LOS ANGELES — Tom Petty got the Heartbreakers back together for a high-class gig to launch Grammy weekend.
Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Gary Clark Jr., Jackson Browne, the Head and the Heart, and George Strait were among those honoring the 66-year-old singer-songwriter as MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night.
Petty was toasted for his musical achievements and philanthropic work two days before the Grammy Awards.
It was a star-studded rehearsal for the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour that begins April 20 in Oklahoma City.
After watching from backstage as other artists performed his music, Petty strapped on a guitar for “Waiting for Tonight” with the Bangles as his backup singers. Original Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, along with drummer Steve Ferrone, shared the stage.
During “Don’t Come Around Here No More” Petty invited the crowd to dance in front of the stage and actress Helen Mirren was one of hundreds who made her way to the front.
Stevie Nicks, whose friendship with Petty dates to 1978, joined him for their hit duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
“He is as sweet as he is talented,” Nicks told the audience.
Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison, son of the late Beatle George Harrison, joined Petty on “I Won’t Back Down.” Petty closed the show after midnight with “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
Friday’s dinner and auction generated over $8.5 million, the highest grossing evening in the tribute’s 27-year history, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said.
MusiCares provides financial aid to those in the industry during times of need.
– From news service reports
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