Tom Petty - The Waiting (Live 1985)

Recorded at the Wiltern Theatre August 6th 1985

[@mma1st105]

It's crazy how a man that most of us have never met can become such a huge part of our lives.

[@Benji8461]

Isn't it? Man, I miss Tom Petty.

[@Mainstnoogan]

@@Benji8461 every night

[@sentimentaljourneyproductions]

Isn't that the truth! No words can really describe the impact. Rest well my Florida brother of the heart🎼💞

[@alfazero9671]

Totally Agree, man.

[@ec1258]

Miss Tom

[@tbhausen]

I could listen to this 1000 times. Miss you, Tom. Hope it feels like heaven right now.

[@Thisizmyname]

I swear this dude was the coolest fucking guy to ever walk the Earth. His death really hit home for me. Rest In Peace buddy.

[@bluuedaniel]

Wild picture, I was trying to figure if you were black, or very tan, hey we both agree on Tom petty, regardless!

[@stevecareskey6542]

Was it a doctor screw up?

[@sirvayr]

we're losing the best of talent. Petty, Bowie, VanHalen, Frey, Ocasic, to name a few

[@ohdear2275]

And unfortunately for him and for us, a very troubled guy. God, I miss him.

[@sjlBoise54]

had the good fortune to see him live 3 times - once in San Francisco, once outdoors at the Calaveras County Fair and once in Seattle. Tom was genius incarnate.

[@venona698]

I get chills when Mike Campbell comes in, after such a patient buildup, words cannot express the perfection of this - in fact the aesthetic perfection you find in every corner of this unique performance. I never tire of it.

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

I bet it was Toms idea completely to let The Band come in like that , letting all the glory fall on the band in that moment !

[@JohnMorris-ge6hq]

Why is it amazing? Are you fans easily impressed. That is the damn song from 1980. It is amazing that after 2 minutes of solo nonsense the band teases fans with 1 minute of the REAL SONG and you are IMPRESSED. HUH?!?!?

[@jasonwalsh8281]

@@JohnMorris-ge6hq Jaded much? Sure, it's a standard trick for a live performance, but you don't need to be douche. It is effective, like it or not.

[@joeltoups3003]

John Morris it’s amazing bc it’s not the normal studio version and it teases you after every chorus by staying slow tempo and finally exploding I think it’s an incredible version of the song including the story in the beginning just gives me chills. If u feel that way just click on another video....to reply to someone’s comment like this is just lame and shows u took time to try and down the way someone feels about this song and how it hits them personally. Doesn’t really matter how you feel about this so keep ur negative comments somewhere else

[@seanbush5056]

@@JohnMorris-ge6hq Look & listen to the crowd...does it sound & look as if they've been denied some great moment? A triumph of rock songwriting, as it is? I disagree, I think the audience was gifted a wonderful song rendered differently in the atmosphere only a live performance can capture. Great songs are not just what they are, they continue to live & grow in the imagination of all involved. Tom would've wanted it that way, & Hell, considering he just PLAYED IT FOR YOU this way, I think much more was gained than lost.

[@brendenheil]

Tom's voice is like a warm blanket on a cold winters night. Medicinal.

[@lfm4man]

I know we all die, blah, blah blah, but when this man died, part of the light of the universe went out...

[@jmm1817]

I'll be your bleeding heart, I'll Be Your Crying Fool, don't let this go too far, don't let it get to you...Then Mike Campbell steps in with that simple but awesome solo. Doesn't get any better

[@janhensley5410]

100 percent true! CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE!

[@robertwagner2882]

@@janhensley5410 i second that. chills and goosebumps. i have sung that so many times i know it by heart. i can't get enough of it.

[@janhensley5410]

So great when the Heartbreakers come in. Each is great in their own right. Perfection.

[@sallypyszczek7836]

Well said. Rest in peace tom petty .

[@keithmauck8009]

Sound track of my youth...didn’t fully understand how great and magical they were until I became an adult.

[@honkytonkwoman69]

Who among us doesn’t break into a smile when he breaks into that iconic riff?

