guitar in Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and Petty himself.

In addition to recording and performing, Petty has also been trying his hand at radio DJing. The second season of “Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure” airs on XM Satellite Radio on Mondays at 10 a.m., with repeat performances on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 a.m.

For more information on Highway Companion and tour dates, visit tompetty.com.

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