THE INSIDERS

A TOM PETTY TRIBUTE

Close your eyes and you won’t know the difference. Open them and you still might be fooled. THE INSIDERS are proud to present the ultimate Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience. Featuring six seasoned musicians with a wealth of stage and touring expertise, The Insiders are truly "running down the dream."

Frontman Max Lockwood reflects on his roots with Tom Petty's music. "I grew up listening to Tom Petty. My mom would play the Greatest Hits record while she worked out, and I would sit at the top of the stairs soaking in those songs. It was my most requested CD as a child." During high school, Lockwood's band, Big Dudee Roo, began incorporating Petty’s songs into their frequent performances across Western Michigan. "To me, Tom Petty represented a significant part of the American musical landscape—a legend by the time I became aware of music. Our shows received enthusiastic responses to the Petty songs, and many noted how much I sounded like him."

Time has not altered Lockwood's passion. After Tom Petty's passing in October 2017, he assembled a talented group of musicians for a benefit concert. The event was a resounding success, raising thousands for a local domestic violence shelter, leading to the formation of THE INSIDERS. "We strive to honor the legacy of Mr. Petty and the Heartbreakers each night. We are fans of the music first and foremost. These songs are integral to the American identity."

Their commitment to this tribute has met with overwhelming enthusiasm, frequently selling out venues. Local Spins’ John Sinkevics remarked, “THE INSIDERS have established a new benchmark for Tom Petty tributes.”