Tom Petty fans tell their stories on a new podcast
The magic of Tom Petty’s songwriting isn’t just in the songs themselves; it’s in the raw, honest truths they carry. And now, as the Tom Petty Estate celebrates a momentous milestone, a brand new audio experience is bringing that enduring influence into sharp focus. The multi-part series, One on One: The Official Tom Petty Podcast, is launching today with a cast of incredible musicians and fans, including the Killers frontman, Brandon Flowers.
Hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Matt Everitt, this series is designed to delve deep into Petty’s journey, tracing his path from his earliest musical explorations to the monumental legacy of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Each episode invites a notable guest to share the one song from Petty’s catalog that holds the most personal meaning for them, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the emotional core of his work.
The conversations are rich with insight. While Brandon Flowers reflects on Petty’s masterful use of simplicity—how much meaning he manages to pack into so few words—others connect the music to their own lived experiences. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk spoke about how Petty drew on real pain and genuine experience rather than relying on rock-star clichés, a sentiment echoed by artists like Brandi Carlile and Margo Price.
For many, Petty’s influence transcends music and becomes a guiding philosophy. Lucinda Williams and Kevin Morby spoke about his songwriting being so profoundly ingrained that it feels “in their bones,” demonstrating how deeply the work resonates with those who create and listen to it. The emotional connection is palpable, positioning Petty not just as a rock icon, but as a timeless voice for generations of musicians.
The series arrives at a particularly potent time, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This celebration is further amplified by the release of Origins 1971-1978, a comprehensive archival box set exploring the band’s formative years and diverse musical influences. This context adds another layer of depth to the unfolding narrative of Petty’s enduring impact.
Joining Flowers in these discussions are a constellation of talent, including Adam Granduciel of the War on Drugs, Dhani Harrison, Lucinda Williams, and Dhani Harrison. Original Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench also contributes his perspective, ensuring the series offers a holistic look at the band’s history and legacy.
This podcast, produced by the team behind music history series like those covering the Beatles and Pink Floyd, is more than a retrospective; it’s a living exploration of how a few perfectly crafted songs can continue to speak volumes across decades, reminding us that some music simply stays true, no matter the time that passes.
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