Breakdown - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (1976-77) 6/22/22

Tom Pettty and the Heartbreakers had already recorded and completed "Breakdown, "today's "Great Song of 1976-77," for their self-titled debut album.

It was all set to go...but then they played the track for Dwight Twilley who had a "Great Song of 1975" with "I'm On Fire." (We highlighted that song back on 10/8/21, and you can read about it here: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk/posts/425902688883184

Anyway, Dwight suggested that a guitar lick used at the end of "Breakdown" be used more often during the song. Tom agreed, and took the unprecedented step of calling The Heartbreakers back into the studio at 2am to regroup, rearrange and re-record the whole thing!

The redo was nearly 8 minutes long...but they whittled it down to 2:39, and when it was released as a single in late 1976-early 77, it became Tom & The Heartbreakers first hit, coming it at #40 on the Top 40...but more importantly: kicking of a "Great career full of "Great Songs! (Thanks, Dwight!)

From 1976: "Breakdown:"

Long version: