Tampa Calling

Tom Petty takes the stage at 9:10 and leads the Heartbreakers through a barn-burning “You Wreck Me” that starts out full blast and then eases into a hot simmer before exploding again. The Gainesville native is in fine voice, delivering each line with plenty of ‘tude as he swings his guitar and kicks his leg. Great opening salvo.

“You think you’re going to take her away with your money and your cocaine,” Petty snarls. That’s right, she’s going to “Listen to Her Heart.” Boy, I can already tell it’s going to be very hard during the next two hours not to be that guy singing along to every lyric. Did I mention the band sounds excellent and mix is perfect? It’s a rattling backbeat topped by those gorgeous, jangling guitars. Monster applause.

9:25 Update: Petty stands his ground

“Good to be back in Florida,” Petty says. “Be prepared. You’re in for a long rock ‘n’ roll show.” And with that we’re treated to “Won’t Back Down,” which has about 15,00 fans singing along —including me — to the killer chorus of perseverance. Dig the steel guitar.

“This next song comes from 1979,” Petty says. “This song comes from an album we did called Damn the Torpedoes.” And I’ll be damned if it’s not another one of my faves. That’s right, “Even the Losers” get lucky some time.The song’s nearly two decades old and Petty’s singing each word like he wrote ‘em last night. Talk about a “feel good” anthem. I’m grinning like a fool.

9:35 Update: Falling for Petty

“Thank you so much,” Petty says. “We have so many friends and family backstage.” He then notes that he doesn’t usually do this song and then dedicates it to a relative. The opening gives me chills. It’s “Free Fallin’” and the energy is reaching the rafters. A sea of arms wave back and forth and, yes, a feeling of pure rock ‘n’ roll freedom fills the arena as a lovely keyboard part plays. Can Petty really maintain this level of bliss for two hours? This might be the most entertaining opening 30 minutes of a concert I’ve ever witnessed. Seriously. Petty is ON. These old hits sound so fresh and liberating.

9:40 Update: MJ time

“We have a rock ‘n’ roll moment for you now,” Petty announces. It’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” one of the classic R&R odes to small town ennui and escapism. “I don’t know what I’ve been told,” Petty sings with conviction, “Never slow down, never grow old.” Amen. Guitarist Mike Campbell’s solo just left me slack jawed. Dig the trippy light show going down behind the stage.

10:40 Update: We want more!

Just returned to the press box from the 117 section where I witnessed Petty continue this triumphant performance with chestnuts like the Wilburys number “End of the Line,” “Breakdown,” “You Don’t Know How it Feels,” “Learning to Fly,” and a monster jam on “Saving Grace” (right title?). The Heartbreakers closed with a razor-sharp “Refugee,” took and bow and left the stage. The house lights are down and the overjoyed mob is begging for more.

10:45 Update: On the run

Petty and his tight-as-a-gnat’s-ass band continue the blitz with a rollicking “Running Down a Dream” .. and then, after mere pause, launch into a bone-rattling “Mystic Eyes.” Petty’s spoken word line about rock ‘n’ roll setting you free is a simple sentiment, a cliche, even, but it’s one that rang true tonight. From the singer’s broad smile to the adulation coming from the massive audience, everyone for a moment (and at a price), felt free.

10:58  Update: Oh yeah, all right, take it easy, baby

“Are you ready?” Petty asks. “What’s the loudest noise you can make, baby?” And yes, he delivers the one, the only, “American Girl” and I feel the chills shoot up my legs, my spine, shit, my soul if I have one in there.

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