RHUMBELOW THEATRE
42 Cunningham Rd off Bartle Road, Durban

Presents

TOM PETTY: I WON’T BACK DOWN

The Reals

Barry Thomson , Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell, Robz Millar  

& guest Shaun Dragt on guitar and vocals

SATURDAY             06 JUNE 2026 Show starts 19.30 – DBN 
SUNDAY                 07 JUNE 2026 Show starts 14.00 – DBN
(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)        

‘TOM PETTY: I WON’T BACK DOWN’

At the age of 14, Tom Petty was heavily influenced by The Beatles, citing their 1964 Ed Sullivan show performance as the moment he decided to become a musician, which he described as a shift from ‘black-and-white to colour’. He later became close friends with George Harrison and in 1988, they collaborated with Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne to form The Traveling Wilburys.

Petty made his fortune as a highly successful musician, songwriter and performer, both as a solo artist and with his band, ‘Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ which was formed in 1976. He released his first solo album in 1989 and the first single released from the album was his signature hit ‘Free Fallin’. Other Petty hits include ‘American Girl, ‘Learning To Fly’, ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘Into The Great Wide Open’ and ‘Running Down A Dream’. Together with Mike Campbell, Petty’s co-founder of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, they composed the song ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ which became a world-wide hit for Petty and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame. 

Known for his stubborn tenacity in going up against the system, fighting legal battles, and speaking his mind against record labels that had done him wrong, Petty, with his distinctive raspy voice, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious melodies, he carved out a permanent place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. His ability to effortlessly blend rock, folk and country elements into his songs showcased his versatility and unmatched talent as a songwriter.

Tom Petty's last public words to his audience were, ‘I wanna thank you for 40 years of a really great time,’ spoken at the end of his final concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2017. His net worth at this time was $95 million. In Petty’s words, ‘Go after what you really love, and find a way to make that work for you, and then you’ll be a happy person.’

With front man Barry Thomson on guitars and vocals, Dawn Selby as Musical Director on keyboards and vocals, Mali Sewell on drums, Robz Millar on bass guitar and guest Shaun Dragt on guitar and vocals, join ‘Barry Thomson and The Reals’ as they celebrate the music of this iconic legend.  

R 220-00 a ticket

Pensioners R 200-00

Under 13 -R 180-00

Bring food picnic baskets  or buy at the venue

Limited secure parking available    

Booking is essential. 

Bar Available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Cell 0824998636          

BOOKINGS ON EMAIL PLEASE : roland@stansell.co.za   or WEBTICKETS http://events.durbantheatre.com/

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