The official Tom Petty social media channels recently commemorated a pivotal moment in the late rock icon's career, sharing a clip of "The Waiting" performed live at The Wiltern in 1985. The post, attributed to Tom Petty's estate, featured the poignant lyrics: > "The waiting is the hardest part / Every day you see one more card / You take it on faith, you take it to the heart / The waiting is the hardest part." This archival release underscores the enduring legacy of Petty's music and his powerful live performances.
The featured performance stems from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' August 6, 1985, concert at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. This particular show was a significant event, heavily documented and forming a core part of the band's first official live album and concert film, "Pack Up the Plantation: Live!", released later that year. The Wiltern concert showcased the band's dynamic stage presence and their ability to connect deeply with audiences.
"The Waiting" itself is a seminal track, serving as the lead single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 1981 album, "Hard Promises." The song achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and dominating the Rock Tracks chart for six consecutive weeks. Petty often cited a quote from Janis Joplin, "Everything else is just waiting," as the inspiration for the song's central, universally relatable theme.
Following Tom Petty's passing in 2017, his musical catalog and legacy have been carefully managed by his estate, overseen by his daughters Adria Petty and Annakim Violette, and his wife Dana Petty. In 2022, the estate solidified an exclusive global partnership with Warner Music Group, encompassing his entire recorded music and publishing rights. This collaboration facilitates the continued release of archival material and ensures his music reaches new generations of fans.
The ongoing efforts by the Tom Petty Estate to share such historical performances highlight the timeless quality of his songwriting and the band's legendary live shows. These releases offer fans a deeper look into Petty's artistic journey and reinforce his status as one of rock music's most influential figures. The recent social media post serves as a reminder of the raw energy and profound lyrical depth that defined his career.