In 1992, Steve Ferrone joined Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers as their new drummer and kept that job for the next 25 years. He grew up in Brighton, England, and started drumming at a young age. By 12 he was playing professionally in 18 and over pubs. In his career, he has played with almost every famous musician and singer out there, and in every major venue in the world. Now, in addition to performing professionally, Steve is the host of “The New Guy Show” on Tom Petty radio. Even after 25 years of being part of the Heartbreakers, he was still known as the new guy.
• Learning how to play vs. learning how to be a professional.
• Starting to learn music late in life.
• You can’t go past your fundamentals.
• Wasn’t afraid to ask, “What is that?”
• Writing grooves out.
• Bette Midler/Chaka Khan/Local 802/Duran Duran
• He learned from giants – It elevated his playing.

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [10:17] Five favorite venues. [18:00] 12 years old, playing in pubs. [26:18] Teach you how to read music.