Wednesday 30th December 2026 – Afternoon Matinee & Evening Show
There are some songwriters whose music belongs to a particular moment in time, and then there are those rare artists whose songs become part of the soundtrack to our lives. Tom Petty was undoubtedly one of those artists. His music has accompanied road trips, heartbreaks, celebrations and countless unforgettable moments for more than five decades. Whether it's the opening chords of American Girl, the uplifting spirit of Free Fallin', the defiance of I Won't Back Down, or the soaring optimism of Learning To Fly, Tom Petty had an extraordinary ability to write songs that felt both deeply personal and universally relatable.
On Wednesday 30th December 2026, Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre celebrates one of rock music's greatest songwriters with two very special performances from The Tom Petty Preservation Society – an Afternoon Matinee and an Evening Show – the perfect way to kick off your New Year's celebrations a day early.
The Tom Petty Preservation Society is not just another tribute act. This is a gathering of elite musicians brought together by a shared passion for Petty's incredible catalogue. The line-up features former members of The Denny Laine Band (Wings and The Moody Blues), musicians who have toured with Chuck Berry, and a current member of legendary progressive rock pioneers Atomic Rooster. Their aim is simple: to recreate the songs with authenticity, respect and the same musical heart that made Tom Petty's music so timeless.
Tom Petty was one of rock 'n' roll's true originals. Emerging from Florida with Mudcrutch before forming Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, he became one of America's defining rock voices. Across an astonishing career that spanned more than forty years, Petty sold over 80 million albums worldwide, earned multiple Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and became one of the most loved songwriters of his generation.
His songs were never overcomplicated. They were beautifully crafted stories about hope, escape, resilience, love and freedom. Music critics have often described Petty as a songwriter who could take everyday emotions and transform them into timeless anthems. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame praised his ability to make ordinary experiences feel extraordinary, while The Guardian called him one of the great American songwriters whose melodies sounded instantly familiar yet completely unique.
Few artists have assembled a catalogue as remarkable as Tom Petty's. From Breakdown, Refugee and Don't Do Me Like That, through to The Waiting, Mary Jane's Last Dance, Into The Great Wide Open, Runnin' Down A Dream, Free Fallin', You Don't Know How It Feels and Learning To Fly, these songs continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Petty's influence stretched far beyond The Heartbreakers. He was an integral member of one of rock's greatest supergroups – The Traveling Wilburys – alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. Among such legendary company, Petty more than held his own, contributing songs, harmonies and his unmistakable musical personality to one of the most celebrated collaborations in rock history.
What made Tom Petty so special was his honesty. He never chased trends or fashions. He believed in great songs, great guitars and great bands. His music carried echoes of The Beatles, The Byrds, Bob Dylan and classic American rock 'n' roll, yet always sounded unmistakably like Tom Petty. That authenticity is a huge part of why his music remains as popular today as it has ever been.
When Tom Petty passed away in October 2017, just days after completing The Heartbreakers' 40th Anniversary Tour, the world lost one of its finest musical storytellers. Yet his songs have never disappeared. They continue to fill concert halls, festivals, radios and playlists across the world, proving that truly great music never grows old.
This is exactly what The Tom Petty Preservation Society is all about. It's about preserving the spirit, the musicianship and the emotion behind one of rock music's greatest catalogues. Expect soaring harmonies, ringing Rickenbacker guitars, unforgettable melodies and all of the songs that made Tom Petty a global icon.
This promises to be one of the most uplifting shows of the festive season at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre. Whether you're a lifelong Heartbreakers fan or simply love classic American rock music at its absolute finest, this is a celebration you won't want to miss.
Wednesday 30th December 2026
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre
Afternoon Matinee – Doors 12.30pm
Evening Show – Doors 7.00pm
Come and celebrate the music of Tom Petty the way it was meant to be heard – live, loud, heartfelt and played by musicians who genuinely love every note.
Grab your tickets now… this will be a stalwart end-of-year celebration of one of rock 'n' roll's greatest ever songbooks.
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