Tom Petty’s Heyday, In 23 Captivating Photos

Published October 2, 2017
Updated October 3, 2017

From his stage presence to his fashion, Tom Petty electrified audiences for decades. These photos explain why.

Guitar Strum
Singer Tom Petty performs on stage during a 1981 Chicago, Illinois concert.George Rose/Getty Images

Petty Playing Guitar
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform on stage at The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park, London, on June 19, 1977. Gus Stewart/Redferns/Getty Images

Spotlight Face
Tom Petty poses for a portrait. Date unspecified.GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images

With Dylan
Bob Dylan and Tom Petty perform together on stage during their "True Confessions" tour in San Francisco in the summer of 1986.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

On Stage From Behind
Tom Petty performs on stage. 1982.Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Sitting Down
Tom Petty poses on March 10, 1977.Michael Putland/Getty Images

Petty Crowd
Singer Tom Petty performs onstage to an enthusiastic crowd in a 1980 concert at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz, California.George Rose/Getty Images

Tom Petty Microphone
Tom Petty performs on stage during a 1981 Irvine, California concert.George Rose/Getty Images

Petty Kneeling
Tom Petty poses in New York in 1976.Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

George Harrison
Tom Petty and George Harrison during the 3rd Annual Billboard Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California. December 8, 1992.Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage/Getty Images

Stage Light On Petty
Tom Petty performs on stage during a 1981 Chicago, Illinois concert.George Rose/Getty Images

Top Hat
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at Knebworth, England on June 24, 1978.Gus Stewart/Redferns/Getty Images

Dylan Petty Together
Bob Dylan and Tom Petty pose at Farm Aid on September 22, 1985 in Champaign, Illinois.Deborah Feingold/Getty Images

Excited Crowd
Singer Tom Petty, backed by his band, The Heartbreakers, prances onstage during a 1980 Santa Cruz, California concert at the Civic Auditorium.George Rose/Getty Images

Tom Petty Portrait
Tom Petty poses for a portrait in New York. 1977.Michael Putland/Getty Images

Playing Guitar Tom Petty
Tom Petty performs live with the Heartbreakers, circa 1977.Estate Of Keith Morris/Redferns/Getty Images

Guitar On Stage
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at the Community Center in Sacramento, California on July 25, 1979.Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Guitar Top Hat
Tom Petty performs live at The Winterland Ballroom in 1976 in San Francisco, California.Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images

Hands Behind Head
Tom Petty poses in New York in 1976.Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images

Stage Lights
Tom Petty performs live with the Heartbreakers, circa 1977.Estate Of Keith Morris/Redferns/Getty Images

Guitar Playing
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform on stage. Date unspecified.Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Tom Petty Stage Lights
Tom Petty on stage. Circa 1980.David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Vest Guitar
Tom Petty performs at Golden Hall on January 18, 1980 in San Diego, California.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Celebrated rocker Tom Petty died at age 66 after suffering cardiac arrest at his California home on Monday. Although the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is now gone, his music, his charisma, and his one-of-a-kind presence live on. See for yourself in the gallery above.


Next, see 28 of the most iconic Johnny Cash photos ever taken. Then, have a look at some incredible David Bowie photos that most people have never seen.

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All That's Interesting
author
Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.
editor
John Kuroski
editor
John Kuroski is the editorial director of All That's Interesting. He graduated from New York University with a degree in history, earning a place in the Phi Alpha Theta honor society for history students. An editor at All That's Interesting since 2015, his areas of interest include modern history and true crime.