Honey Bee

Zoo Freaks, get ready to buzz with excitement as we spin "Honey Bee" by Tom Petty from his iconic Wildflowers album! This track is a raw, electrifying rocker that stands out amidst the album’s introspective vibes. According to engineer Jim Scott in the liner notes for Wildflowers and All the Rest, Tom wrote "Honey Bee" on the spot, with the band jamming along, creating its infectious groove from scratch. Petty himself described it as a playful, blues-based song meant to lighten the mood, saying, “It was meant to be a release from getting overly serious... Let’s rock for a second, and not get overly serious here.” He leaned into its absurdity with lines like “I’m the King of Pomona,” admitting he wanted it to be “part gibberish” for fun. Fans love its energy—Petty noted he got tons of requests to play it live, and it’s easy to see why with its snarling guitars and raucous Southern drawl.

The song’s live performances were just as legendary. For a 1994 Saturday Night Live appearance promoting Wildflowers, Petty brought in Dave Grohl to drum on "Honey Bee" and “You Don’t Know How It Feels.” Fresh off Nirvana’s end, Grohl’s powerhouse drumming added a thrilling edge, and Petty even considered him for the Heartbreakers, though Grohl pursued his Foo Fighters path. Another cool tidbit: Beach Boy Carl Wilson lent backing vocals to "Honey Bee," adding a touch of sunny harmony to its gritty vibe. Producer Rick Rubin’s influence was key, pushing for a live-in-the-studio feel that made the track sound like it was cut in one take, amplifying its raw, garage-rock swagger.

Tom Petty’s journey to rock stardom began in Gainesville, Florida, where he was born on October 20, 1950. His passion for music ignited at age 10 when he met Elvis Presley during a film shoot, trading a slingshot for a stack of Elvis 45s. The Beatles’ 1964 Ed Sullivan Show appearance sealed the deal, inspiring him to form a band. Petty recalled, “The minute I saw the Beatles... there was the way out... I knew I could do it.” By his teens, he was playing in local bands like the Sundowners and the Epics, eventually forming Mudcrutch with future Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Mudcrutch moved to Los Angeles in the early ’70s, signing with Shelter Records, but their initial single flopped. Undeterred, Petty regrouped as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, releasing their self-titled debut in 1976, which broke through with hits like “American Girl.” His blend of Byrds-inspired jangle, Southern rock grit, and poetic storytelling made him a rock icon, selling over 80 million records worldwide.

Stay connected with Tom Petty’s legacy through his official website, where you can find music, merch, and news. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwbacks, like a 2024 post from his team sharing footage of “Honey Bee” being recorded during the Wildflowers sessions. Fans keep the spirit alive on sites like Petty Archives, a treasure trove of articles and interviews, and TomPettyNation, a fan forum buzzing with discussions. Join the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks who live for Petty’s timeless tunes. Keep rocking, and let “Honey Bee” sting your soul!