For nearly two decades, Stan Lynch helped shape the sound and spirit of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, anchoring one of rock’s most enduring catalogs with drum parts defined by feel, restraint and unmistakable identity. A founding member of the band and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Lynch stepped away from the spotlight for many years before returning to music and live performance on his own terms, most recently with his new band, The Speaker Wars. In this exclusive interview, we sat down with Stan to reflect on his time with the Heartbreakers, his journey away from and back to drumming, and the how he found a new home behind a Dixon kit.
As a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee alongside Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - and as a founding member who spent eighteen years shaping countless hits with some of rock’s most iconic drum parts – how do you reflect on that chapter of your life today?
I rarely do much reflection these days. I’ve found that looking in my rear view has a tendency to waste time and bring on a bit of sadness. My time with The Heartbreakers was long ago and very rich and complex. The experiences were peak. I was young, basically a teenager when we formed the band. I was feral, far from a complete person. Much of that time is wild and fuzzy now. I am and will always be grateful for the music we made. We played well together and the work holds up. The rush of joy from the audience is the best drug I ever took and the best high I ever got.
Are there any particular songs or parts that stand out as favorites across your body of work?
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with the best of the best and they’ve taught me well. Each artist I’ve known is unique. I’ve never had to settle for anything and my mentors have pushed me hard to root out the best in every piece of the musical puzzle. I’m proud of my work with The Heartbreakers, Don Henley, Dylan, Danny Kortchmar, Toto and Steve Lukather. Every co-writer has been a teacher.
You stepped away from drumming for quite some time. Can you share what led to that decision and what ultimately drew you back?
I was turning 40, left the band, left LA and moved back to Florida. I wasn’t going to find another band to play drums with and I’d been having success as a writer and producer. It was time to put everything into my second act. I was working with the greatest drummers in the world as a producer. I didn’t have time to play drums; I was too busy. When Mike Campbell asked me to play some live dates, I got back behind the kit.
What have you been working on lately? What has this new chapter been like for you?
I love making music – always have since I was 10 years old. Nothing’s changed except what I see in the mirror. I’ve got a new band called The Speaker Wars. It’s a lot of fun playing in a band again. The guys are cool. We keep each other entertained. I hope to keep playing the drums, writing and recording till I draw my last. It’s all I’ve ever done and all I know. It’s my life.
With the freedom to play virtually any drum brand, you’ve chosen Dixon Drums. What is it about Dixon that resonates with you?
My best friends are musicians. Many play drums. It’s a sweet fraternity of caring, intelligent and disciplined cats. Gregg Bissonette and I have been pals for decades and he’s been supportive since the day we met. I grew up playing Ludwig drums and owned a Gretsch kit when I came to LA. Those kits got traded off to buy the Tama kit I recorded with for years. When Mike asked me to play, I asked around as to who makes the best sounding drums. Gregg showed me his Dixon kit and I was gobsmacked at how well-made the drums were and how true they sang. He graciously connected me with Dixon and designed a kit to his specs for me. It’s without a doubt the best sounding drum set I’ve ever owned. Easy to tune, a breeze to record and a joy to play live. Great people, great drums.
