The Crew Member Who Said Petty Always Carried A Notepad With “Song Thoughts” — Never Once Used His Phone

April 1, 2025

On a sun-drenched afternoon, the buzzing atmosphere of the studio enveloped us as we prepped for another long recording session. Among the crew, there was a guy named Petty. He wasn’t just another musician; he was a force of nature. I remember the first time I met him, how he walked in with his worn-out jeans and a smile that could light up the darkest of days. What stood out the most was the notepad he carried everywhere. It was filled with scribbles, melodies, and what he called “song thoughts.” Never once did I see him reach for a phone, despite everyone else scrolling through their screens. To Petty, those little pages were more than just notes; they were fragments of his soul.

In that notepad, Petty poured his heart out. Each page felt like a window into his mind, revealing glimpses of what inspired him—love, loss, adventure, and hope. He would often share snippets with the crew, his voice igniting the room with energy. One day, he decided to share a song he had been working on about the struggles he faced as an artist. The song spoke of rejection and doubt, but also of resilience. As he strummed his guitar, his eyes sparkled with passion, and I could tell he was inviting us to join him on this emotional journey.

That evening, something magical happened. Petty’s heartfelt performance not only resonated with us but also rekindled that spark of inspiration within each of us. He reminded us why we loved music in the first place—its ability to connect, to heal, and to inspire. A few weeks later, that very song was recorded and became one of his most popular tracks. It climbed the charts and brought him acclaim, but the most rewarding part for him was when fans began telling him how his music had helped them through tough times. To know that his words had made a difference was a kind of joy no awards could ever bring.

As the months rolled by, Petty’s career flourished, but he remained grounded. He continued to write in his notepad, occasionally sharing pages with me, allowing me a glimpse into his creative process. I watched him face challenges with unwavering determination. Whether it was overcoming stage fright or confronting critics, he never wavered. If anything, he used those experiences as fuel for his music. His resilience became a source of inspiration not just for fans, but for all of us who worked with him.

One night, after a particularly grueling show, Petty gathered the crew and shared his thoughts—something he often did to keep our spirits high. “Never stop writing, never stop dreaming,” he said, his voice steady amidst the glow of the backstage lights. “Sometimes, the world will try to silence you, but don’t let it.” In that moment, I realized how much his notepad symbolized more than just his musical talent. It was a testament to his belief in the power of words, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the freedom that comes with expressing one’s passions.

So, when I look back at those days in the studio with Petty, I don’t just remember the music. I remember the lessons he taught all of us about perseverance and the beauty of creativity. The notepad was more than a collection of thoughts—it was the heartbeat of a songwriter who let his experiences shape his art. As I think about the impact he made, I am reminded that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way to transform struggles into something beautiful. And that’s what truly makes an artist.