Article Contributed by Sacks and Company
Published on 2026-05-01
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Tom Petty Estate unveils the release of Live at the Paradise Rock Club, 1978. A total of just 3,000 copies pressed on 180g pink and green split dye color vinyl will be available; purchase HERE. This bootleg-style recording captures the punk rock energy and raw talent of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the very beginning of their explosion into stardom.
This recording takes fans back to the Heartbreakers' earliest days as the band marks its 50th anniversary, a celebration that will extend throughout the coming year. Recorded live on two-track during a wild stop in Boston on the "You're Gonna Get It!" tour and broadcast by WBCN-FM, the Paradise Rock Club show captures that electricity in real time, the sound of a band the world was just beginning to discover.
“This glimpse of the past shows the power of the band and the acceptance of the band by the city leading to a great fan base there that only grew as we moved on to play both the Old Garden and also Fenway in the ensuing years,” said Alan "Bugs" Weidel, the Heartbreakers’ longtime equipment manager and Petty’s trusted right-hand man. “The band developed a love of Boston and the fans there that made it a memorable place we were always excited to visit. So listen and imagine yourself in that small venue, discovering one of the all-time great bands.”
The Tom Petty Estate is releasing the fan-favorite concert officially for the first time, featuring audio restoration by longtime engineer Ryan Ulyate. The LP features nine performances, including five classic cover versions, with hits such as “Breakdown,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Too Much Ain’t Enough” and more. Each copy includes artwork based on an original Shelter Records acetate found in Tom's personal archives.
On Record Store Day, fans were able to purchase a splatter version of the vinyl, retailed exclusively at indie record stores. The direct-to-fan pressing features an exclusive split dye color treatment, making this edition a distinct collector's item available only through official channels.
Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became a beloved American rock & roll icon, world renowned for his songwriting and his incredible band the Heartbreakers. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed *Full Moon Fever*, *Wildflowers* and *Highway Companion*. Petty was also a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and in the pre-Heartbreakers band Mudcrutch.
Hailed as one of the greatest rock music artists of all time, Petty’s honors include Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and multiple Grammy Awards. He has sold over 85 million records, amassed over five billion streams and performed to over 140 million fans worldwide. Widely recognized and remembered for his philanthropy and service, Petty is the recipient of some of the highest honors in philanthropy including Midnight Mission’s Golden Heart Award in 2011, and MusiCares ‘Person of the Year’ in 2017. The Petty Estate aims to extend the late artist’s legacy, both musically and in spirit, by supporting philanthropic and social issues that were close to Petty’s heart.
Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, leaving behind a massive archive of unreleased material. His music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.
VINYL TRACKLIST
A1: Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll
A2: Don’t Bring Me Down
A3: Band Intros
A4: You’re Gonna Get It
A6: Too Much Ain’t Enough
B1: Shout
B2: I Fought The Law
B3: (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66
B4: I’m A King Bee
