Adios, TP.
Yesterday was a sad day in so many ways, not least because of the departure of Tom Petty. He was just 66.
The fake news was a wee bit early in declaring that he had left the stage; Tom managed one more short encore before taking his final bow. He always seemed like a regular dude to me, a craftsman devoted to doing his best in a culture that often settles for much, much less. And he just kept on doing it, right through a massive U.S. tour to celebrate his 40th anniversary as frontman for the Heartbreakers.
His music, so clearly influenced by The Byrds, has been part of my mental playlist for the better part of quite some time, starting with “Damn the Torpedoes.” And I expect that he’ll get a warm greeting from Roy Orbison, George Harrison and the rest of that ever-growing, ever-better Next World Orchestra.
Here’s one of my favorites — “Louisiana Rain.” Damn the torpedoes — full speed ahead.
Mad Blog Media 
October 3, 2017 at 8:34 am |
That is sad. I loved the Byrds but never got into Tom Petty for some reason. I need to check it out. Makes me think of one of my favorite quotes from Bob Marley.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
October 3, 2017 at 9:37 am |
Listening to Wildflowers this morning. Thanks for all the beautiful music Tom Petty!
-doug moore
October 3, 2017 at 3:07 pm |
Back when the earth was cooling, on yet another long road trip from Michigan to Flor-e-day. Only three functioning cassette tapes one being Damn the Torpedos. You’d think I would never want to hear that album again but I still fire it up LOUD every now and then. Petty was a good dude and I liked his Buried Treasure show on XM. For sure he could have been in the Byrds.