Tom Petty Smokes the Grassy Lawn at Riverbend

Last week Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers made a stop along the Ohio River to feed hits to a diverse crowd. It has been almost 30 years since the blonde's debut, and he has a catalogue of fan favorites that can be matched by few. Before introducing some new music, Petty quickly secured the concert's thunderous reception with "Free Fallin'" and "I Won't Back Down." For teen hipsters to Woodstock gray beards, clouds of "You Don't Know How it Feels" and "Last Dance with Mary Jane" permeated the pavillion's lawn. Even after a few risky covers (like Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away") and some tunes in the works, Petty and his Heartbreakers had no chance of loosing this crowd. An encore of "You Wreck Me" and "American Girl" sealed the deal.

What made the show even more successful was the return of the Black Crowes. Their perpetual feud on hold, the brothers Robinson jammed on the stage and made Cincinnatians boogie their hearts out. Even Kate Hudson was there to support Chris. I'm a bit "Jealous" I didn't have the seats she had.

Concerts of long-time greats like Petty makes us wonder if the artist will ever be able to satisfy crowds with new music. Tom informed the audience that a future album was in the works; but had he performed even half the songs of that project, the concert would have diminished in its energy. Could Paul McCartney get away with substituting some new material for "Hey Jude" and "Yesterday"? Could Clapton complete a concert having not played "Layla" or "Sunshine of My Love"? Jam bands like Phish and fan-club driven groups like REM work hard to make each concert a unique collaboration of hits, covers, new material, improv, and B-sides. But their crowds are supported by fanatics, groupies, and roadies. Ticket buyers for acts like Tom Petty will mostly likely see the show only once. They may not have purchased one of his albums for years, or may not even own one. Radio and video familiars are what they demand. The more the better.