Watch Rare Unreleased Tom Petty Performance Shared in Honor of His 75th Birthday

Tom Petty performing on stage with a red guitar, wearing a maroon jacket and smiling under the lights.

via @RedBaron863 / YouTube

A Special Gift for Fans

On what would have been Tom Petty’s 75th birthday, the late rock icon’s estate shared a special surprise for fans—a never-before-seen performance from Petty’s archives. The rare video captures him performing “Don’t Fade On Me”, a track from his beloved 1994 album Wildflowers.

The clip was filmed during rehearsals for Petty’s Dogs with Wings Tour, offering an intimate look at the musician’s creative energy and dedication even in a simple rehearsal setting. The release comes as part of a heartfelt tribute from the Tom Petty estate, allowing fans to celebrate his life and legacy through a moment frozen in time.

 

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Honoring His Legacy in Gainesville

Alongside the video release, Petty’s estate also unveiled a limited-edition numbered print of the artwork from his 2009 box set, The Live Anthology. Only 1,000 copies of the print are available, making it a collector’s item for longtime fans.

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Tom Petty Endowment for Guitars and Innovation at the University of Florida College of the Arts, located in Petty’s hometown of Gainesville. The endowment supports young musicians and creative programs—continuing Petty’s passion for inspiring future generations through music.

A Timeless Performance

The newly shared video reminds fans why Tom Petty remains one of the most respected figures in rock. His stripped-down version of “Don’t Fade On Me” highlights the raw emotion and sincerity that defined his songwriting. The release serves as both a celebration and a reminder of Petty’s enduring spirit, even years after his passing in 2017.

Keep going for the video below:

YouTube video

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