Tom Petty

Full Moon Fever

First released1989

Full Moon Fever, released in 1989, was Tom Petty's debut solo album recorded primarily at Petty's home studio in Los Angeles and at Capitol Studios. The album was produced by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, the Electric Light Orchestra mastermind, whose collaboration brought a more polished and layered production style compared to Petty's work with The Heartbreakers. The recording featured contributions from Petty's Heartbreakers bandmates Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench alongside other musicians, and utilized both analog and digital recording techniques that were contemporary for the late 1980s. Lynne's production approach emphasized synthesizers and overdubbing, creating a notably different sonic texture from Petty's typical rock sound. The album became commercially successful and marked a significant moment in Petty's career, achieving multi-platinum status and establishing him as a viable solo artist separate from his band identity.