Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Blossom 8/31/10

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Blossom Music center was an awsome display of raw Rock and Roll craftmanship. TP and the HB's have never waivered from their unique and well defined sound. The last time I saw Tom Petty and the band was at the Colliseum around 30 years ago. His stage presence has magnified and depth of the band has flourished. This is a Rock and Roll band that has weathered the test of time magnificently.

The band consisted of, the Mad Hatter himself Tom Petty on guitar and vocals. Original guitarist extrordinaire Michael Campbell. Original keyboard player Benmont Tench. Original bass player who left and is now back Ron Blair. With the band since the early 90's on harmonica, keyboards and guitar Scott Thurston. And with the band since the mid 90's on drums Steve Ferrone.

The mixed aged crowd sang almost every word to every song except for the few songs that they performed off of their new CD "Mojo". You could tell the new songs they have a bluesy edge to them. The Heartbreakers also played two cover tunes, "Oh Well" by Fleetwood Mac and "Carol" by Chuck Berry (the Rolling Stones also do a wonderful cover of this song). If you listen to Tom Petty's Buried Treasure show on XM you know Tom loves Chuck Berry and early Rock and Roll. Look down the list of songs and most people will know at least half of the songs.

Listen to Your Heart
You Don't Know How It Feels
I Won't Back Down
Free Fallin
Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac)
Mary Jane's Last Dance
Kings Highway
Breakdown
Jefferson's Jericho Blues
Good Enough
Running Mans Bible
I Should Have Known It
Learning to Fly
Don't Come Around Here No More
Refugee

Encore
Running Down Dreams
Carol
American Girl

Me, my Honey Bunny, Scarecrow and Ann sang and danced the night away along with every other fan that was there. The digital light show and TV screens were an awsome visual display to add to the aural pleasure we were experiencing.

As we were heading out to our cars I over heard some twenty somethings talking. They were wondering if there was any new bands just coming out that would be able to draw a crowd 30 years from now. They couldn't think of any off of the top of their heads but they sure were glad that they got to see one of Rock and Rolls top icons. I couldn't agree more. I rate this show 5 twirls, totally awsome.