October. 2, 2017 marked another sad day in music history when the world said goodbye to American rock artist Tom Petty.
Petty, who was one of the best-selling artists of all time selling more than 8 millions records worldwide, died at age 66.
Since the rocker’s passing, there have been countless tributes from fans and other artists who have covered his songs as a tribute.
However, the tribute to Petty at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during a Florida Gators football game on Oct. 7 stands out among the rest.
That’s because more than 90,000 college football fans belted out the lyrics to one of Petty’s most powerful pieces in his hometown of Gainsville, FL.
“I Won’t Back Down” is one of Petty’s most iconic songs.
The anthem of perseverance and standing up for one’s beliefs was released in April 1989 as the lead single on his first solo album, “Full Moon Fever.”
“Of all the songs I’ve written I think I get the most feedback about that song,” Petty revealed during the documentary “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
“And it is a personal song – when I did it I sort of thought that I laid it out, you know, with no ambiguity at all – like I just said it very plainly – and I kind of felt nervous about it like maybe I should take it back and disguise it a little bit, but I’m glad I didn’t – and it’s very much like me.”
The song, which was written by Petty and his writing partner on the album Jeff Lynne, reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was played often on the radio following the September 11th attacks and Petty and the Heartbreakers played a version of the song during a telethon that followed the attacks.
Following the recent Las Vegas shootings, Jason Aldean opened the 43rd season of SNL with a version the song.
But seeing 90,000 people shouting out those word of defiance was a truly beautiful sight.
“Let’s celebrate together what he meant to the world of music and what he meant to this community,” said Florida Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin.
According to the Florida Gators, Petty even worked as a groundskeeper at the University of Florida, which is home to the Florida Gators, while trying to build his music career.
“Tom Petty is a beloved figure for so many Gator fans,” said Alicia Longworth, assistant athletics director of marketing and promotions.
The Gators say that this could be the start of a new tradition. You can watch the moving tribute below.
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