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Monday, October 2, 2017

The passing of a music hero, Tom Petty



   From the first time I heard "Breakdown"  way back in the late 70's I was a fan of this guy. He was a snarling punk who had a voice full of attitude. The album was self titled: "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" That album was so well received they had 3 charted hits including their first #1 with "Breakdown" 
   Sophomore jinx? Not here "Your going to get it" followed up with "I need to know" and "Listen to her heart" Ever the hero for the little guy and the strong willed girl. The writing kept improving and the touring paid off with the 1979 release of triple platinum "Damn the Torpedoes"  This album has three songs you know even if you think you don't know Tom Petty. "Don't Do me Like That", "Refugee" and "Here Comes My Girl" This album saw him take over his own publishing rights and receive widespread critical and monetary success. Ariel Swartley from"Rolling Stone" reviewed it claiming it was the  "album we've all been waiting for – that is, if we were all Tom Petty fans, which we would be if there were any justice in the world." 
 The songs kept coming and the band carved out a niche for itself making a sound no one else could make. I heard Tom talking about it on his Sirius station a year or so ago. He laughingly stated that neither he, nor any of the band members sounded like that on any of the solo projects. It was something they made together and that is why it was so special.
   The Albums came fast with hard tours following. "Hard Promises",followed by a collaboration with Stevie Nicks on "Stop Dragging my Heart Around" then "Long After Dark", "Southern Accents" followed one of my personal favorites "Let Me Up I've Had Enough" touring so hard took a toll on all of the members and the 90s saw the firing of the drummer Stan Lynch being replaced briefly by Dave Grohl. Yes music fans, THAT Dave Grohl. 
More albums, more fame, more tours followed in a near endless stream of albums with his group, solo recordings, guest spots and endless cities on tour. It seemed he couldn't share enough of who he was with the rest of us and it all seemed to hit a chord with his faithful audience.
    But this post isn't about "The Heartbreakers" it is about the heartbreak. Sometimes people enter our lives unexpectedly either in person or as celebrity. Some do good some do harm some like Tom just did his thing. I can't for a moment begin to suggest his lifestyle as an option but I can say this without question. Tom Petty knew who he was. I would like to think he liked what he did and that simple joy of being made him a hero of mine throughout the years.
 Thank you Tom, thanks for the memories, for the smiles every time I hear the words "Hello CD listeners" Thanks for the music and the way you made it. Rest In peace.