Meet the Band

Gary Charman (Tom Petty)

Gary’s music career started in the 70’s when he was asked to join 9.30 Fly as the bass player of this EMI signed band and toured the UK extensively. “Classic Rock UK” was formed with Gary on main vocals & 2nd guitar, playing theatres and festivals  from 2002-2010. Gary then went on to Join “Who’s Next” Europe’s No one Who Tribute taking on the role of Roger Daltrey & toured extensively throughout the UK & Europe until 2017.

A massive Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fan, Gary dug out his beloved custom built electric 12 string guitar & set about bringing together other musicians with the shared passion, to gather the perfect band members together to form “The Tom Petty Legacy”

Matt Bucher (Stan Lynch/Steve Ferrone)

Matt began playing the drums at 13 and joined The Screaming Ameebas at 15 with Martin “Ace” Kent (Skunk Anansie) performing regularly and recording the Power EP. He went on to join Frontier performing extensively and recording.  With a focus on Latin and Funk music Matt moved to London and has performed with Swedish guitarist Andreas Oberg concluding with a performance at Birmingham Jazz Festival.

After attending 2012 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers gig at the Albert Hall the offer to play Tom Petty’s music in The Tom Petty Legacy band was an easy choice to make.

Ian Barrett (Benmont Tench)

Ian started life as a guitar player playing in one of his home county’s premier cover bands. Playing covers of all types, genres and styles meant a keyboard often became necessary so he developed the art of ‘getting away with it’ on keyboard!  – Ian is also keyboard player with a Pink Floyd tribute band playing theatre shows throughout the UK.

He jumped at the chance to join the Tom Petty Legacy as he’d always liked Tom Petty . Given the opportunity to play his most iconic songs live he now realises what a ‘world class songwriter’ he was and what a top-notch band the Heartbreakers were.

Alan Dugdale (Mike Campbell)

Alan was originally a disciple of the cover band scene, initially a trained bass player he graduated to playing guitar and offers both lead and backing vocals. Over the years all this gigging has allowed him to build an enviable Fender Stratocaster collection – which comes in very handy as he also plays Dave Gilmour in a Pink Floyd tribute band.

Joining the Tom Petty Legacy has allowed Alan to build a similar collection of Fender Telecasters and ‘jangly 12 string electric guitars too.

Paul Reeves (Ron Blair)

In his 25 years as a guitarist, and bass player Paul has enjoyed extensive experience as a studio artist and live performer. He has co-written, produced and performed on critically acclaimed records which received airplay on Absolute Radio, XFM, and BBC Radio 1, 2, and 6 Music, as well as playing live on Virgin Radio and BBC Radio 2.

Equally comfortable in front of a large audience as he is in a studio, Paul has played on stage at many major UK music festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude, and End of the Road, as well as South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.  He  brings a wealth of experience into the band together with great backing vocals.