Tom Petty Blows Through Hits and Deep Cuts at MSG

Early on in Tom Petty’s sold-out Madison Square Garden gig he uttered words rarely heard at his shows: “You probably don’t know this next one.” The band then launched into the super obscure 1999 Europe-only B side “Sweet William.” The bluesy, organ-heavy number was a clear indication this wasn’t going to be the typical nothing-but-the-hits Petty show he’s done on recent tours. With no new album to support, Petty was free to drag out the gems. This doesn’t mean he avoided his massive arsenal of hits. The show began with a 1-2-3-4-5 punch of “You Wreck Me,” “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Even The Losers” and “Free Falling.” Nearly anyone else would save a song like the latter — which is so taylor made for arenas even the beer guys and ushers were singing along — but Petty has such a huge stable of war horses he could bust it out early with no problem. Rarities soon followed, such as the Traveling Wilburys’ “End Of The Line,” which featured a few Heartbreakers subbing in for Petty’s absent bandmates and the Full Moon Fever track “A Face In The Crowd.” Opening act Steve Winwood — who last played The Garden a few months ago during his reunion shows with Eric Clapton — came out midway through Petty’s set and lead the Heartbreakers on killer versions of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and the Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Loving,” which featured blazing organ work by Winwood. Around this point it became abundantly clear that the Heartbreakers are one of the greatest backing bands out there. Any song is immeasurably enhanced by their playing, particularly guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench. It’s no wonder they get so much session work when Petty is off the road. The night wrapped up with the h

Published: 2008-06-18 Provider: Rolling Stone Keywords: Rock News, Live Shows

Metallica Deny Lawsuit Rumor, UGK Top Billboard Chart, Radiohead Push New LP to 2008

Contrary to reports they were returning to their lawsuit-happy, Napster-killing ways, Metallica are not suing the video games “Guitar Hero 3” and “Rock Band” for featuring their …And Justice For All song “One.” A spokesperson for the band tells us that the band has licensed the song to the game makers and look forward to it appearing in both titles. Houston rap duo UGK’s Underground Kingz debuted atop the Billboard charts, as their first album since 2001 sold 160,000 copies. On the strength of the single “Shawnty,” Plies’ Real Testament entered the chart at number two. On the indie front, Okkervil River made their Billboard 200 debut at number 62 with The Stage Names. Radiohead will not be putting out a new album this year; the band’s PR firm says signing to a new label and properly promoting the album will push the release date to 2008. Michael Jackson is being sued to the tune of $113,000 for not paying one of the law firms that helped him out when he battled child-molestation allegations. With the money they’re saving after canceling John From Cincinnati, HBO will release a soundtrack for their meandering comedy series Entourage. Cold War Kids, Gnarls Barkley and series star Saigon are among the artists on the tracklist, which mysteriously snubs the show’s theme song, Jane’s Addiction’s “Superhero.”

Published: 2007-08-16 Provider: Rolling Stone Keywords: Rock News, Afternoon News Roundup