[@johnnywanos]

don't mind me, just enjoying the music and liking every comment because it seems everyone on earth can agree on one thing, tom petty is a legend

[@kurtnutin3968]

Woop Woop

[@kathyadams8491]

I too just enjoy his music and that's all that should matter to all of us.. I agree with you wholeheartedly

[@russellwilson6440]

Amen bro!

[@sandyjustice1139]

I worship him the day he died we all cried

[@kathyadams8491]

Yea, how could we not agree on this huh? I could not get tired of his music ever and could listen over and over again. And actually there aren't any musicians that I don't appreciate.

[@Goin4AWalk]

You can put Tom Petty on at ANY party, nobody complains and EVERYBODY sings along. My definition of success.

[@sallypyszczek7836]

Well said . I’ll bet he would like that comment.

[@lisalindsay]

The beginning of this song Tom tells quite a story. Words cannot describe what the passing of Tom Petty has done to all his family, friends, bandmates and his FANS. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. REST IN PEACE 💔😓

[@RailStalkerAdventures]

I agree with you on this deal, Lightning. Tom Petty's music had a profound effect on my life and it still does to this day. Forever the man and I am forever the fan. Rock in Heaven, T.P. 1951-2017

[@dannyadamson5580]

I saw Tom in the late 80s and I would describe it as a guitar orgy if you play guitar you are listening with true admiration knowing this is as good as it gets

[@jeanniesaunders2128]

Yeah it's so look hard!!! I remember Tom,from when I was like 11 or 12..1979 or 1980..I loved him!! Still do! It years me up!!! Knowing he passed away..He was a REALLY GREAT GUY and musician as well!! As it's REALLY hard!:for all of his fans! And even harder for his family,and band members! 😣😣😣😥😥😥😇😇😇R.I.P.to Tom Petty!

[@RamzAntiTodo]

TOM PETTY IS DEAD!!??? :O Oh noo :'( So sorry to hear this...

[@joemoliter2978]

Petro Was The Coolest, Most For Real, Magical, Mystical, Talented Musician Ever, RIP My Friend 😎

[@martinlynch599]

When Mike jumps in WOW,a true rock and roll moment.Pure magic.

[@cozmickid80]

This is just fucking GREAT. I watch this at least once every few months. Still get chills.

[@robertwagner2882]

i'm right there with ya!!!

[@jimstull]

This is probably my favorite song ! If your weekly salary was a dollar for every time I ever sang it to myself you'd be rich. I swear I sing it 4 times a week - have been for over thirty years !!

[@robertwagner2882]

you could say that alot because tp has a big juke box. " the waiting" is truly a gift. i love it!!! this is one of the best videos on you tube period!!!

[@seanbush5056]

I swear, TP never wrote a bad song. It's uncanny. This is obviously unfair, "The Waiting" is one of my favorite songs full stop, let alone favorite TP songs, but this performance is on an entirely different level. Losing Tom was a blow, but what an amazing catalog of wonderful music he left for us. Thank you, Tom.

[@patrickweston3293]

This performance fits the song perfectly. Petty makes us all wait with him, then Mike Campbell knocks it out of the house. Wonderful. I miss the man.

[@robertwagner2882]

you nailed it pat. and so did the heartbreakers!!

[@JakeWarwick2410]

Knocks it out of the house indeed! I get goosebumps every time!!

[@rayrines2358]

Plain straight fucking jam.

[@carolfidler5505]

The best ever. 🤩💔

[@nictrew]

How do you not get chills down your spine listening to this? What a shame I never got to see him live.

[@PamB95]

Oh, you really missed some incredible magic. I saw him in Portland in '81. If you think the studio versions of these songs are awesome, what they do to each song when presented live puts a whole new dimension to each chord change, each vocal harmony. I walked in a fan, walked out a religious fanatic.

[@jonnycat529]

This man has so many songs you can sing in the car to. My four year old loves this song.

[@sallypyszczek7836]

That’s really cool.

[@JasonNaas]

This is my favorite Tom Petty moment, ever.

[@cjc42191]

I love how shy and child-like Mike looks as he makes that guitar scream. He is one humble guitar god

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

Ive always loved Mike Campbells sound !

