Southern Accents pays tribute the music of Tom Petty and other American music legends with stripped-down, heartfelt acoustic performances.
Southern Accents is a laid-back, acoustic tribute to the one and only Tom Petty. Led by H.C. Oakes—who takes on the role of Tom with ease and heart—this trio captures the spirit of the music without all the flash, just the soul. When joined by Paul Marshburn (Mike Campbell) and Tommy Keys (Benmont Tench), you get honest and stripped-down versions of the songs people love, delivered with warmth and sincerity.
The players behind Southern Accents aren’t new to this. They’re the acoustic offshoot of the highly acclaimed Petty Rewind, a full-scale tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers who tour the east coast and beyond. That means you’re getting seasoned musicians who know the catalog inside and out—everything from the radio staples to the deeper album tracks. But this isn’t just a note-for-note cover show. It’s more personal than that. It’s a tribute to the storytelling, the songwriting, and the unmistakable mood that defined Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
Southern Accents also weaves in acoustic renditions of songs by other American legends who traveled the same highways—The Traveling Wilburys, The Eagles, John Mellencamp, The Allman Brothers, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. These songs blend seamlessly with the Petty classics, creating a live music experience that’s rooted in heartland rock, Southern influences, and fond memories.
Southern Accents brings a sense of familiarity and connection to every performance. If you’re looking for a Tom Petty tribute act with an acoustic spin and a true appreciation for the music, Southern Accents is the real deal. No bells and whistles—just good songs, played well, by folks who mean it.