Hall of Fame rockers Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers returned to the stage after a year-long layoff last night at Cal State Northridge for the first of two pledge-drive benefit shows for the college’s public radio station – KCSN. Performing in front of one of the smallest crowds (500 people) the legendary group has played before in years, Petty dug deep into his repertoire and struck gold.
Mixing songs for the group’s most recent release, Mojo, with a few tunes from 2002’s The Last DJ in honor of recently fired KLOS DJ Jim Ladd – who was the inspiration for that album, along with covers and the hits, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers showed they still have plenty left in the tank. Underplayed covers Petty dusted off for the occasion included Booker T. and the MG’s Green Onions, Champagne and Reefer by Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry’s Carol. The Gainesville, Florida native and his band also looked back at their illustrious career by busting out Fooled Again (I Don’t Like It) from their 1976 debut.
Main Set: Jefferson Jericho Blues, Listen to Her Heart, Mary Jane’s Last Dance, Fooled Again, Lover’s Touch, Won’t Back Down, Takin’ My Time, Champagne & Reefer, Have Love, Will Travel, When A Kid Goes Bad, Green Onions, To Find a Friend, Angel Dream, First Flash of Freedom, I Shoulda’ Known It, Good Enough, Refugee, Runnin’ Down A Dream
Encore: Carol, You Wreck Me
The second show takes place tonight at Cal State – Northridge.
- Reviews: Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter
One Response
Thank you so much for posting this. I was gutted when I didn’t get tickets for either show – it would’ve been expensive (I live in Scotland) but totally worth it. Now at least I have some idea of what it was like.
All the best!