Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Refugee (Live at Farm Aid 1985)

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform "Refugee" at Farm Aid in Champaign, Illinois on September 22, 1985.
A performance from the first Farm Aid benefit concert. Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp founded Farm Aid and serve on the board of directors. The three agreed that family farmers were in dire need of assistance and decided to plan a concert for America. The show was put together in six weeks and was held on September 22, 1985 in Champaign, Illinois before a crowd of 80,000 people. It raised over $9 million for America's family farmers. Performers included Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, B.B. King, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and many more.
Dave Matthews joined Farm Aid's Board of Directors in 2001 to help further Farm Aid's mission of keeping family farmers on their land.
For more, visit www.farmaid.org...

[@benyoung4305]

One of the most perfect rock songs from one of the most perfect rock bands ever.

[@angelamoore2064]

he is the best rock band rip tom petty

[@yauker]

except the bridge that sucks really bad, and idk... that last part is hardddddd opinion too...

[@DH-xm3hc]

​@@yauker He was different and played different at every concert. The whole band is too. Maybe that's how they wanted to play it. 🤔✌️❤️🌼

[@EvelynBaron]

brilliant comment

[@DanielOlofsson-ye1yy]

PREACH!!

[@ryu-ken]

I'm a refugee and this song helped me

[@edwardallen7131]

"Tell me why you would lay there, revel in your abandon?" Now there's a lyric. Its breadth of meaning is endless. I asked my 10 year old what he thought "you don't have to live like a refuge" means. He said, 'I think it means you don't have to live in fear, and you should always be able to say what's on your mind." That's my boy. And a song that becomes more meaningful as the decades go by.

[@susanlawrence8401]

👏👏👏

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

That line has always stuck out to me as well. Basically, you don't have to mope around and feel like a victim.

[@Jayinbloom]

The way he delivers that line is freaking cool

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

poetry

[@kraigrice6957]

​@@susanlawrence8401😊😅

[@kainedakillerv2704]

How can anyone dislike this? It's Tom petty! R.I.P good man!

[@petercondos1018]

I saw Petty Aug 19 2017 six weeks before he passed away Safeco Field Seattle WA .... Thank you Thomas Earl Petty .

[@silversurfer3636]

Saw this legend just before he died at BottleRock festival in Napa, he sounded better then radio, you can tell the real stars by watching the band! His band was 100% committed and having fun on stage from 1st concert to the last! R.I.P. Tom Petty Long live real music that inspires love and unity!

[@EvelynBaron]

Same here. He was in Toronto and because my sis in the music industry I met his wonderful wife Dana and his dog and got to sit back stage and realized how much physical pain he was in. Will never forget. An incredible concert. So lucky,

[@davidstovall8573]

I have to fight back the tears when I see or hear Tom Petty. One of America's greatest rock stars. The music is Tom's and only Tom's. Taken away from us way too soon! RIP!!!

[@EvelynBaron]

I do know. This is a kind of anthem that reminds me of times I wish would return. And people have to realize he didn't make a penny off of 160,000 people: he was disappointed in his idol Bob Dylan being lackluster and Geldorf messing up and ..... just stepped in. It's what he did. He stood for a kind of personal bravery that inspires me.

[@stephengiffith1010]

This man and his band are one of the few who sounds as GOOD live AS if he put his record on and put EVEN more spices on it

[@LyddleMetalHead]

I just can't get enough of this song or Tom's voice

[@suerichardsen9192]

Loved Tom at 22 and love him now at 59. No one better. RIP, TP🌷

[@stevenwaterfielkd6952]

He came from the poor side of the tracks in Jacksonville...fell in love with Rock and roll...Paid his dues and made it too the top. Great job Tom Petty.....You may be gone but you left graet music behind.,...Thank you Brother!

[@barbaramanning1836]

Steven Waterfielkd . No Tom Petty was from Gainsevill, FLA.

[@stevenwaterfielkd6952]

Your right Barbara, he was from Gainsville...don't know what In was thinking...lol

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Not exactly poor side and not from Jacksonville. My aunt lived down the street from them. Her mom worked with his mom in Gainesville

[@benyoung4305]

Awesome band. Mike is a legendary lead.

[@rerite2]

Remember, back in the day, when you could get right up to the edge of the stage? Reach out and the rock star would slap you "five." I miss those days.

[@EvelynBaron]

Yes and no, I know he did the Filmore and it was great smaller venue but he was dragged off the stage at one point and almost suffocated to death by fans ripping off his clothes and Bugs his chief roadie saved his life. It was terrifying and he was more cautious after that, made light of it but must have been terrified.

