Damn the T-shirts ... Petty's in town!

Here's an odd story about Tom Petty: Because he's been kicking around the music biz for more than 30 years now, you'd think everyone would have caught his live show by now. Not the case, though.

Count me as one of many who might be seeing Petty and the Heartbreakers perform for the first time tonight in Tampa. And everyone in the small group going with me will be a "Petty virgin" as well.

As usual, I have a theory for this unforgivable oversight. Back in '79, Petty put out his brilliant "Damn the Torpedoes" album. Suddenly T-shirts with "Damn the Torpedoes" scrawled across the front and back became all the rage in school -- and the instant scourge among our well-meaning but sadly misguided teachers, principals and mothers.

"But ma'am, it's not profanity! It's a historic quote by Admiral Farragut from the Battle of Mobile Bay! It's so not-fair! Bogus even!"

Our pleas fell on deaf, unsympathetic ears -- Perry Como fans, I'm guessing -- and our Petty shirts had to be turned inside-out while in school. Ever since that traumatic event, I've had a mental tick about putting myself in a situation where I'm surrounded by Petty concert shirts. (Which, by the way, you can still buy online! God bless the Internet. I'm getting one for my mom for her birthday. And one for my ninth-grade algebra teacher, if I can find her address.)

Tickets for tonight's show are still available if you're in town and want to check him out, along with opening act Steve Winwood (finally an opening act worth arriving in time for). Look for me sitting close to the stage. I'll be the one wearing my concert shirt inside-out ... just in case.

Comments

[Tonianne]

Southern Accents was my first concert as well and - nostalgia aside - it remains my one of my top 3 concerts to date.

And despite its resemblance to Swiss cheese (and the fact that the dates on the shirt scream, "Look how OLD I am!"), I still wear the concert tee with pride. TP and the boys consistently put on an outstanding show.

[Courtney]

Eric you are nuts. He hardly plays any of his recent work. All he played on wednesday that was pretty recent was Saving Grace and Mystic Eyes. You should go next time you get a chance! As I'm sure you know, he puts on an amazing show. I still haven't come down from it. Thats the hardest thing.

[Eric S]

My first concert was Tom Petty on the Southern Accents tour in '85. Not sure where he played. I think it was either USF or Lakeland. Great show. I have seen him 5 or 6 times over the years. He puts on a great show. I didn't see him this time though. I haven't been a huge fan of his recent work. I wish he would put out one more rocking album instead of putting slower and slower material.

[Marissa]

Yes, Miguel "Uncle Ben" Duarte.

[Miguel]

Haha Marissa,that was a big compliment i sent you previously.You have an extraordinary power.With one comment you make everybody talk about different subjects in a blink.You are Wonder-Woman.But remember "With great power comes great responsability".

[Bassnote]

I had tickets to see Petty on the "Into The Great Wide Open" tour, but was unable to go. I was a third shift custodian at a local junior college at the time. The show was on the same night as the college's 'graduation' ceremony, and my boss absolutely forbid anyone to take that day off. Despite my pleading that I had already paid for the tickets, he wouldn't budge. I won't speak ill of the man because I liked him, and he has since passed away, but I was quite ticked off about it for a while. I wound up selling the ticket to one of my sister's friends.

[Marissa]

Miguel! I, I just don't know what to say.

[Jeff from Vegas]

I've never had the opportunity to see TP in concert. I'm really jealous.

[Rosa]

I got in trouble at school for wearing my "Chicks Kick A@@" shirt. I just bought that shirt again not to long ago.
And I do have an item of clothing that says "Kiss My" in a strategic location.

[Miguel]

Wow talk about Juicy stuff in a Tom Petty post.Insanity.Obviously it had to start with Marissa! But then again he`s known as an Heartbreaker.

Have fun at the show tonight.

[Clark]

No way did I think I would suffer Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" as an earwig after reading a blog post about Tom Petty.

[tommyduncn]

Win a pair of Tom Petty / Steve Winwood tickets: http://www.sticksoffire.com/2008/07/16/tom-petty-concert-ticket-giveaway/

[Former Producer Dave]

Speaking of "juicy", does anybody remember the big flap in the 80's (IIRC) about Wendy's employees having to wear buttons that said "Hot and Juicy"?

[Bassnote]

Here's a few more you won't hear:

Make It Better (Forget About Me)
Change Of Heart
Jammin' Me
Out In The Cold
A Woman In Love (It's Not Me)
Shadow Of A Doubt (A Complex Kid)

And don't get me started about the idiots that wear sweats and shorts with writing across the behind. One of the dumbest trends ever.

[CHAD]

dont feel bad steve, ive never seen tom either. ive also never seen ac/dc. they are probably one of the few classic rock bands i havent seen. i cant think of any off the top of my head. now juiciest movies, lets see, hmmm. might have to get sean to help, miami spice anyone. sorry had to.

[Marissa]

Well, considering "JUICY" is the new bodacious, I bet you can think of plenty, Spearsy.
C'mon! I double dog dare ya.

[sparky]

Bettlejuice, Bettlejuice, Bettlej...

[Spears]

If you keep up this "juicy" line of comments, you'll force me to write a blog about about "top 5 juicy movies of the 80s." The only trouble is I can't think of any.

[sparky]

Maybe he's wearing a pair of spandex bike shorts that say "Juicy".

[Marissa]

Steve, wear your shirt the right side out. Do it! Be a rebel.
At least you're not sporting sweats that say, "JUICY" on the butt. Eesh!