Targeted by Flames: The Devastating Arson Attack on Tom Petty’s Home

When Tom Petty passed away in 2017, the world mourned the loss of a musical icon. Even now, five years later, his departure continues to resonate deeply, a testament to his immense talent and enduring influence on popular culture.

With a remarkable body of work that speaks volumes, Petty not only set a high standard for his own generation but also inspired countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Despite evolving trends, his songs remain timeless, possessing an authenticity and stirring power that rivals even the works of Bruce Springsteen.

From The War on Drugs to Pearl Jam, Petty’s musical style has left an indelible mark on numerous prominent artists, with his brand of heartland rock standing as one of the most iconic in music history. Such was his stature that even the legendary Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac considered him a close friend and mentor.

However, amidst the widespread admiration for Petty, there were those who harbored ill will towards him, as evidenced by a harrowing incident in the 1980s when an unknown arsonist targeted his Florida home, setting it ablaze and causing extensive damage.

This traumatic event took a heavy toll on Petty and his family, nearly resulting in the loss of everything they held dear. Yet, Petty responded to this adversity in characteristic fashion: by channeling his emotions into the creation of one of his most beloved songs, the defiant anthem “I Won’t Back Down” from the album Full Moon Fever.

For years, Petty resided in Encino, California, where he enjoyed a contented life until tragedy struck in 1987. On May 17, 1987, while enjoying breakfast with his then-wife Jane Benyon and their young daughter, they were alarmed by the smell of smoke. An arsonist had doused a wooden staircase with lighter fluid and ignited it before making a hasty exit.

Fortunately, the family managed to escape, albeit not without injuries to their housekeeper. The fire, fueled by the property’s wooden roof, quickly spread, resulting in over $1 million in damages. Despite the devastating loss, Petty’s basement recording studio miraculously remained unscathed.

Reflecting on the incident, Petty admitted to feeling blindsided, as there had been no prior indications of danger such as threatening messages or calls. Yet, perhaps most baffling of all, the perpetrator was never apprehended, leaving the crime unsolved even after 35 years.

“We were shaken for years by it,” Petty revealed in a conversation with Paul Zollo. In the aftermath, Petty and his family sought refuge with relatives and friends while they rebuilt their lives on the same site. However, the ordeal left a lasting impact on Petty, influencing his approach to songwriting in a profound way.

“I wouldn’t even use the word ‘fire’ in a song or anything,” Petty confessed to Zollo. “It really frightened me. They didn’t just try to kill me, they tried to wipe out my whole family. And it was a hell of a day. It was my wife’s birthday.”