Mark O’Dell of Don’t Back Down presents a tribute to Tom Petty’s, “Don’t Fade On Me”

It’s odd how songs written by, and about someone else, can make such a personal connection to a listener. This song made that connection with me years ago during a profoundly sad period in my life.

The other day I heard a raw demo version of this tune — from Tom Petty’s new Wildflowers and All the Rest release — and scenes and feelings from that tragic period in my life came flooding back to me, after which I had a hard time getting the song out of my head.

So this great song, written by someone else about someone else, is dedicated to my friend who I miss very much.

About the track:

Some say it’s written for Bob Dylan, others say it ain’t. I don’t know or care.

Originally written and recorded by: Tom Petty
Originally released on: Wildflowers, 1994
Tribute performed, recorded and produced by: Mark O’Dell 2020
Footage by: Mark O’Dell

Don’t Back Down Is: Mark O’Dell: Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica Chris Huntington: Guitars John Nichols: Bass Michael Ward: Keys Tom Sabia: Drums