[@carlglover8550]

Mike Campbell is underated as a guitarist and musician. I hope the music still flows. Peace

[@briansmobile1]

Love Tom Petty's attitude- guy just rocks. He's talented, positive, rebellious, and optimistic toward life.

[@teresarose2824]

RIP, Tom. Sadly missed

[@lindarobison7830]

Travin whilberys he was so heart felt in end of the line. What a trouble he had

[@Dan-yp7kc]

So blessed I saw him live in concert true legend

[@monosound81]

Well said

[@thesnorman-graffiti3315]

Effortlessly cool!!!

[@bobmellon1207]

This was peak TP and the Heartbreakers. With Stan lynch as their drummer and Pettys voice so on point. Just absolute gold.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

As a guitarist who's recovering from a broken wrist, that's great advice at the beginning. RIP Tom

[@kimberlyhurst]

We were blessed to have him give his music to this world

[@landlinesandpercolators8822]

What an indelible Rock and Roll Moment when Mike Campbell steps up for his solo after the bridge. Incredible dynamics raise the level of an already great song in this live version.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Absolutely and what a perfect solo and the lick that almost immediately follows & the octave thing just couldn't be more perfect. One of my favourite moments in live rock music history...

[@landlinesandpercolators8822]

Yeah!

[@bearhouse34]

I wish I knew as much about guitar as you guys. All I can say is....it sounds freakin great!!!!!!

[@terrapanda]

How Bah Dat??

[@katherinebernadette1939]

Was listening to this version in the car on Tom Petty radio last week, and just about drove off the road when Mike's solo hit. This is without a doubt my favorite version of this song. Tom was a genius and there's a hole in the world that will never be filled.

[@KalimochoBoys]

One of the best American songwriters to ever do it. We miss you Tom, you’re not around.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

This absolute madlad took a song that was stupidly perfect and somehow made it even more beautiful. Tom & his Heartbreakers knew how to craft a dynamic song - they knew the secrets of musical rise and fall, and how to build up and pay off like you're telling a story. This song, and this performance, might be the finest example of that understanding and successful execution.

[@user-gl3oy6jn3w]

I remember purchasing damn the torpedos,I was sold on this great musician.then and til the day I was driving my semi and heard on the radio that this man had passed.stopped and cried.RIP M r Petty.louie.

[@mindrolling24]

Oh that was just so effing amazing- especially when the band came in. And Petty's voice- we'll never hear anything like it again. never get tired of this song!

[@rulnacco]

You know, it's a funny thing--technically, Tom Petty couldn't really sing, in a classical sense. And yet his keening voice had the most powerful effect; as a teenager, the longing, resignation, loneliness, disappointment and occasional bitterness (and humor) it conveyed spoke to me deeply. And still does.

[@carolfidler5505]

His voice was something special. ❤

[@drtmuir]

Probably the most modest and self-effacing of rock bands, and all the more effective for it. As Tom comes to the end of the bridge, he looks around, like "Here comes the secret weapon," and then Mike and the band pounce. 😂

[@willstill7233]

This song gets better and better every time I hear it

[@mathewmcdonald3657]

Mike played this completely perfect. It’s truly special.

[@nikkiluciano6516]

"I said Fuck That!" Tom Petty is a rock god!

[@LovezTunez]

Nikki I love Tom Petty (and everyone else in TPATH,) but he is not a contemporaneous speaker. That story was scripted out, honed & refined to get a precise reaction from his audience way back then. He still tells it on every tour to introduce this song. I thought he would switch them out when playing to his kids, ex-wife, cousin Sheriff Sadie Darnell, but nope. We picked up on a lot of local references that others might not. READ Warren Zanes bio "PETTY!" It's excellent!

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Not to mention that his band's original drummer, Stan Lynch, had been dismissed from the band multiple times (in 1979 and 1982) before Lynch finally got the boot for good in 1993.

[@gary1022]

Nikki ..the world was a better place with tom petty in it!

