Making an album is never easy, even when you’re Tom Petty. Every musician in a band has their own ideas, their own tastes, and their own opinions. But usually, when Petty walked into the studio, everyone trusted his vision. He was the kind of artist who almost always knew what he wanted.
Still, even the best artists have moments when things don’t go smoothly — and one of those moments happened during the making of the song “Travelin’.”
A Busy Time for Everyone
In the late 1980s, the Heartbreakers were taking a short break. Petty was busy working on his hit solo album Full Moon Fever and recording with the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. But even with everything going on, he didn’t stop writing new songs. Creating music came naturally to him.
The rest of the band was staying active too. Bassist Howie Epstein was working on a John Prine album, and Benmont Tench was doing sessions for artists like Don Henley. So when it was time to come together for Into the Great Wide Open, everyone was ready — or so they thought.
“Travelin’” Was Supposed to Be Easy
The song “Travelin’” should have been simple. Petty had written many rockabilly-style songs before, and the band usually enjoyed playing that upbeat style. But this time, something felt off.
When Petty brought “Travelin’” to the band, he expected things to click — but instead, the Heartbreakers hated it. Not just a little. They really disliked it. Petty later said they “hated it, hated it, hated it.”
The reaction was so strong that the band basically walked away from the session. They didn’t fight or argue. They just said, “Forget it. We’ll try again someday.”
Tension Behind the Scenes
Part of the problem came from the timing. Petty was recording with the Wilburys at the same time, and that created some jealousy. After all, not many musicians get to work with people like Bob Dylan and George Harrison. The Heartbreakers didn’t exactly enjoy feeling like the “other” project.
On top of that, Jeff Lynne — the producer behind Full Moon Fever — was also involved in Into the Great Wide Open. While Petty loved working with him, the band didn’t always feel the same way. Lynne liked to build songs piece by piece in the studio, instead of letting the band play live together. This made some members feel pushed aside.
Drummer Stan Lynch especially struggled during this era. He later said he felt like he was only brought in to “do your part and leave,” which made the whole process less creative for him.
A Turning Point for the Band
Looking back, “Travelin’” wasn’t just another song. It was a sign that things were changing. Petty was growing as a songwriter and experimenting with new sounds, while the Heartbreakers were used to a more traditional band approach.
In some ways, “Travelin’” represents the last moment of the old Heartbreakers style before Petty moved on to a more polished, studio-driven sound — the sound that would define albums like Wildflowers.
In the End
Even great bands face disagreements. Even great artists hit rough patches. But those moments often lead to growth, new ideas, and new directions.
“Travelin’” may not have started well, but the story behind it shows just how passionate and honest Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were — and that’s exactly why their music still matters today.