5 Of The Best Tom Petty Covers Ever Played

Tom Petty had a gift for writing songs that made people believe in something better. But beyond the music charts and sold-out shows, few people knew much about the world he quietly lived in. Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66 from cardiac arrest. Over his incredible career, he scored more than 45 top-charting hits, earning him the title of “absolute leader” in rock by Billboard.

To honor his legacy, these artists stepped up with some unforgettable covers:

Eddie Vedder – “Room at the Top”
At the 2018 Oscars, during the In Memoriam tribute, Eddie Vedder delivered a deeply emotional version of “Room at the Top.” With just his voice and a guitar, he honored not just actors and filmmakers who passed, but also his friend, Tom Petty.

Foo Fighters – “Honey Bee”
In 2017, just a few months before Petty’s passing, Foo Fighters rocked the MusiCares tribute show with a fiery take on “Honey Bee.” Dave Grohl showed the crowd how much of a fan he was, pouring real love and energy into the performance.

The War on Drugs – “Time to Move On”
Shortly after Petty’s death, The War on Drugs performed “Time to Move On” during a show in their hometown of Philadelphia. It wasn’t flashy—just honest and heartfelt. Many bands paid tribute, but this one stood out.

Bob Dylan – “Learning to Fly”
As one of Petty’s fellow Traveling Wilburys, Bob Dylan made sure to say goodbye the best way he knew how—through music. His live version of “Learning to Fly” was simple, graceful, and full of quiet emotion.

Johnny Cash – “Southern Accents”
Johnny Cash’s deep, soulful voice brought “Southern Accents” to another level. The cover feels like it was written for him all along. It’s one of those rare cases where the version might just be better than the original.