Gibson announced a limited-edition Tom Petty Flying V collection on Oct. 20, which would have been Petty’s 76th birthday, to mark 50 years of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Only 250 guitars were made, and as of Oct. 21, most styles had already sold out, according to Consequence.
Gibson paired the guitars with a companion apparel line, and both are sold through Gibson.com.
What Gibson Announced
The guitar takes its cue from the Heartbreakers’ heart-and-Flying V logo, which dates back to the band’s self-titled 1976 debut album. Consequence notes the debut’s cover shows a Flying V piercing a heart, and Gibson built the 50th anniversary edition around that same imagery.
The run is split evenly across five finishes, with 50 guitars in each: Gainesville Gold, Graphite Metallic, Heartbreaker Red, Pearl White Metallic and Pelham Blue.
Adria Petty, Tom Petty’s daughter, spoke to the significance of the release. “The Heartbreakers logo has been part of the band’s identity since the first album, so seeing Gibson reinterpret it through the Flying V 50th anniversary edition feels overdue as they have been part of the story since the beginning,” she said in a statement. “The V was an essential part of the imagery onstage for my dad as well as the band rose to fame in the 1970’s. The collection honors Tom and the Heartbreakers’ history while giving musicians and fans a new way to carry that spirit forward.”
What It Means for Fans
Beyond the guitars, Gibson rolled out an anniversary apparel collection that includes T-shirts, a leather jacket, hats and belts. For fans who missed out on one of the 250 guitars, the clothing line offers another way to celebrate the milestone.
With most Flying V styles already sold out, collectors and Heartbreakers fans hoping to land one of the remaining guitars likely won’t have long to decide.
Background
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their debut album on Nov. 9, 1976, which means the record itself turns 50 next month. According to Adria Petty, the Flying V was a key part of the band’s onstage image as they rose to fame in the 1970s.
What’s Next
The guitars and apparel are available on Gibson’s website, though most guitar styles have sold out.
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