
MOUNT VERNON - He completed the 40th Anniversary Tour with his band The Heartbreakers with a fractured hip (it completely broke during the tour and would require surgery). He also had a knee replaced, had issues with his ankle and still had problems with his left hand that he’d powdered and was lucky to ever use again while recording his “Southern Accents” record. Even in that much pain, Tom Petty never took the love of his fans lightly. Not long after the tour ended he accidentally took an overdose of opioids and died of heart failure.
What was Tom Petty really like? How did he manage to have a career span over 40 years when most rock and roll stars made a splash and burned out quickly? On May 31 at the Grand Hotel (located at 12 Public Square) find the answers to these questions and listen so Tom (portrayed by Mike Petee) as he tells his story and is joined by members of his band (portrayed by Jeff Putnam and Desmond Wall) to play some of his music as well.
The Chautauqua Series is sponsored in part by Ariel Foundation and the Grand Hotel and brings year round living history to our community on a donation basis. You and your family and friends already have your tickets. Give what you can afford. The money collected is distributed to the performers on stage for all their work in researching and writing and bringing to life real people who you know or don’t know but will always find interesting.
The program will be in the lower level of the hotel at 7 PM on Thursday May 31 with doors opening at 6 PM to accommodate those with special needs.
For more information about this program and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, or www.wqio.com. You can also call 740-392-6102 or 740-392-3018. If you would like to receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.