Jones Beach Review

Reuters

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers kicked off the first day of summer at Jones Beach in New York before a sold-out crowd of all ages. The air was a little brisk for those who wore shorts to the outdoor amphitheater, but the Florida-bred six-piece raised temperatures with a 20-song set that was loaded with hits.

Demurely taking the stage to zealous applause, Petty opened with "Listen to Her Heart" and spent the evening trying to out-sing the audience on the familiar choruses of his numerous chart-toppers. The concert was a testament to 30 years of fine songwriting and superb musicianship.

The original members of the Heartbreakers -- keyboardist Benmont Tench, guitarist Mike Campbell and bassist Ron Blair -- were rounded out by drummer Steve Ferrone and guitarist Scott Thurston. The band is the perfect foil for the happy-go-lucky singer, embellishing his voice with power and grace as he moved from classic-rock radio staples to lighter acoustic numbers.
Along with favorites such as "Breakdown," "Refugee," "Don't Come Around Here No More," "Free Fallin"' and "Mary Jane's Last Dance," Petty treated the crowd to the instantly singable new song "Turn This Car Around," from a new album due in the fall. He also broke out "Handle With Care" from his days with the Traveling Wilburys, with Thurston capably singing the Roy Orbison parts. The band closed with "Running Down a Dream" and returned for an encore of "You Wreck Me" and "American Girl."

Petty has so many great songs that it's almost a disappointment he can't get to them all. Yet the real downside to seeing Tom Petty is knowing that once the summer has ended, the big question on everyone's mind is likely to be, "Who will be the next American Idol?" In an industry bereft of talent like this, the real question ought to be, "Who will be the next Tom Petty?" Of course, the answer is that there will never be another one like him, and it is incumbent upon those of us who truly love music to embrace him.

The Black Crowes opened the show with a heavy set that featured deep album cuts and extended jams. Kate Hudson watched from the wings as husband Chris Robinson wriggled and bounced in a shirt that read, "Freak N' Roll." The Crowes seem well on their way to becoming the next Allmans, though th