In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Kid Rock shared a surprising and somewhat disappointing story about his connection with the late Tom Petty. During their discussion about Petty’s untimely passing in 2017, Kid Rock revealed that he used to be Petty’s “weed dealer” during some shows in Michigan. However, his encounter with the legendary musician did not go as he had hoped.
A Role as Petty’s Weed Dealer
Kid Rock recounted how Tom Petty would call him whenever he visited Michigan. Petty, who had married a girl from Saginaw, would ask Kid Rock if he could provide him with some weed. Remembering those moments, Kid Rock said, “F*ck, I’ll take him some weed.” He would then reach out to his brother’s friends to get the marijuana. For Kid Rock, it was a surreal experience, as he was a fan of Tom Petty’s music but didn’t really know the man behind the songs.
While Kid Rock was excited to meet Tom Petty and hoped for a connection, the actual encounter fell short of his expectations. When he arrived at Petty’s dressing room with the marijuana, Kid Rock realized they didn’t have much in common. He explained that Petty was “so f*cking high,” while he himself might have just been slightly intoxicated on a couple of beers. He admitted feeling a lack of connection, stating, “Well, that sucked. Guess I’ll just enjoy the music.”
Kid Rock’s Perspective
Reflecting on the incident, Kid Rock mentioned that this encounter with Tom Petty happened during a time when he was a “big star.” He initially had high hopes of hanging out with Petty and getting to know him on a personal level, but the reality was different. Kid Rock found himself in the unfamiliar territory of being in the presence of a musical idol without any real connection or shared experiences. Despite the letdown, Kid Rock did have the chance to pay homage to Tom Petty through his music.
Paying Tribute Through Music
In his 2015 album ‘First Kiss,’ Kid Rock took a detour into country music, exploring themes of nostalgia and small-town life. In the lead single, also titled ‘First Kiss,’ Kid Rock included a lyric that paid tribute to classic rock legends, including Tom Petty. The chorus prominently features the line: “Tom Petty on the radio / Going steady with nowhere to go.” This homage was Kid Rock’s way of showing respect and acknowledging the influence that Petty had on his own musical journey.
Reflections on the Encounter
Kid Rock’s revelation about his disappointing encounter with Tom Petty sheds light on the complexities of idolizing and connecting with musical legends. While he had the unique experience of being Petty’s “weed dealer,” Kid Rock discovered that even shared substances couldn’t bridge the gap between their individual experiences and personalities. Despite the letdown, Kid Rock expressed his admiration for Petty’s music through his own work, offering a lasting tribute to the late rock icon. This candid anecdote serves as a reminder that connections between artists, even in the same industry, can be elusive, and that the perception of fame and fanhood doesn’t always align with reality.
Watch the interview below:
