WATCH: University of Florida's First TOM PETTY DAY Culminates with Trancendent 90,000+ Fan Sing-Along of I WON'T BACK DOWN
The love for Tom Petty and the unifying power of his music was ubiquitous throughout Gainesville as the University of Florida celebrated its inaugural Tom Petty Day honoring the legendary hometown icon all weekend long. Leading up to the Gators’ sold-out game against LSU on Saturday night, fans eagerly lined up at the Airstream pop-up shop for the co-branded merchandise collection with many items selling out, collected commemorative memorabilia and enjoyed an interactive 360 video booth. SiriusXM’s Tom Petty Radio was also onsite, offering fans a chance to be on-air during broadcasts, while a special game trailer featuring an acoustic version of “I Won’t Back Down” from the upcoming Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Live at the Fillmore (1997) album was enjoyed by all.
At the game—which was nationally broadcast on ESPN—the team’s helmets featured the iconic Heartbreakers’ logo and the sellout crowd enjoyed special Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute performances by Florida’s spirit teams and an elaborate and remarkable halftime show by the marching band. All culminating in what has quickly become one of the most beloved traditions in sports, with the 90,000-plus fans in attendance joining together for a magical, chill-inducing sing along of “I Won’t Back Down” that rang loudly throughout the stadium. Watch the recap below.
An intimate, stripped-down version of “I Won’t Back Down” is available as part of the highly anticipated Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Live at the Fillmore (1997) album – set for release November 25 on Warner Records and available now for pre-order HERE. To celebrate, previously unreleased, never-before-seen footage unearthed from the Petty estate vaults was released today as part of a short film about the band’s legendary 1997 residency at the historic San Francisco venue where they were nicknamed the “Fillmore House Band.” The captivating, 20 sold-out show residency included some of the most joyful, inspirational and prolific experiences of the band’s career. WATCH/SHARE Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: The Fillmore House Band (Short Film) HERE.
In honor of Petty’s upcoming birthday this week (Thursday, October 20), the Tom Petty estate is donating full proceeds from the Tom Petty Day x Florida merchandise collection to Kids Count and Family Promise, two charities giving back to underserved communities in Gainesville. Further, Tom Petty Nation fan club members attending the annual birthday gathering at Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville will get an exclusive first listen of the upcoming Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Live at the Fillmore (1997) album.
Additionally, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ multi-platinum Greatest Hits collection is available now in immersive Dolby Atmos and Spatial formats. Listen to the bestselling record in Dolby Atmos HERE.