[@mrrudell]

Howie singing "Don't have to live like a refugee!" is everything . .

[@biancapickett2157]

+manof steele rip howie

[@Tricia755]

I have a friend named Brianna picket

[@EvelynBaron]

I know Tom loved the high harmonies Howie contributed. I did think it unfair that Benmont Tench who is a genius btw at one point blamed him for not rescuing him while he, BT was in AA meetings in LA with my idiotic sister and a bunch of other people who weren't entirely concentrating on the reason they were there for. .And Tom didn't blame him. He simply said, well Benmont went through his wild indian phase ....(recommend Zane's bio).

[@jinglejanglemornin]

Mike Campbell is an amazing guitarist - one of the best in the business, hands down!

[@azcharlie2009]

God, we miss this guy.... Tom, you were the best!!!

[@MrPhotodoc]

I could have lived my whole life without this song but I'm glad I didn't live without it.

[@edge9090]

Yes, you're right. I bought the album in the spring of 1980 so it did come out in 1979. This album sounded great at the time. I had a new sound system with a 45 watt amp and speakers with 12 inch woofers. Love Mike Campbell's guitar.

[@v8hotrodlincoln]

edge9090 Off Of Damn The Torpedoes... the album with the pinkish red backdrop with Tom Wearing Mike Campbell’s 12 String Rickenbacker Solid Body... I have a 27 year old Rickenbacker 66O 12 string Tom Petty Limited Edition #97 Of 1OOO made ... neck is a bit wider per Toms request... Tom Always loved That Guitar so they made some for him... and sold 1OOO to the public... back in 1991 through about 1998 to complete the entire run. Mine is a 1991. Fireglo. Looks identical to Mikes on Damn The Torpedoes.... Look up Mike Campbell’s 12 string Rickenbacker. On here it’s neat... Mike playing only his isolated parts to HERE COMES MY GIRL...

[@planetxwatcher9712]

I met Tom in 1985 on a stoop in Venice. Took a double take and asked, Are you Tom Petty? He said... Yep. I asked him if he was waiting for Phil? ...How did you know?, he asked ...I said,... I just know. And there we sat quietly waiting . Phil came and off he went. I'm 52 and a girl and now sing his songs in my band and everytime I feel that 15 year old girl inside and that moment on the stoop.

[@EvelynBaron]

What a lovely moment!

[@tahoeturk]

I was lucky enough to be sitting on the stage just to the left of the band where I was shooting the concert for United Press Int. What a fantastic delightful day.

[@chucklutter7399]

I was at the show, one hellova day and evening of music. So many bands I hadn't heard of impressed me!

[@biancapickett2157]

Mike Campbell - greatest guitarist ever

[@ax1sg]

+Benny Ryan hes very underrated

[@HellcatCustoms]

That vibrato..

[@timlazar2821]

Fleetwood Mac picked up the best free agent guitarist on the market.

[@sonnycathey5091]

A little stretch. He was great but Stevie Ray Vaughn was the greatest and Gary Moore was there next to him, and you can’t leave Clapton out.

[@HamiltonRb]

Sonny Cathey Clapton, Hendrix, Jimmy Page, SRV, Johnny Winter, Terry Kath, Carlos Santana, Duane Allman, Derek Trucks...... take your pick, there all good. Silly to think one is the best

[@thesteelgator]

I just love the way this live version and the one from Live Aid 1985 sound. Mike Campbell adds juuuuuust the right amount to his solo and the outro. I don't even mind the sax/horns! 1985 Refugee is the best Refugee.

[@janetrobinette]

I love you Tom Petty You will live in my heart and soul with your Music 🎸🎸🎸🎵🎵🎼🎼🎤🎤🎤📣🎷🎷🎷🔊🔊🎵🎵🔊🎵🎷🎸🎸

[@thomasandersen6719]

I doubt he will read this....so why write it?---Social medias are not a direct line to the dead, you know? When Petty died I personally just shut my mouth and listened to his records.....tell them how you feel when they are alive....I do not know if you did? Writing on youtube after they died is just plain silly

[@xScooterAZx]

@@thomasandersen6719 That's just rude. Period. You gonna make this comment to every person who has said the same here?

[@mattswesweeney6804]

Love Tom Petty Band Member Grave

[@tomprice3258]

Another legend....gone. So sad! RIP Tom!

[@johninjersey]

RIP Tom Petty

[@robertwagner2882]

the voice, the hair, and the talent. tp had it all!!!

