Tom Petty in Des Moines

The first concert in the new Wells Fargo Arena was Tom Petty with special guests Black Crowes. What an awesome choice. The place wasn't sold out, but it was quite packed. I could see people clear up in the nose bleed section. I was fortunate to have a 14th row seat on the right side for this event.

The Black Crowes were a pure 70's jammin' revival. I have most all of their CD's, but really haven't listened to them much. I love the band and gained a new appreciation for them at this show. They only did 3 of their 5 major hits. Twice As Hard, Jealous Again, and Hard To Handle were audience favorites, but noticeably missing were She Talks To Angels and Remedy. The band had so much great dynamic interplay throughout their set twisting and winding guitars together with some great keyboard and dynamic rhythms. They directed each other in extended solos and interludes. There was only one or two times that there was even any silence between songs. It was great music by great musicians. It wasn't exactly the audience's favorite, it seemed. I think the crowd would have been more into it if they had done more songs and stayed with the familiar. I believe it was a bit challenging for this Iowa crowd. I enjoyed it for what it was, though.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were TIGHT!! They played every hit I could imagine and made it sound fresh. Breakdown, Runnin' Down A Dream, Free Fallin', and tons of others. The Heartbreakers are a crack band that had every dynamic, solo, rhythm, and harmony in place. Mike Campbell is an awesome band leader and phenomenal guitarist. Benmont Tench is the mad scientist hunched over all those keyboards. This show was almost like a religious experience. Des Moines hasn't had an artist of that magnitude for years and he lived up to and exceeded the billing. It seemed that the guys were truly having a great time and very appreciative of the crowd. The lights, the big screens, the sound, and even the temperature of the building were great. The crowd was so loud that there were moments that it was just pure adrenaline.

If you have a chance to see this show, do it. Don't walk. Run to your nearest Petty show. Also, if you happen to be in Des Moines, check out our new arena for a concert. I'm going again when Green Day is here. Oh, and hit that show, too!