Sam Smith Pays Tribute to Tom Petty with Stunning Cover After Copyright Dispute

Sam Smith has recently been in the spotlight, not only for their music but also for a poignant tribute to legendary musician Tom Petty. This tribute follows a copyright dispute related to Smith’s hit song “Stay with Me.”

Sam Smith’s Journey Back to Performing

The British singer-songwriter, who identifies using they/them pronouns, is currently captivating audiences with a 24-show residency at Warsaw in Brooklyn. This intimate venue holds just 1,000 attendees, resembling the places where Smith started their career almost a decade ago.

A Dream Come True

Having moved to New York last year, Smith expressed excitement about performing in such a personal setting. They described the opportunity to connect with the audience eye-to-eye as a fulfilling experience after a decade of intense touring through arenas.

A Memorable Performance

During their recent show on October 15, Smith delivered a powerful set that lasted an hour and a half. They opened with the emotionally charged ballad “To Be Free,” showcasing their vocal prowess and stage presence.

• Performed newly unreleased songs
• Covered John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” with a country twist
• Transformed “Stay with Me” into an intimate acoustic experience

Honoring Tom Petty

In an introspective moment during the concert, Smith recounted a significant episode involving “Stay with Me.” After its release in 2014, Smith discovered that the song bore similarities to Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” leading to a settlement where Smith agreed to pay royalties.

Smith candidly admitted they were unaware of Petty’s work during the song’s creation. They shared how Petty reached out with a handwritten letter, expressing no hard feelings. Unfortunately, Smith regretted not replying before Petty’s passing a year later.

Embracing Tom Petty’s Legacy

To honor Petty’s influence, Smith performed a heartfelt rendition of “It’ll All Work Out.” This moment encapsulated feedback on their artistic evolution and the deeper connections they now have with music that resonates with their identity.

As Smith continues their residency, they embrace their past while looking forward to a vibrant future, demonstrating the blend of personal growth and artistic tribute in their performances.