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If I was asked to educate someone on Tom Petty, here’s what I’d say: Tom’s lyrics could transmit feelings from tranquility to rebellion… Love to anger… Longing to gratitude. Tom Petty’s music speaks to me. “All the bad boys are standing in the shadows. And the good girls are home with broken hearts.” The lyrics sounds a bit sad, but the overall vibe of “Free Fallin'” is one of freedom and joy. I took some time and found some of the best Tom Petty Memorabilia items the internet offers. Scroll down to shop or read on for a bit of Tom Petty history.
Side note: Even if you’re not a hardcore Petty fan, listen to the album Full Moon Fever. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers had their music creation process changed by working with Jeff Lynne of E.L.O. It’s one of my favorite albums.
Tom Petty – History Bits
Prepare yourself for a little rapid fire of Tom Petty history.
- Tom Petty didn’t give much thought to rock and roll until he met Elvis! Tom was just 11 years old. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Tom said of the chance meeting, “Changed my life, really, because after that I started collecting records and just went in that direction.”
- Why was Hard Promises $8.98 when it was released? Tom fought MCA Records to keep them from raising the price. He made sure that the price of the album was included on the cover artwork to make sure that MCA couldn’t back out. Tom wanted to keep the price down for his fans saying, “If we don’t take a stand, one of these days, records are going to be $20.”
- Petty was the voice of Elroy “Lucky” Kleinschmidt on King of The Hill from 2004-2009.
- Tom worked as a grave-digger before he was a rock star. Tom said he liked the job because it was quiet and no one bothered him.
- Dr. Petty posthumously received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Florida. They also celebrate “Tom Petty Day” during the football season on the home game Saturday closest to Tom’s Birthday (October 20th).
- Part of the inspiration for “I Won’t Back Down” came from one of Tom’s most difficult life moments: the house fire. In 1987, Tom’s house was deliberately set on fire. He lost everything but his basement home studio. The experience was understandably very upsetting to Tom and his family. The lyrics, “I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down” were a part of Tom’s healing process. Petty said of the experience, “We were shaken for years by it.”
Tom Petty Memorabilia
Loves Jesus and America Too Shirt
Ladies! I love the V-necks. I also love the Tom Petty lyrics from “Free Fallin’.” This shirt lets me love both at the same time. Nine color choices and sizes small to 5x. Made with a cotton blend.Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1980 Tour Poster T-Shirt
This cool vintage ‘80s concert poster t-shirt is available in 10 colors. The solid colors are 100% cotton. Heather colors are a cotton/polyester blends. Sizes include men, women, and youth with a wide range of sizes.
Framed Tom Petty Top Hits Biography
Looking for a cool finished piece that’s already matted and framed? A cool overview piece, this framed biography consists of two photos and some quick hits info on Tom including biggest hits and awards. Collage measures 12 ” x 15″ and includes an 8″ x 10″ photo, additional 3″ x 5″ photo and a biography.
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Live at the Fillmore, 1997 Deluxe Edition Box Set
The Filmore shows are legendary. I love the deluxe box set options: streaming, mp3, CD, or vinyl. The 2 vinyl albums have checkered flag centers. The 4-CD set has the most amenities/bonus materials.
Wine Glass Goblet
Sometimes you need a glass of “Oh my my, oh hell yes.” This glass/goblet is available in 10, 17, and 20 ounces sizes plus stem and stemless options. I prefer the stemless wine glass. It’s more stable than the traditional wine glass, in my opinion.
