The greatest music fans will always want to feel connected to their favorite artists. But, one such fan may be ready to go one step forward then most. Kevin Beauchamp is looking to purchase the home that Tom Petty grew up. Is this the ultimate collector’s item?
First of all, let’s get this out of the way. Tom Petty is an alternative rock artist, albeit one frequently featured on regular rock radio. From his fights against the record label, his collaboration with the likes of Axl Rose or Dave Grohl, to his many songs covered by indie artists, Petty was a one of a kind artist that transcended genres.
It is, perhaps, because of his brilliance that Petty still inspires great displays of fandom.
Kevin Beauchamp has announced via social media that he is ready to spend $175,000 to own the house in which Petty grew up. The property is of around 1,200-square-foot (111-sq. meter) and is currently owned by Brandy Clark. Beauchamp says that many of the house’s original features are intact, including the original pink tile from the bathroom.
The house is located in Gainesville, Florida. It the birthplace of Tom Petty and of the majority of his band members in Mudcrutch and the Heartbreakers. Petty and his colleagues briefly played in Gainesville before opting to leave to California in the pursuit of a record deal. While the membership in Petty’s back-up band may have shifted, the artists did eventually land a record deal. Tom Petty became one of the most successful songwriters of his generation. He passed way in 2017.
Beauchamp says that he is close completing the deal. If the sale does occur, the fan wishes to work with the Gainesville Music History Foundation to have the property labeled as a historic landmark. If the deal does go through, this would also qualify Beauchamp as one of the most dedicated music fans in the world.