[@xScooterAZx]

I know,right? I lived his long bonde hair. AND his music,of course. XD

[@carolynwilson2206]

Amen to that. He was grear.

[@carolynwilson2206]

Sorry about wrong typing. The word is "great".

[@chucklutter7399]

I was fortunate to be at the show, getting tickets at 3 in the morning that day. INCREDIBLE day and evening of music. So many bands I hadn't heard of impressed me, as well as the ones i was familiar with. BB King changed and tuned a broken string while not missing a note. My ADVENTURE BUDY Tom who i saw this with, along with numerous other bands, has passed TOO SOON along with Mr Tom Petty. BEST AND PEACE to both of the Toms!

[@dorinda4ever]

Beautiful RIP TOM PETTY

[@HungryH1951]

Love the band when most when Stan was the drummer. Great performance by all. Miss Tom so much.

[@hannaj4032]

October makes me always think of Tom. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years.

[@beatlesrock9571]

3 years now 😭

[@theseanp.murphyproject5298]

Awful loss.

[@xScooterAZx]

@@beatlesrock9571 It doesnt feel like it's been that long though,..sadly. Feels like just this year somehow.

[@skitboyz7418]

@@beatlesrock9571 four years now 😥

[@cortezcortez739]

Another legend gone....RIP

[@mikewelch4899]

That Bass Line is Smooth!!!

[@edge9090]

Awesome! Love Mike Campbell's guitar work. Right up there with Joe Walsh.

[@lorraineklimek8829]

TP at the top of his game.

[@vincegedeon6583]

ive always loved the unique vocals of tom petty he's just very diff but AMAZING!

[@DanielAquarian]

He sounds like bob Dylan if bob Dylan could sing.

[@littleteethkeith]

If you have never seen Tom Petty live I recommend you do so. Awesome live act. They will play what you want to hear.

[@ryanstoopes188]

I was lucky to enough to see him at his last show he ever did, the Hollywood Bowl :(

[@carolynwilson2206]

Now we have to see him in video or our dreams. Miss Mr. Petty. RIP.

[@thinman8621]

TPath was a great band and Refugee a great song.

[@patrickmcgill7478]

Tom Petty and his group have had a sustaining influence in my life. I just love their style; the lead guitar player's lead licks and Tom Petty's vocals and showmanship.

[@seahorsebaby1]

Great memories. RIP Tom Petty.

[@mathmusic1490]

Awesome sound these guys ...so tight....from Champaign, IL down here to Gainesville, FL, this sounds darn good. RIP TOM, we might make your childhood home here into a museum....we're halfway there....stay tuned!

[@tamiholmgren6589]

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Litterally Kicked Ass On This Song,,Righteous,,,l,‼️❤️💕💖‼️🎹🎶🎵🎼🎵🎹🎵🎼‼️

[@johndayton3673]

I will always love this song as it was the first song that I listen to from Tom Petty.🎶

[@peterhayes3040]

At least I got to see him in concert...

[@oldsoulone7557]

Lucky... I'm from Australia, and never got the chance.... rip Tom. Thanks for the music

[@lornamcneil7089]

Gone too soon. One of my favorites! R.I.P. Tom Petty

[@benyoung4305]

Quote possibly THE finest rock time of all time! PERFECT.

[@KarenJohnsonKJPR]

everybody's had to fight to be free. god bless you dear Tom Petty. xoxo

[@scottfleming6166]

I'm liking that 335 Tom was playing

[@benyoung4305]

Tom Petty is (was) the heart of the music industry. Honest, hard working, respectful and stood his ground. A fine role model for any artist. God bless you sir!

[@blackcatlover9907]

I'm truly heart broken! One of the greatest ever! Love you always Tom! R.i.p. 😭💔

[@ddmcpaisley6299]

I SO ADORED Tom Petty. Got to see him twice. Campbell did the most amazing cover of Summertime Blues. Southern Accent is my #1 Favourite

[@EvelynBaron]

I said to my dog this morning, don't get impatient if I had never heard this song I'd be dead and you'd be in China in a meat factory. Thank god she has a sense of humour. Seriously this song saved my life.

[@mathmusic1490]

These guys are so spot on here it's a miracle...wish I'd been there. They did "Straight Into Darkness" there live too, and maybe others............fantastic Gainesville boy Tom makes good.

[@juliephillips3374]

Tom was tom. A one we fans know why. I am of the same generation and remember him being in London England when punk and new wave music was kicking off. So many bands came from later 80s and early 90s. I could go on and on but tom had so much charisma he made it to the top.. bless him

[@susanhaas2420]

Love. Tom Petty s. Music. Still .play. It.

