Petty playing 2 fest shows
He has headlined Marcus more than anyone else
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is playing the 50th edition of Summerfest as part of its 40th-anniversary tour. Petty, who has headlined the Marcus Amphitheater more than any other Summerfest act, will play his 14th and 15th gigs at the Big Gig July 5 and 6. He’ll be joined by a Marcus Amphitheater co-headliner this past summer, acclaimed country music star Chris Stapleton, as his opener. The 34-date run was announced on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” Thursday night.
The Summerfest shows will be Petty’s first in Milwaukee since 2013, and the first in town since the release of the latest Heartbreakers album, “Hypnotic Eye,” in 2014.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at the box office (200 N. Harbor Drive); Ticketmaster retail outlets; Walmart stores; ticketmaster.com; or by calling (414) 273-2600, (800) 745-3000 or (866) 448-7849. Prices have not been announced but will include general admission to Summerfest on the day of each concert.
Four Marcus shows have been announced for Summerfest’s 50th, running June 28 to July 2 and July 4 to 9.
Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline opening night, while pop star P!nk will play her first North American concert in three years at Summerfest July 2.
Bob Babisch, Summerfest’s Vice President of Entertainment, said Thursday that both shows were nearly sold out.
In September, Summerfest officials announced plans for a redesigned Miller Lite Oasis and other infrastructure improvements for Summerfest’s 50th. Plans were also announced Thursday for a new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage to be constructed on the north end after Summerfest’s final day. It will be open for the 2018 edition.