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United States Tom Petersson is recognized as a pioneering bassist, co-founding the legendary rock band Cheap Trick and developing the distinctive 12-string bass guitar, influencing generations of musicians and collaborating with diverse brands to promote his unique sound and instruments.
Petersson collaborated with Hamer Guitars to conceive and develop the 12-string bass guitar, an instrument that became a signature of his playing style and a cornerstone of Cheap Trick's sound.
Waterstone Musical Instruments introduced a new 12-string bass designed in collaboration with Tom Petersson, offering a signature model to the market.
Tom Petersson visited the Orange showroom in Nashville to discuss bass, Orange products, and his appreciation for their AD200 amplifier.
Petersson currently endorses and plays Gretsch basses, including his distinctive Falcon signature 12-string bass models, which have become production models for the company.
Tom Petersson has endorsed Chandler bass brands during his professional career.
Tom Petersson has endorsed Electrical Guitar Company bass brands during his professional career.
Tom Petersson has endorsed Hofner bass brands during his professional career.
Tom Petersson has endorsed Mike Lull bass brands during his professional career.
Thomas John Petersson, born on May 9, 1950, cemented his place in rock history as the bass guitarist for Cheap Trick. His early career saw him playing in several bands, including the Bol Weevils, the Grim Reapers, and Sick Man of Europe, before co-founding Cheap Trick in 1974 with Rick Nielsen. Petersson initially began his musical journey playing electric guitar but transitioned to bass, a decision that would lead to significant innovation in the instrument’s design and sound. His professional path has been closely linked with Nielsen since their time together in the Grim Reapers in 1967.
During Cheap Trick’s formative years, Petersson conceptualized and, in collaboration with luthiers at Hamer Guitars, developed the 12-string bass guitar. This instrument became a signature element of his playing style and a cornerstone of Cheap Trick’s sound, establishing him as an innovator in the music industry. He briefly departed from Cheap Trick in August 1980, releasing the six-song EP “Tom Peterson and Another Language” in 1984, and touring with Carmine Appice in 1982. He also rejoined a reformed version of Sick Man of Europe between 1985 and 1987. Petersson returned to Cheap Trick in 1987 and has remained an integral part of the band ever since.
Beyond Cheap Trick, Petersson has contributed to various musical projects and collaborated with notable artists such as Donovan, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Harry Nilsson, and Frank Black. He also appeared in The Ramones’ 1986 music video “Something to Believe In”. In 2014, he and his wife, Alison, established Rock Your Speech, an initiative focused on promoting awareness of autism spectrum disorder and utilizing music therapy to assist children with speech difficulties. Petersson is also a dedicated guitar collector and has officially endorsed several bass brands throughout his career, including Hamer, Chandler, Waterstone, Electrical Guitar Company, Hofner, Mike Lull, and currently plays Gretsch basses, including custom signature models.
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