The 2002 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees’ displayed artifacts now includes items from the band’s Long After Dark album period. The exhibit houses Petty’s acoustic guitar, which he played at home, used in the studio and took with him on tour. Additional artifacts include handwritten lyrics, backstage passes, the music video script for “You Got Lucky” and more.
Long After Dark has been considered the band’s most misunderstood project and an underrated success. It was their third and final project with producer Jimmy Iovine, who also worked on Damn the Torpedoes and Hard Promises. The album was also the debut of new addition Howie Epstein on bass and backing vocals. Long After Dark consists of edgy rock ballads and guitar anthems delivered in the notable style of The Heartbreakers. It was re-released in 2024 as a deluxe reissue with previously unreleased tracks and an accompanying Blu-Ray.
In 1982, fans could experience Long After Dark through cult-classic rock doc, TOM PETTY: HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY. The documentary was filmed during the album’s completion, promotion and subsequent touring. Critically acclaimed director Cameron Crowe (best known for Almost Famous) directed the film. It was only aired once on MTV in 1983. The Petty Estate, in partnership with Trafalgar, has facilitated a special showing of this documentary. It will take place at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. The documentary will also see theatrical and streaming debuts.
The revamped Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers display is located in the museum’s Main Exhibit Hall on the ground floor. It is included in general admission to the museum. Residents of Cleveland can visit the Rock Hall for free courtesy of Key Bank and the CLE*VIP Program. For more information on exhibits or to schedule a visit, head to https://rockhall.com.