Tom Petty’s musical journey reflects a complex interplay of collaboration and individual vision, particularly evident in the creation of the song “Travelin.” This upbeat rock and roll number faced fierce resistance from his band, the Heartbreakers, which marked an unusual moment in their creative dynamic. While Petty often enjoyed creative autonomy during the recording of his albums, “Travelin” was met with disapproval from his bandmates, highlighting the challenging aspects of artistic collaboration.
Petty had been immersed in writing music even during the Heartbreakers’ hiatus in the late 1980s when he ventured into solo work with projects like Full Moon Fever and collaborated with The Traveling Wilburys. Despite the band’s busy lives—bassist Howie Epstein working with John Prine and pianist Benmont Tench participating in various sessions—Petty’s natural ability to create catchy tunes seemed a surer bet. However, the timing of “Travelin” proved to be less than ideal.
Reflecting on this phase, Petty described how the band reacted strongly against “Travelin,” saying, “They hated it. They hated it, hated it, hated it.” This strong pushback led to an abrupt end to the session, as morale was notably low. Petty’s attempt to balance the demands of a supergroup and his original band resulted in significant friction, marking a rare instance in which the Heartbreakers openly disagreed with his artistic choices.
Compounding matters, producer Jeff Lynne’s influence did not sit well with the band, known for their preference for live recordings, as his method often involved piecing together tracks rather than capturing the raw energy of a live performance. Drummer Stan Lynch expressed his dissatisfaction with the recording process, feeling creatively constrained during this time.
Despite these challenges, the turmoil around “Travelin” ultimately signified a pivotal moment in Petty’s evolution as an artist. Following this turbulent period, his work on the album Wildflowers showcased a shift toward more experimental and raw sonic textures. Thus, while “Travelin” represents a point of contention, it also serves as a transitional piece, signaling the end of one creative era for Petty and the beginning of another that would explore more diverse musical landscapes. The retrospective view on “Travelin” underscores the complexities within artistic collaborations, where even disagreements can lead to new and inspiring directions in music.