On April 3rd, my son and I attended a concert by The Breakers, a tribute band to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. My son and I are diehard Tom Petty fans – me from when they hit the airways in 1976, and my son through parent-to-child musical osmosis.
The Breakers concert was my first tribute band experience, and to be honest, my expectations were low. I envisioned a cheap and costume-themed knockoff of what I consider to be one of the best Rock and Roll bands of all time. For me, the night was more about spending time with my son than the show itself.
The Breakers started the show with Love Is a Long Road from Tom’s 1989 solo album, Full Moon Fever. That song was an interesting choice because it’s not a Tom Petty “hit, ” and non-Petty enthusiasts might even consider it a deep cut. The Breakers performed a blazing rendition of the song, and when they finished, my son and I just looked at one another, each of us with a “holy shit” expression on our faces.
The Breakers went on to perform brilliantly and passionately. Their musicianship was jaw-droppingly good, and you sensed they were true fans of the band they were paying homage to. Their performance was joyful and soulful with zero pretense. The songs were not “cookie-cutter” versions of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker albums. There were elements of creativity and artistry in every song they delivered that evening.
At times, I felt myself getting emotional watching and listening to the band play—I’m not sure why. Perhaps that’s the power and mystery of true art—it touches us in ways we can’t put a finger on. Or maybe a spiritually communal experience occurs when the musicians on stage and the fans in attendance connect emotionally through mutual love and respect—in this case, love and respect of Tom and his musical genius.
If you’re a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, see The Breakers, you won’t be disappointed.
bendingtheneedle 