[@cherrycitymuse1597]

I still can't wrap my head around his passing. 2 years and it's just as unfathomable as the day I found out. I was raised with his music. Growing up, I understood what the hell he meant because I felt it too. He knew so much, and put real shit in to words with such feeling. He was a true talent, and one of my most revered poets. It's a loss so great that I don't even know how to process it. It's like a tidal wave of pain and rushing of tears every time I think of it.

[@sportsdudee30_72]

It’s so smooth when he said I looked at my guitar and just smoothly transitioned into the start of the song. So smooth, Tom.

[@johnnymostcelts]

Tom Petty always looks like he's enjoying it as much as the fans. So genuine

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

When Toms Band comes roaring in ....... at 4:54 You can see that Tom is So Proud of his Band "the Heartbreakers" And Wanted all the focus on them at that moment ! Tom always shared the spotlight with his Band !

[@markfrav]

I was thinking about 2/3's thru that Tom's a pretty good guitarist. Then bam! the whole band joins in.....and you see how awesome Mike Campbell is and how tight they play and how good they harmonize (can't be easy harmonizing w/ Tom) and I think this is THE great American band. Screw Aerosmith, screw the Eagles, it's these guys. If the band didn't have TP's name in the title they'd all be famous.

[@EADGBESTRAT]

My favorite version of this song. When Campbell plays against the Bm in the solo it's perfect guitar meets amp tone.🎸

[@marlenesullivan3113]

MY FAVOURITE TOO🚶‍♂️🎸

[@silversurfer3154]

Totally agree with that, as you alluded to, you seen a few versions of this live, M.C sometimes drops a note in the lead breaks, (early days I believe) but it sounds BRILLIANT,as usual 🤧

[@marlenesullivan3113]

@@silversurfer3154 SURE WAS BRILLIANT 🎶

[@stephencianciolo1424]

I will never get tired of listening to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, they are definitely right up there with the best ever.

[@robbikuushti9022]

Absolutely

[@mr.underdog8282]

I can't come to grips with the fact he's dead. I feel like I've lost a close friend.

[@johnnyenglish9622]

Through all this I think what you just stated is exactly how I feel. I was 12 when Damn the Torpedoes came out. Tom was just cool, pure rock & roll but legends never die.

[@mathmusic1490]

Me too...........darnit!!!

[@michaeladams5865]

Fuddruckers yep

[@GrantSchinto]

Same here. I was hit pretty hard in 1991 when Freddie Mercury died. Tom's passing hit me the hardest since then.

[@bikeluversusie2522]

I still cry. We just have to have faith he is in a much better place jammin with all the greats.

[@stevenlaird5081]

One of the best albums ever recorded that's all I listened too back in 86 and I still love listening to it to this day..Make It Better is pure brilliance

[@guymorris1963]

Tom, please save a seat for me on front row center and a backstage pass for your great live shows in Heaven for when I get there later on down the road.

[@encompassvideo5429]

If you were lucky enough to see them live in this era (early to mid 1980's) you saw perhaps the greatest live shows ever performed. I have seen hundreds of concerts since 1986 shows but these are the reference points for all live music. Blistering, shocking two hours of pure engagement. Whatever you thought of their videos and recorded music, you simply had to see them live to fully appreciate the depth, range and abilities of a real rock band playing timeless music at 110%. Never to be seen again.

[@traviskeeler4533]

Saw Tom with the Georgia Satellites and the Del Fuego's in Toronto in 1987. One of the greatest concerts I ever attended. Simply amazing.

[@DanDDirges]

Saw this cat In concert twice in the early 80`s. Blew my doors off both times.

[@Lola-193]

Dan D. Dirges me too! I can still remember him walking around the stage with his fringed boots. He was the coolest.

[@boners2nite]

Me too in 81........

[@kimberlyhurst]

Saw him in concert 4 times and never was disappointed , he truly loved what he did and it showed. It was a sad day for us when he passed away but heaven was blessed with him. His music is a staple

[@pconlisk]

When Mike Campbell joins in, WOW! What a great rendition.

[@ggforeigner]

"I said Fuck That" .... many years of great music from TP and co ... love it !!

[@franksallie9112]

Great version. Stan’s drumming is just perfect; totally nails it. As does everyone else, of course.

