In what could only be described as a crossover episode cooked up in country-rock heaven, Dierks Bentley found himself in a profoundly surreal moment. Not only did Bentley take on the Herculean task of covering Tom Petty’s iconic hit ‘American Girl,’ but he also got to strum through the melodies with Petty’s very own guitar. Imagine holding a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history in your hands and then being told to go ahead and rock out. No pressure, right?
Dierks Bentley had a surreal experience paying Tom Petty’s actual guitar for his cover of ‘American Girl,’ part of an upcoming tribute album to the rock legend. How does it feel to step into the shoes of your musical hero, even for just a song?
The occasion for this musical time travel? A tribute album that honors the legendary Tom Petty, where Bentley’s cover will shine amongst others. Now, this isn’t just any performance. It’s a blend of reverence, nostalgia, and pure country bravado, only as Dierks Bentley could deliver. Picturing him there, guitar in hand, you can almost hear the crowd in the great beyond giving a standing ovation. It’s Bentley doing what he does best, showing us the timelessness of great music — all with the blessing of Petty’s spirit, no doubt. Miss you Tom Petty!
Sandman
