It’s hard not to feel the weight of history when you think about Tom Petty’s career. Forty years after forming Mudcrutch in 1967, Petty brought his original band back together in 2007 to rehearse for a new album and tour. Journalist Alan Light, speaking exclusively to Closer Weekly, recalled a moment that captures the essence of Petty’s passion for music. “I’ll never forget watching him play ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll,’” Light said. “The smile on his face was unmistakable. It was clear he was having the time of his life, creating something real and honest.”
Tom Petty: A Genuine Superstar
When you think of rock legends, Tom Petty stands tall among them. His life came to a tragic end on October 2, 2017, when he suffered cardiac arrest at the age of 66. Yet, his impact on music remains timeless. One thing that set Petty apart was his humility. Warren Zanes, Petty’s biographer, shared with Closer, “For someone who reached such heights, it was remarkable how down-to-earth he was. Tom never tried to make you feel small. Offstage, he was just another guy who loved Elvis, the Beatles, and James Brown.” In 1976, Petty formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Gainesville, Florida. The band quickly became known for their raw, unfiltered rock sound. Despite being the frontman, Petty often emphasized that he saw himself as part of the team. “I don’t treat the band like I’m above them,” he once said. “We’re in this together.”
Tom (third from left) with the Heartbreakers in 1976.
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Building Bridges with the Traveling Wilburys
In 1988, Petty joined an all-star lineup to form the Traveling Wilburys, alongside legends like Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra. This collaboration allowed Petty to step away from the spotlight and enjoy the camaraderie of making music with his idols. “None of us had to carry the burden alone,” Petty reflected. “I was just one member of the band, and we had so much fun together.”
A Life of Loyalty and Love
Loyalty was at the core of Petty’s life, both in his music and his personal relationships. Whether it was with his bandmates—Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch, and Ron Blair—or his family, Petty valued the connections he made. Jane Benyo, Petty’s first wife, shared her memories with Closer: “We had a wonderful life together. We went through thick and thin, raising two kids and rebuilding our home after a fire in 1987. He was an incredible man and a devoted father.” Petty leaves behind his daughters, Adria, 42, and AnnaKim, 35, and granddaughter, Everly. AnnaKim paid tribute to her dad on Instagram shortly after his passing, saying, “I’m so grateful to have had the best rock star as a dad.”
