Love is a Long Road: How Tom Petty’s classic became the sound of GTA 6

When Rockstar Games released the initial Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer in December 2023, fans were instantly hooked—not only by the breathtaking visuals, but also by the music that played along. Tom Petty's “Love Is a Long Road” became the signature soundtrack of GTA 6's much-awaited reveal, marrying nostalgia with the outlaw spirit that the series is famous for.

A surprising choice amid speculation

Prior to the trailer's release, wild guessing went around the song that Rockstar would utilize. A good number thought it would be Genesis – That's All (Mandalus Remix) following a mysterious post with GTA 6's artwork. But when the trailer rolled in, Tom Petty's 1989 track Love Is a Long Road got it started, a testament again to Rockstar knowing a thing or two about all-time classics.

Why Rockstar selected Tom Petty

Rockstar Games has a long tradition of choosing legendary tracks that most perfectly capture the spirit of its games. Just as Stevie Wonder's Skeletons set the tone for GTA 5's reveal, Love Is a Long Road seemed a natural choice for GTA 6. The track, which appeared on Tom Petty's debut solo album Full Moon Fever, picks up on the ideas of freedom, strife, and the high of the open road—concepts that perfectly match GTA's universe.


Apart from its lyrics, the song's dirty rock texture fits the sun-baked but menacing mood of GTA 6's Vice City locale. It emphasizes the fact that this is more than just a crime novel—it's an adventure packed with aspiration, danger, and thrills.

The legacy of Tom Petty in GTA 6

Tom Petty, a legendary figure in rock music, left an indelible mark on the industry before his passing in 2017. Love Is a Long Road, released in 1989 as part of his first solo album Full Moon Fever, was a well-received track that gained significant acclaim, breaking into the top 10 of Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks. Its selection for GTA 6 has introduced it to a new generation of fans, with the song experiencing a resurgence in popularity following the trailer’s release. As players revisited Petty’s music, streaming numbers soared, proving once again that Rockstar’s soundtrack choices resonate far beyond the game itself.

A perfect fit for an Iconic reveal

Almost two years since the trailer, Love Is a Long Road is still inextricably linked with GTA 6's identity. Rockstar's music selection was once again a masterstroke, combining nostalgia and today's thrills. With GTA 6's release fast approaching, the song is still the anthem of one of the most hyped games of the decade.


Also Read: GTA 6’s Release: Why Rockstar is taking longer than ever



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