Tom Petty talks 'hypnotised generation'

Tom Petty believes modern America is "hypnotised".

The 63-year-old legend, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, has been active in the music business since 1969.

And at this stage in his life, Tom admits he is disturbed by today's cultural trends.

"I'm old enough to have lived in a country where, if you were willing to work hard, you could have a fairly nice life. You could support a family and even get a shot at owning your home but you never thought you'd get a swimming pool," he explained to British newspaper The Sun.

"Now the culture has hypnotised people into thinking they're really nothing if they're not wealthy and a Kardashian."

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are currently promoting their 13th studio album Hypnotic Eye, which is slated for release next week.

According to the singer, the album is full of the group's classic "snarl".

"Snarl is actually a pretty good way to put it. I can't say I planned it but I'm glad it came out that way," he smiled.

"If I'm going to assume the point of view of the disenfranchised, there's probably a lot of anger in there anyway."

But fortunately he and his bandmates are still getting along famously after spending decades making music together.

"We get along so well it's embarrassing really. It's a love fest!" Tom gushed.

"Even now, a friendly argument will start about something that happened in, say, '72. 'Remember when there was only one cheesecake in room service, I ordered it and you took it off the tray before it got to my room. That p***ed me off!' "