Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - 'The Waiting' Performance at Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• In July 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed "The Waiting" at the Live Aid concert, which was a pivotal event in their career. Leading up t... Read Full Description >

  In July 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed "The Waiting" at the Live Aid concert, which was a pivotal event in their career. Leading up to this performance, the band had released their album "Southern Accents" in 1985, which included notable tracks that highlighted their Southern rock and new wave influences. The Live Aid performance provided them with significant exposure, as they performed in front of a massive audience at the John F. Kennedy Stadium, among other iconic artists. It was a time when the band was gaining momentum, with "The Waiting" becoming one of their most popular songs, showcasing Petty’s ability to blend emotive lyrics with catchy melodies. This performance not only solidified their place in rock history but also showcased their commitment to philanthropy, as they took part in an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for a humanitarian crisis.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Rebels Live from Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• In July 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed at the iconic Live Aid concert, a significant moment in both the band's career and the era's m... Read Full Description >

  In July 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed at the iconic Live Aid concert, a significant moment in both the band's career and the era's music landscape. This performance came shortly after the release of their album "Southern Accents," which debuted in March 1985. The album included hits like "Don't Come Around Here No More" and showcased Petty's evolution as a songwriter. During this period, Petty was gaining significant recognition for his blend of rock and pop, and the Live Aid stage, with its audience of over 100,000, provided a powerful platform for the band. Notably, Live Aid was a monumental benefit concert aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, reflecting the social consciousness of the time, and Petty's energetic performance contributed to the event's success, underscoring his commitment to impactful music and philanthropy.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Refugee Live Performance at Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• By July 1985, when Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed at Live Aid, they had just released their album "Southern Accents" in March of the same y... Read Full Description >

  By July 1985, when Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed at Live Aid, they had just released their album "Southern Accents" in March of the same year. This album marked a significant moment in their career, showcasing a more diverse sound, influenced by Southern rock and country, alongside their signature rock style. "Refugee," one of their most iconic songs, was a standout track on this album and was performed during the Live Aid concert, which not only highlighted their popularity but also their commitment to social causes. The Live Aid concert itself became a historical event, gathering over 100,000 attendees and showcasing prominent artists to raise awareness and funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Petty's energetic performance at this monumental charity event solidified his status as a leading rock icon during the mid-1980s and illustrated the band's ability to draw large crowds while supporting humanitarian efforts.

Tom Petty - Breakdown Live Performance from Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles

Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, CA, United States

• In 1985, during the Southern Accents Tour, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were experiencing a peak in their popularity and artistic evolution. The li... Read Full Description >

  In 1985, during the Southern Accents Tour, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were experiencing a peak in their popularity and artistic evolution. The live recording of "Breakdown" from the Wiltern Theatre captures a vibrant moment in their career, shortly after the release of the "Southern Accents" album, which came out in March 1985. This album marked a significant shift for the band, incorporating elements of Southern rock and showcasing Petty's growing ambition as a songwriter and storyteller. Notably, "Southern Accents" included hits like "Don't Come Around Here No More," which would soon become iconic. The Wiltern performance reflects the band's energetic stage presence, as well as their commitment to delivering powerful live shows, further solidifying their status as rock legends during this era. The 1985 tour was a celebration of their evolving sound and expanding fanbase.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Perform 'Refugee' Live at Farm Aid 1985

Farm Aid
Champaign, Illinois, United States

• In September 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were riding high on the success of their album "Southern Accents," which was released earlier that ... Read Full Description >

  In September 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were riding high on the success of their album "Southern Accents," which was released earlier that year. This album featured the hit "Don’t Come Around Here No More," showcasing Petty's evolution into a more sophisticated sound while retaining his rock roots. The live performance of "Refugee" at the inaugural Farm Aid concert highlights not only the band's popularity at the time but also their commitment to social issues, as Farm Aid was founded to support struggling American farmers. Interestingly, "Refugee" was an anthem of resilience and defiance, aligning perfectly with the event's spirit. This performance solidified Petty's status as a vital voice in rock music, entertaining audiences while also championing important causes.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Live Performance of 'Straight Into Darkness' at Farm Aid 1985

Champaign, Illinois, United States

• In 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were riding high on the success of their album "Southern Accents," which had been released earlier that year.... Read Full Description >

  In 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were riding high on the success of their album "Southern Accents," which had been released earlier that year. This live recording of "Straight Into Darkness" at the inaugural Farm Aid concert showcases the band's commitment to social causes, aligning with the spirit of the event, which aimed to support struggling American farmers. The performance not only highlights their musical prowess but also marks a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from rock stardom to social advocacy. At this time, Petty was beginning to experiment with his sound, which can be heard in the more reflective lyrics and nuanced arrangements of his recent work. The performance, alongside fellow musical icons like Neil Young and Willie Nelson, helped solidify the band's reputation not just as rock legends, but also as engaged artists contributing to significant social issues.