Tom Petty album and tour news!!!

[EveryHour]

I received the following email via the TP mailing list!!!!!

"Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will be touring this summer. The final schedule will not be available until next week at which time you will be notified. Meanwhile we want you to be the first to know that the tour which celebrates the bands 30th anniversary and will start on June 9, will include some dates with some very special friends and opening acts. For example we can confirm that Pearl Jam will be on two Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers shows in St Paul at the Excel Arena on June 26 and 27 and also two shows in Denver at the Pepsi Center on July 2 and 3.

There will be more shows with Pearl Jam and other exciting announcements will follow. Presales and other special opportunities for Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s fans will be available so please stay tuned and keep checking TomPetty.Com for details.

You have probably read that a new Tom Petty album will be released this summer. Although there is no official release date confirmed yet, Highway Companion will be released in July."

[DavidMn]

Pearl Jam with Tom in St Paul. HMMM interesting.

[cliffdweller]

Woo-hoo! Thanks for the info! Who's seen 'em live? How are they?

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

Woo-hoo! Thanks for the info! Who's seen 'em live? How are they?

They're the best, really. You'll know ALL of the songs and be amazed by the catalog he has and the quality of the performance.

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

Woo-hoo! Thanks for the info! Who's seen 'em live? How are they?

Petty & the boys are great! I've seen 'em 5 or 6 times (3 of those times on the tour they did with Bob Dylan).

Although, I haven't seen the current Heartbreakers lineup (with Steve Ferrone, Scott Thurston, & original bassist Ron Blair). Stan Lynch was still their drummer and bassist Howie Epstein (RIP) hadn't visibly found heroin yet.

[skcin]

They were incredible last summer when I saw them.

[David]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

Woo-hoo! Thanks for the info! Who's seen 'em live? How are they?

I've seen the Heartbreakers live, with & without Stevie Nicks. They are incomparable musicians. They are one of the great rock bands of the modern era. You can discuss them in the same terms as you would the E Street Band or U2 or some of the other rock-solid outfits.

Of course, their signature classic drum sound, courtesy of Stan Lynch, is gone. And Howie is gone, too, isn't he? So today's Heartbreakers isn't exactly the same as the band that recorded & toured in the late 1970s & 1980s. In fact, I think their current drummer is the same guy who played drums on Christine's solo tour in 1984 -- Steve Ferrone.

[cliffdweller]

Yeah, I've heard that they create an eclectic set-list night after night and play really long sets

I'm kinda bummed that it's not the Heartbreakers of old though. Well, at least Benmont and Mike are still with him, right?

[amber]

Thank god - I didn't get to see them last summer. THanks for the news.

[Livia]

They'd better get their butts to Texas this time around!

They are GREAT, Tracye! We should go! Ain't nothing like a live 15-minute version of Breakdown, w/ Tom swampin' around the stage and the fans singing along!

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by cliffdweller

I'm kinda bummed that it's not the Heartbreakers of old though. Well, at least Benmont and Mike are still with him, right?

Well, current bass player Ron Blair was also the original bass player before leaving after the Damn The Torpedoes album. When Howie's heroin addiction became a hindrance, Ron volunteered to rejoin. Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist, Scott Thurston is a good addition, he used to be in The Motels. Steve Ferrone is a great drummer...as David said, he's done a lot of work with Christine McVie on her '84 album & tour, and on In The Meantime), as well. Also, he was with Eric Clapton's band on both the Journeyman album & subsequent tour and the Unplugged concert. I see his name on a BUNCH of album credits.

[golden braid]

Originally Posted by amber

Thank god - I didn't get to see them last summer. THanks for the news.

You'll have to go see Tom with me this summer.

[catinthedark]

that's awesome news - i hope they play toronto! i can't believe i've never seen tom petty.

mind you, after i buy my madonna tickets, i may not be able to afford another show this summer.

[cliffdweller]

Originally Posted by Livia

They'd better get their butts to Texas this time around!

They are GREAT, Tracye! We should go! Ain't nothing like a live 15-minute version of Breakdown, w/ Tom swampin' around the stage and the fans singing along!

I could see them playing The Backyard or the Irwin Center if they come to Austin which would be a dream come true. I think they've played here before haven't they?

Yes! We should definitely go!!

[Livia]

Yes, I've seen them at Frank's place twice. But the Backyard would be way cooler!

I have a feeling he'll end up Verizon though. Especially if this is a shed tour.