Early Musical Journey
He was born Thomas John Peterson on May 9, 1950, in Rockford, Illinois. Petersson began playing guitar in his teens before switching to bass. He played in various local bands with Rick Nielsen, including The Grim Reapers and Fuse, developing a musical partnership that would define both their careers. During these early years, he experimented with different approaches to bass playing, seeking ways to expand the instrument’s role beyond traditional rhythm section duties. His time in Europe with Fuse exposed him to different musical styles and approaches that would later influence his innovative bass designs.
Innovation and the 12-String Bass
Petersson’s most significant contribution to rock music came through his creation of the 12-string bass. Working with Hamer Guitars in the late 1970s, he developed the first production 12-string bass, which featured four sets of triple strings. The instrument produced a unique sound that combined the traditional low end of a bass with harmonic overtones more commonly associated with 12-string guitars. This innovation helped create Cheap Trick’s distinctive wall of sound and influenced numerous bassists who followed.
Cheap Trick Years
As one of Cheap Trick’s founding members, Petersson’s bass work was crucial to the band’s early development. His melodic bass lines and innovative use of the 12-string bass helped define their sound on classic albums like “In Color” and “Heaven Tonight.” The band’s breakthrough live album “At Budokan” (1979) showcased his distinctive bass sound to a global audience. After leaving the band in 1980 to pursue solo projects, he returned in 1987 and contributed to their late-’80s renaissance, including their first #1 hit “The Flame.”
Legacy and Influence
Petersson’s impact on rock music extends beyond his work with Cheap Trick. His development of the 12-string bass opened new sonic possibilities for bassists, influencing musicians across multiple genres. His innovative approach to bass playing helped expand the role of the instrument in rock music, showing how the bass could contribute to a band’s melodic and harmonic structure beyond its traditional rhythmic function.
Personal Life
Petersson maintains a relatively private personal life while remaining active with Cheap Trick. He has been married to Alison Petersson since 1998, and together they have become advocates for autism awareness following their son Liam’s diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder. The couple has worked to raise awareness about autism and support research and treatment options, often speaking at events and supporting various autism-related charities. Despite health challenges, including a successful battle with throat cancer in 2021, Petersson has continued performing with Cheap Trick, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication to his craft.
