Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

In 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were riding high on the success of their album "Southern Accents," which had been released earlier that year. This live recording of "Straight Into Darkness" at the inaugural Farm Aid concert showcases the band's commitment to social causes, aligning with the spirit of the event, which aimed to support struggling American farmers. The performance not only highlights their musical prowess but also marks a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from rock stardom to social advocacy. At this time, Petty was beginning to experiment with his sound, which can be heard in the more reflective lyrics and nuanced arrangements of his recent work. The performance, alongside fellow musical icons like Neil Young and Willie Nelson, helped solidify the band's reputation not just as rock legends, but also as engaged artists contributing to significant social issues.

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