The singer, songwriter and guitarist Tom Petty passed away back in 2017. I’d been listening to his music for years and it’d become a backing track to my life at that time bringing me inspiration and comfort.
When Tom Petty died I decided to dedicate all my Autumn 2017 concerts to his memory. Little did I know that I would receive a poem about it after a recital one cold and misty October evening in Southwell Minster. Thanks Alistair, love your writing 🙂
October.
Sunday night in Southwell.
A concert in The Minster Great Hall.
A classical guitarist . . . . . .
. . . . . who dedicated his performance to Tom Petty.
A rock star’s passing doesn’t normally bother me
But Tom Petty was one of the good guys.
And this was a shock.
I’d seen him at Hyde Park in July.
He’d looked fine.
Back at The Minster, the old chap in front of me turned to his wife.
“Who?” he asked.
“Tom Petty.” she replied.
He shrugged.
“Never heard of him.”
Alastair Walker
8th October 2017