[@BlakeNix]

He and the band were so good for so long. At their best they were as good as anybody, anywhere.

[@vincegedeon6583]

AWESOME VID I LOVE PETTY!

[@johntailing5283]

Great guitarist-great song, and good looking to boot, pretty much had everything he needed, , , , God bless you TP

[@Putaspellonyou]

Tom always said that the music at Farm Aid was far better than at Live Aid just a couple months before.

[@BD-nl5je]

I remember the first time I heard this song. Saturday Night Live live performance. It was stunning, the music, the words, and Tom Petty as high as a kite LOL Those were the days.

[@michellestrada5697]

Mike Campbell - greatest guitarist ever Another legend....gone. So sad! RIP Tom!

[@denisedillon3685]

You and I will meet again, When we're least expecting it, One day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won't say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again. - Tom Petty

[@flacindyo1]

RIP Tom Petty. You gave your all to music.

[@alanscott7798]

Brilliant, brilliant band, all of them.

[@adamsasso1]

Kick-ass performance!

[@britneybartosh3208]

Another legend gone....RIP everybody's had to fight to be free. god bless you dear Tom Petty. xoxo

[@treefrogdemon]

A terrific version of a terrific song. Thanks for posting these, farmaid.

[@tamiholmgren6589]

ThankYou Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ThankYou 💥🎹🎼🎶☮️🎹🎼☮️🎶🎼🎹☮️🎼🎶☮️‼️☮️🎼🎹💥🥳💥🎹☮️🎼🎶💥🎹🥳☮️🎹💥🎼🎶☮️💥💥

[@calnonhardy4002]

The best can write.

[@reints744]

I saw this live when I was a little kid. My dad recorded it and I watched it so many times the songs are etched into my subconscious. I clicked on these farm aid Petty vids & now I understand why Tom Petty has always been the standard by which all other music is judged for me. Great find. Thanks for posting!

[@soundmusic09]

Terrific! The Heartbreakers are damn good!!!

[@nicidevine6670]

Great 👍 song 🎶

[@elmirpasic6336]

Thank you

[@brianosbment2343]

So sad! Can't believe he is gone. RIP!

[@rubenaloiso7457]

Tom Petty the best

[@kz4506]

That Campbell is such a professional guitarest and handles the Gibson so well ,watch him

[@rramos2876]

One of the very musical groups that were ever assembled.

[@wndowpayne]

Easily one of the best songs ever..as good today as the first time heard..fun to play on every instrument..never gets old

[@kaylenerasmussen460]

AWESOME!! Love Petty!! Wish he was still with us! RIP Tom.

[@russiaexitcrimea2203]

For a live show, it had a great sound.

[@timlazar2821]

The Heartbreakers at the height of their powers.

[@janhensley3617]

Tom Petty was perfection. Miss him forever ❤

[@marcosgomes7681]

Nobody is perfect,but Tom was awesome and i miss him too

[@angelamoore2064]

rip tom petty love you so much I wish I could come to one of your concerts I miss you waaa

[@MrBudpimpster]

What I like about this is at the end Tom Petty trys to end twice The aid of his Player and the bank keeps on going because the drummer is not looking (we’ve all been through this). It’s all about the recovery which I thought was amazing. Ends on the dissident A chord Which is another thing that I like

[@MrRandude101]

great song

[@Discobob69]

Legends!

[@marcellino1956]

taken away much to soon.....RIP my friend

[@herdguy22]

Petty was in good voice that night.

[@donnellholmes6334]

love you Tom

[@greedsds]

Another legend....gone. So sad! RIP Tom! At least I got to see him in concert...

[@danyellesterling4970]

❤️❤️ best song ever!!!

[@MeME-cw6pc]

The song and band that endend disco!

[@rakoovzzz1]

great at all

[@dawix4482]

Too many memories to remember. Thank you Tom.

[@sherigentry4955]

What a day ! I was there cold & damp 21st Birthday

[@Nan-59]

Miss you 😘

[@angelicaalmon9196]

October makes me always think of Tom. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years. Howie singing "Don't have to live like a refugee!" is everything . . As a matter of fact, Refugee dates from 1979 ;)

[@richfranciskovich3204]

I worked the show, volunteering

[@black64ford]

Awesome video! RIP Tom!

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Not surprising that this latecomer rock great ended up as one of the Wilburys.

[@OmegaVideoGameGod]

:D Tom was always amazing.