Jim Babjak shares memories of Tom Petty

Smithereens guitarist Jim Babjak is one of several members of the NJ music community to share memories of Tom Petty in an article by NJ Arts. Jim tells the story of how the Smithereens were special guests of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for Midwest dates on their 2013 tour.

“We got a call from our manager. He said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but Tom Petty called and asked for you guys to be on this tour in the Midwest.’ He (Tom Petty) heard our song ‘Sorry’ on the 2011 album, on SiriusXM, and he loved the song. And he needed opening acts for this arena tour….He was just a real, genuine, down-to-earth guy. I’m happy that he was aware of us, that he chose us.”

Tom Petty is fondly remembered by members of NJ’s music community

By: Tom Skevin October 3, 2017

The Smithereens hanging out with Tom Petty just before another sold-out show, June 29th, 2013 at the Target Center, Minneapolis, MN at Target Center. L-R: Kenny Howes (fill-in bassist), Pat DiNizio, Tom Petty, Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken

Pat DiNizio and Jimmy Babjak backstage in Nobelsville IN, watching Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers perform “Runnin’ Down A Dream”.