In the running list of songs Donald Trump isn't allowed to play at his campaign rallies, Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" is an unabashed anthem that has been added to said list in recent weeks. Tom Petty's family issued a cease and desist for the Donald and team and shared a statement on his social platforms.
When Petty released "I Won't Back Down" in 1989 as the lead single from his first solo album, Full Moon Fever, it peaked at the #12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 but the mammoth hit has gone on to become a timeless track. A record of defiance for underdogs everywhere, "I Won't Back Down" was often played after the September 11th attacks with Petty and the Heartbreakers performing the song at the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon following the 2001 attacks–watch below.
Co-written with Jeff Lynn, his writing partner for Full Moon Fever, "I Won't Back Down" was the subject of controversy in 2015 when Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" came under fire for musical similarities. Both parties settled with Tom Petty and Lynn receiving 12% royalties on the Smith track.
Taking a look at our setlist.fm data, the first time Tom Petty performed "I Won't Back Down" was on July 8, 1989 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The show marked the third date of his Strange Behavior Tour which ran through May 18, 1990.
Amongst the setlist were covers of The Clash and Mose Allison. Check out the full 16-song setlist from the July 8 show below.
___
With the current state of the world, it's important to raise awareness and encourage our readers to take action in support of the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement. We compiled a list or resources to help guide you in the right direction to begin helping today - check it out HERE.