Classic Rock

Watch Bob Dylan singing “Learning To Fly” as tribute to Tom Petty

Published on 10/22/2017

Bob Dylan sang Tom Petty’s “Learning To Fly” as a tribute to his late Traveling Wilburys bandmate.

The concert, held last night in Broomfield, Colo., arrived a day after what would have been Petty’s 67th birthday. This cover is particularly notable because Dylan’s set lists are traditionally set in stone.

Take a look:

“Learning to Fly” originally appeared on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 1991 album Into the Great Wide Open, and was co-written by producer Jeff Lynne, another Wilburys alum. Petty and the Electric Light Orchestra leader called themselves Charlie T. Wilbury and Otis Wilbury, respectively, while working with Dylan (Lucky Wilbury), George Harrison (Nelson Wilbury) and Roy Orbison (Lefty Wilbury).

Dylan spoke emotionally about Petty after his Oct. 2 death. “It’s shocking, crushing news,” he told Rolling Stone. “I thought the world of Tom. He was a great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”

Read more about Bob Dylan and Tom Petty

Related Topics:bob dylan, CLASSIC ROCK, Featured, folk rock, pop rock, tom petty, traveling wilburys

Rafael Polcaro

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG