The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty

If you hear someone mention “Tom Petty Tribute Band,” and you think blonde wigs or dyed blonde hair and a mediocre-at-best vocal performance, then you haven’t been to a Breakers show. The Breakers are a no-frills rock band who meticulously encompass the Tom Petty sound and musically establish an emotional connection with the crowd that’s palpable. When asked why they didn’t take the impersonation and prop-driven approach, founder Tom Smith says “we wanted to approach the tribute genre as a true live band, and in (lead vocalist) Chris Chartier we have what no one else has - the most genuine sounding Petty experience in the country.” The members of the Breakers all come from a background of recording and touring with original bands and perform the music of The Heartbreakers with the same passion and dedication. They have paid tireless attention to detail to each and every song which appeals to both casual and diehard Tom Petty fans alike. Since the fall of 2018 when Tom Smith, Chris Chartier, Evan Smith, Rick Hiller, Tom Booth and Steve George joined forces, they have been practicing and honing their sound. In May 2019, they posted a homemade video compilation to YouTube which has over 7,000 views in just a few months. Playing to an emotional and packed house, their debut performance at The Newport Blues Cafe in August was a resounding success. And with only one show under their belt, their next performance would be a sell-out show at the Narrows center for the arts in Fall River MA. The Breakers are currently booking venues through-out New England and the East Coast. If you want to experience Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers music there's only one band that can deliver that sound authentically ... The Breakers. Venue: The Freeman Stage.