[@dakbro7380]

It's the suspenders...

[@dab4546]

Stan Lynch was the best drummer the Heartbreakers ever had. He could not only drum amazingly well, but he could sing harmony and arrange too. We were at that Wiltern show. RIP, TP.

[@timotley2100]

The build up to the guitar solo and bringing the rest of the band from the shadows is pretty epic. Probably hair tingling for those watching live. I only saw him once, and it was in the back half of his career, but he was outstanding live.

[@sallypyszczek7836]

Never be another. TP and the heartbreakers were the soundtrack to my youth. Nothing but happy memories …. Better days . RIP Tom Petty . Nothing but love for you .

[@roblogosz1]

i always say what a great band it is. how all of them together produce a great sound - but here Petty plays all by himself on electric & i didnt even realize it for awhile & then the crescendo as mike c & the band join him. What great musicians & Tom - what a life force. Goes beyond music.

[@susanandrew3695]

I can watch this over and over. He is the coolest guitar player imo.

[@kathymagnus5681]

SOOOOOOOOOO awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This song got me through some hard times. Thanks for everything Tom.

[@theresacole2453]

Tom petty sure knew how to make a dream come true, & thank God he did...what an AWESOME BAND!!!!!!!!

[@Karl-np6tx]

This is epic! When he says "one day after many months and I went."..... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnhines946]

He was one of the best ever; and will continue to be to carry on for generations; through recordings!

[@donnellholmes6334]

Hate to know there will never be any more songs coming from this musical genus. I love every thing about Tom, Class from the beginning to end. One of the most enduring careers ever by anybody, especially in Rock @ Roll.I love this man , he made, by hard work ,some of the best music in history.

[@cowsongs]

Whoa... Campbell plays that lead riff as all octaves on a 6-string. I always thought he used a 12 or it was two guitars on the record, but his solos sound so much like the record, now I think he did it just like this. Very nice.

[@vicpecora3892]

Saw him live several times and it's tough to put your finger on his best. But no question this song live has to be up there.

[@charliebrockett428]

Great to see Stan Lynch so happy and enjoying himself. What a superb rock drummer he is !!

[@robyn2365]

As a live performer Stan was great but he never played that way in the studio.he was always all smiles and happy live, but he didn’t carry that over to the studio

[@DanielChavis]

Best fucking line up ever!!

[@missdarlene7]

Oh yes!!! My FINE and SEXY STAN the DRUMMER. !!! ❤️ Sincerely Darlene an American Girl who has a thing for drummers ❤️❤️❤️

[@brownblazer1]

Love Stan's drumming, both live and studio. Band just wasn't the same for me when he left.

[@missdarlene7]

AMEN, Charlie ‼️My FINE and SEXY STAN is one BADASS DRUMMER ‼️❤️ Sincerely Darlene an American Girl who has a thing for drummers ❤️❤️❤️

[@smparks5525]

This is as close to perfect as anything can be.

[@lvmykdz5724]

What I wouldn't give to go back in time and see him LIVE.............brings tears to my eyes.

[@marcmanis2970]

So hard not being able to hear that magnificent voice anymore rest in peace Tom

[@VeganLinked]

💔 i miss Tom Petty too much. I loved his music and energy throughout my entire life more than any other

[@StackingForLiberty]

Absolutely. He's one of the coolest rockers. That's why so many other top musicians respect him.

[@jasonswegan5754]

the waiting is the hardest part! awesome....sent shivers up my spine

[@leomiglia]

1985, the year I saw his show live for the first time. Playing with Bob Dylan in Rome. I will never forget.

[@bigchief124]

I don't know why this always made me tear up. Even before he was gone, maybe it means more now. But, he never gave up. He may have had a broken had, but he taught me that whatever gets in your way, don't give up and just keep fighting for what keeps you going and what you want. I lived by that since I first saw this years ago when I was a young buck. Thank you for that, Tom.

[@johndelucchi719]

A perfectly performed, perfectly crafted and perfectly Tom Petty's flawless style.not to mention well over thirty years of that perfection.

