Two days in and the GTA 6 trailer is nearly at 120 million views on YouTube. It’s become one of the most-watched video game trailers in history, but it’s not just benefitting Rockstar. It’s also seeing a revival of a music legend.
According to data sent to the BBC by Spotify, the recent GTA 6 reveal has seen interest in the late rock musician Tom Petty soar, thanks to his song “Love Is A Long Road” being featured in the teaser. Streams for the track – first released in 1989 – have increased by 36,979%.
Yes, I had to do a double take as well, because that’s a comma, not a period. Nearly a 37,000% uptick in one song’s popularity is insane, but given the hype around the upcoming Grand Theft Auto entry, it’s perhaps not too surprising.
Rock never dies
After ten years of waiting, Rockstar finally gave us a taste of things to come in GTA 6. Sadly, we still have a bit longer to wait until it releases, as it’s only due to come out in 2025. We don’t even have an exact date. All we know is it’ll be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. No word on when PC will get it, though.
With Tom Petty’s song being given a new lease on life, it calls into question what other tracks will be in the game itself. As a series, Grand Theft Auto is known for its soundtrack, featuring a slew of classics from many artists and bands.
On a personal note: it absolutely blew my mind when I first heard Slayer’s “Raining Blood” on Vice City‘s V-Rock station. Ah, good times.