All Feature Articles

Rocker Kirk McFee Drives Forward with "Tom Petty"

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Self-styled Detroit rocker Kirk McFee probably couldn't imagine his current whereabouts one year ago. This energetic and enthusiastic member of humanity had made his way from Southern California to the west coast of Florida to start a family business selling hot dogs to seasonal tourists on Marco Island. He was even beginning to book bands at his highly rated establishment.


Michael Webb and Kirk McFee record "Tom Petty" in Nashville.

But, Hurricane Irma struck angrily in September of 2017 and soon McFee found himself on the run eventually relocating back to his home state of Michigan on the outskirts of Detroit Rock City. While packing his family's possessions - his wife and two children had previously vacated while Kirk stuck around to tie up the loose ends - Kirk's thoughts turned to the recently passed Tom Petty and he quickly had the genesis of his new "comeback" single - the catchy and thoroughly entertaining tribute to the fallen leader of the Heartbreakers called "Tom Petty".

What makes the track particularly unique is that it tells the tale of McFee's literal escape from Florida staring down an unknown future with everything on the line as he towed all he owned out of the storm ravaged region. The opening line of "I was free falling, trying not to break down" conveys an urgency that is as real as it gets - and for McFee - it was all too real. Still, rock and roll inspiration was at work.

What makes the track downright genius is the use of over three dozen additional Petty references that relay the rest of Kirk's life story during the four minutes of incendiary musical escapism that has helped the rocker re-light the fire for music that drove him for much of his life. Tom Petty himself would probably even offer a tip of his mad hatter hat in recognition of a job well done - we sure do.

To get the job done McFee turned to one of the acts he booked at his now defunct "Kirk's Coney Island" restaurant. Kirk made another nearly 10-hour drive down to Nashville earlier this fall to visit acclaimed musician and producer Michael Webb (POCO, Chris Stapleton, John Fogerty) who lent his ample expertise and a lot of B3 organ to the track.

Now, Kirk is seeking some help from all the "cool chicks who dig Tom Petty" to complete a video for the song that will before long be available from all the major online retailers. After a brief hiatus to become the hot dog king of Florida, Kirk McFee has returned to music once again in a big and substantially impressive way - proving what we knew all along - Kirk Rocks!

Related Links: For more information on KIRK MCFEE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Kirk Rocks | Michael Webb


.





Did you know that MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch hosts some of the world's top musicians and songwriters on his regularly scheduled webcast - watch all the episodes here - and please share the links far and wide!





Do you like MCN??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's Latest Single on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!





New Exhibit Makes a Great First Impression on Opening Day at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville



Andrea Bocelli Is the King Of Op at Bridgestone Return in Nashville



Outlaw Country's Tyler Halverson Steps Into the Spotlight With His Opry Debut



Why Now Is the Time for New Nashville Circle City



Morgan Myles Raises Her Voice With Powerful Laced Album Release Party in East Nashville



George Thorogood Had a Thoroughly Great Week in Nashville



It Was a Super Weekend at the Nashville Zoo



AU Pro Basketball Returns For a Second Triumphant Month-Long Stand in Nashville



ELVIS is EPIC at the Opry Mills IMAX in Nashville



Paul Thorn Brings Razor‑Sharp Soul and Swagger Back to 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville



Even With the Demise of MTV, Will Hoge Is Still Making Music Videos in Nashville



Nashville's Antiques & Garden Show Marks 36 Years of Tradition With an Abundance of American Elegance at Music City Center



There's No Place Like Haum for a Debut: Inside the Celestun Listening Event



Through the Lens, Into the Legacy: Lynn Goldsmith and Ann Powers Illuminate Music's Visual Story at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville



Felines Rule the Fairgrounds at the Nashville Cat Show's Weekend of Beauty, Breeds and Big Personalities



New Stories With Every Visit: Dolly, Lainey and Muscle Shoals Lead the Latest at the Country Music Hall of Fame



Paul Is Dead-On in Capturing the Triumph and Turbulence of Early Beatlemania at the Frist in Nashville



PopStroke's New Nashville Digs Gets the Ball Rolling at Sprawling Century Farms Outpost in Antioch



John McEuen Comes Full Circle with 80th Birthday Bash at Harken Hall in Madison



Creole Christmas Lights Up Nashville as Preservation Hall Jazz Band Takes the Schermerhorn Stage





Rockin' Rich Lynch's "Week In Review" - July 10, 2025



Rockin' Rich Lynch's "Week In Review" - June 13, 2025





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2026 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved