The musicianship on display is both impressive and deeply respectful of the source material. The lineup—featuring talents like Ozzie Mancinelli (guitar/vocals), David Zeman (keys/vocals), and Rafael Gayol or Steve Newby on drums, among others—includes performers who have shared stages or studios with acts such as Gin Blossoms, Leonard Cohen, the Rembrandts, the Smithereens, and the BoDeans. This wealth of experience lends a richness and polish to their live shows, enabling them to re‑create classics like “Free Fallin’”, “American Girl”, and “Wildflowers” with both accuracy and soul. Every guitar lick, piano flourish, and vocal inflection is delivered with the intention of putting audiences right into the heart of a real Petty concert.
Over the past decade, The PettyBreakers have taken this dedication nationwide—performing across 26 states and Washington, D.C., in venues as diverse as performing arts centers, theaters, casinos, festivals, and private corporate events. Highlights include a four-and-a-half-month residency in Reno’s Harrah’s Sammy Davis Jr. Showroom (2017) and a high-profile set at the 2018 MLB All-Stars pregame celebration hosted at the Naval Yard in DC. Their 2014 live AXS‑TV broadcast was arguably the moment that moved them from regional favorites to national recognition.
More than a concert, a PettyBreakers show is a communal event. The band prioritizes audience participation—encouraging sing‑alongs, clapping, and shared nostalgia—to recapture the electric, unifying atmosphere of Tom Petty’s original performances. Offstage, they stay connected with fans through a blog that features concert clips, backstage moments, and updates, such as the recent return of guitarist John McAllister after injury in 2023—a heartening narrative of resilience and community support. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Petty’s music for the first time, The PettyBreakers offer a powerful way to experience the timeless appeal of one of rock’s most beloved voices.
