It’s well documented: Tom Petty rocks. That’s why it’s no surprise that when some of indie rock’s finest players got together to honor his catalog, it resulted in the purest of rock experiences.
The Best Fest's odes to the likes of Tom Petty & The Rolling Stones began 10 years ago with a celebration of Bob Dylan’s 60th birthday at a Lower East side bar. For it’s initial Chicago installment, organizers made the excellent choice of expanding Petty Fest to gritty rock venue the Metro.
Now sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey, musicians come together for a night to cover the songs of a legendary artist, with all the ticket sales going toward Sweet Relief, a fund which provides assistance to career musicians facing illness, disability, or age related problems.
Hosted by the founding Cabin Down Below Band featuring Alex Levy, Austin Scaggs, and Matt Romano, the night got off to a hot start with a blistering take on “Even The Losers” with Butch Walker at the helm.
Nashville was well represented with the entirety of The Wild Feathers on hand to help out on “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” as was Jack White’s Third Man Records with Raconteur Brendan Benson, The Dead Weather’s Alison Mosshart, and “Love Interruption” singer Ruby Amanfu starring throughout the night.
Wilco’s Pat Sansone and John Stirratt provided a definite highlight early, sharing singing duties on “Here Comes My Girl,” before later being joined by Kelly Hogan for an even more impressive “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
TBS’ Men at Work stars Adam Busch and Danny Masterson presented an energetic take on “Yer So Bad,” before Butterfly Boucher let loose her delicate take on “Learning To Fly”, and Nikki Lane made a more contemporary pick, with a strong take on the driving “Saving Grace" off of 2006's Highway Companion.
Alison Mosshart guested with Lukas Nelson on “Breakdown” and as the show winded down and the liquor began to flow more freely on stage, “Running Down A Dream” and “American Girl” from a top Butch Walker’s shoulders and after a tumble, the floor.
Jakob Dylan earned top billing with his turn on “Rebels” and later “I Won’t Back Down.” When it came time for the Traveling Wlburys section Petty, Dylan, Harrison, and Orbison were replaced by Brendan Benson, Jakob Dylan (who sat out his father’s verses), Eric Pulido and Cory Chisel for “End of The Line.”
After close to thirty songs, Alison Mosshart and Ruby Amanfu brought out all the players to assist on “Free Fallin’” before everyone closed the night together on the Traveling WIlbury’s “Handle With Care.”
The collaborative nature of the event made for a truly unique live experience, and made the celebration of Petty as much of a draw as the music itself. It ended with a promise to return to the second city in the future with either a Stones or Dylan showcase.
SIMILAR SONGS
