We take a look back at some of our coverage of the famous rocker over the years, from 1977 to 2017.
Many are grappling with the news that Tom Petty has died at age 66 — and are reminiscing about their Tom Petty experiences. As are we.
So we dove into our archives. If you’re feeling nostalgic, read on for a compilation of some of our stories about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, from 1977 to 2017.
Aug. 5, 1977
“Petty shines at ‘Punk Premier'”
By Patrick MacDonald
Tom Petty dies at age 66

Jan. 6, 1978
“Rumours” album of the year,” under “Ten best albums of the year”
By Patrick MacDonald
June 10, 1978
“Petty due back as a headliner”
By Patrick MacDonald
July 19, 1985
“Petty & the Heartbreakers sound stronger than ever”
By Patrick MacDonald
July 14, 1989
“Petty says he’s mellowed after solo album, stint with Wilburys”
By Patrick MacDonald
July 21, 1989
“Petty and the Heartbreakers still rock with the best of them”
By Patrick MacDonald
Nov. 15, 1991
“Petty projects — he and his band have rock-solid reputations”
By Patrick MacDonald
Nov. 21, 1991
“Petty: He’s what life’s all about”
By Tom Phalen
May 8, 1995
“‘Petty of the ’90s’ gets Gorge season off to a rockin’ start”
By Tom Phalen
May 11, 2001
“Roofless rock: Let the Gorge season begin with Tom Petty and The Wallflowers”
By Patrick MacDonald
June 10, 2010
“Tom Petty and Steve Miller: boomers with something to prove”
By Jonathan Zwickel
April 4, 2014
“Celebrating the influence of Tom Petty”
By Gene Stout
Aug. 16, 2014
“Tom Petty at top of his game at Gorge”
By Todd Hamm
Aug. 20, 2017
“Tom Petty brings mojo to Safeco Field”
By Charles R. Cross