[@marcmanis2970]

His voice is missed so much nobody sounded like him REST IN PEACE Tom

[@corinnerico342]

Thank you for the music.

[@natccamp]

Absolutely! One of my favorite songs of all time. I will always be an 80's man.

[@rjwintl]

me too !!!

[@jimstull]

I have to have sang that song to myself an average of three times a week since it was released, wish my weekly pay was a buck for every time I did !!

[@EricKretzmer]

My favorite song. Didnt think they could make it better!! This is absolutely wonderful!!

[@ty-ji2oy]

Been distraught since Oct 2nd. You were one of the coolest men on the planet. I love and miss you. Thanks for the music Tom. Rest in peace. And then, rock and roll Tom. Because that's what you always did. LOVE and PEACE to you and yours.

[@johnhines946]

One of the best entertainers ever; will always be a legendary singer! For generations;

[@oshesa1]

still have my stub from this concert...GREAT SHOW!!!

[@torbincase8202]

Tommy knew how to rock the folk chords like nobody ever did, just nailed sweat grooves and riffs so the music has legs all of its own, the melodys were an enhancement with timeless lyrics we'll never forget

[@Einalem9929]

Its 2020 and here I am.... AGAIN. Love me some Tom Petty !

[@fotojay]

The intro and segway into the song gives me chills. They need to remaster and re release this concert

[@toddbishop9729]

I've lost another good friend of over 40 yrs.who never knew I was alive!Life's funny and wonderful.GOD LOVES T.PETTY#!!!

[@WolfgangBear1]

Doc says "i don't think you're going to play the guitar anymore, son!" Tom says " Fuck that!" GOLD!!!!

[@Stevebaseball44]

I seen him for my 1st concert in 1980.It was Bayfront Center in Tampa,Fla.I'm 51 now and have seen so many different groups but that show and his presence on that stage is always something I'll never forget.For such an immensely talented musician,he comes across very humble.Stevie Nicks came to that show and they did their big hit Stop dragging my heart around.

[@chrissett4245]

Seen em lots times... Getting over some things just take more time I guess. RIP Tom and my youth

[@underock4]

One of the finest rock tunes, ever written. Performed majestically, by the main man, his co-captain and the band. Listened to it dozens of times and still gives me goosebumps. The waiting, is indeed, the hardest part...

[@smsmoof8128]

Hey Tommy, Godspeed. Never got to see you Live. Your words/songs/attitude will ALWAYS be my fallback when things arent going well in life. Your words always put me square again. And now you are the only man to make this man cry. Thanks for never Backing Down.

[@vickigettys8639]

Bawling my eyes out right now.

[@brettcooper3893]

Right. You keep it together for the most part until Mike comes in then and then BAM. You're a mess.

[@finaljesus]

one of the best versions of this song i love this song

[@roberttotino4469]

......."Honey, it's the hardest part"...... Thanks Tom

[@randysnyder3099]

Young musicians can learn a lot from him. His guitar skills were awesome. His voice was not great, but his songs touched your heart and his genuine love for music and entertaining fans was paramount ! That is why he will be an icon for many years to come.

[@carolfidler5505]

Not the greatest voice maybe not but he had a style of his own, beyond great for rock and roll.

[@petergambaccini7396]

What a relief that the cameramen got everything right on this one. Just imagine if they're messed up Mike Campbell's entrance.

[@user-sm6lx2bk3s]

Absolutely Tom was incredible

[@USPoliticiansSuck]

I'm in my 50s and just rediscovered Tom Petty. This performance is phenomenal. I'm so grateful to have lived during a period of such exceptional music.

[@teresaslatteryamin3059]

Best tour I saw of his. His showmanship was just amazing! That band, that Southern Accent tour. I saw it at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa. It was amazing to see that Florida boy in his home state.

[@jennifermedeiros4790]

Tom Petty lives on eternally in our hearts and souls. 💘

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

So many good songs, but this is Petty's absolute best!

[@vickybachert8298]

Sixty three years old and still rocking to Tom Petty.

[@Gatorman-db3ie]

Having grown up many years close to the Gainesville area it was like a relative died when Tom passed. Just unbelievable news at the time.