Tom Petersson was born on September 5, 1950 in Rockford, Illinois. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for music and quickly gravitated towards the bass guitar. He honed his skills by playing in various local bands and experimenting with different styles of music.
In 1973, Petersson co-founded the rock band Cheap Trick alongside fellow musicians Rick Nielsen, Bun E. Carlos, and Robin Zander. The band quickly gained popularity for their energetic live performances and catchy songs. Petersson's unique style of playing the bass guitar, including his pioneering use of the twelve-string bass, set Cheap Trick apart from other bands of the time.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cheap Trick released a string of hit albums and singles, with Petersson's bass lines serving as a driving force behind their iconic sound. Songs like "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender" solidified the band's status as rock legends.
Aside from his musical career, Petersson is a devoted family man. He has two children, Liam and Lila, with his wife Alison Petersson. Despite the demands of touring and recording, Petersson always makes time for his family and credits them for being his rock throughout the years.
After over four decades of performing together, Petersson and guitarist Rick Nielsen have become synonymous with Cheap Trick's sound. Their musical partnership has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
Overall, Tom Petersson's contributions to rock music are undeniable. His innovative approach to the bass guitar has left a lasting impact on the industry, and his work with Cheap Trick will forever be celebrated by fans around the world.