Tom Petersson's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Tom Petersson is an American musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Cheap Trick. Born on May 9, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois, Petersson has been a key figure in the music industry for over four decades. His innovative bass playing style and contributions to the development of the 12-string bass guitar have solidified his status as a pioneer in the world of rock music.

Petersson's love for music began at a young age, and he started playing the guitar in his early teens. He was influenced by bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and it was during this time that he discovered his passion for rock and roll. In the late 1960s, Petersson formed a band called The Grim Reapers, which eventually evolved into Cheap Trick.

In 1973, Petersson, along with guitarist Rick Nielsen and drummer Bun E. Carlos, formed the band that would become Cheap Trick. With the addition of vocalist Robin Zander in 1974, the lineup was complete, and the band began to make a name for themselves in the local music scene. Known for their high-energy live performances and catchy, melodic rock songs, Cheap Trick quickly gained a loyal following and signed a record deal with Epic Records in 1976.

The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1977 and featured the hit single "I Want You to Want Me," which propelled them to national and international fame. The album's success was followed by a string of hit albums and singles throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, including "Surrender," "Dream Police," and "The Flame." With Petersson's distinctive bass playing and the band's signature blend of power pop, hard rock, and punk influences, Cheap Trick became one of the most influential and enduring rock bands of their era.

Throughout his career, Petersson has been known for his versatile and inventive approach to playing the bass guitar. He is credited with popularizing the use of the 12-string bass, a unique instrument that he helped develop in collaboration with Hamer Guitars. This innovative design, featuring double courses of strings tuned in octaves, has become a trademark of Petersson's sound and has been used on many of Cheap Trick's most iconic songs.

In addition to his work with Cheap Trick, Petersson has also pursued various solo and side projects. He released a solo album, "Tom Petersson & Another Language," in 1984, which showcased his songwriting and vocal abilities in addition to his bass skills. He has also collaborated with other musicians and bands, contributing his talents to recordings and live performances across a wide range of genres. Petersson's continued dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore new musical avenues have kept him at the forefront of the rock music scene.

Petersson's influence extends beyond his musical contributions, as he has also been a staunch advocate for artists' rights and fair treatment within the music industry. He has been vocal about the importance of artistic integrity and the need for musicians to have control over their work and their livelihoods. His commitment to supporting emerging artists and promoting the value of creativity and individual expression has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.

In 2016, Cheap Trick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that recognized their significant impact on the world of rock music. Petersson's unwavering dedication to his craft and his pioneering spirit have helped shape the sound and the spirit of rock and roll, and his legacy as a musician and advocate for artistic integrity is truly remarkable. As Cheap Trick continues to tour and record new music, Tom Petersson remains an essential force in the world of rock music, inspiring new generations of musicians and music lovers with his passion and talent.