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Tom Petty's 'Full Moon Fever' Defied the Odds to Become a Pop Sensation
20 Oct
Summary
- Petty's label initially rejected his solo album 'Full Moon Fever'
- The Heartbreakers were divided over the album's mellow direction
- 'Full Moon Fever' became one of the defining rock albums of the 1980s
As of October 2025, it has been over 35 years since Tom Petty released his landmark solo album 'Full Moon Fever.' The record, which came out in 1989, was a departure from Petty's work with his band The Heartbreakers, and it initially faced skepticism from his record label.
Petty had a tumultuous relationship with his label, MCA Records, dating back to the start of his career. However, his confidence in 'Full Moon Fever' never wavered, even when the label initially rejected the album, thinking it was too mellow to appeal to the public. Petty held firm, and after a change in the label's top regime, they eventually embraced the record, which went on to become a massive hit.
The album's success was not without its challenges, though. Some of Petty's Heartbreakers bandmates were not impressed with the new direction, with bassist Howie Epstein and drummer Stan Lynch both turning down opportunities to contribute. But Petty's vision prevailed, and 'Full Moon Fever' is now considered one of the defining rock albums of the 1980s, cementing his status as a pop icon.
