About

At the forefront of legendary Rock and Roll bands, you are sure to find Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Since 2003, San Francisco based Petty Theft has been touring the United States performing Tom Petty’s songs true to the originals and in the spirit of the Heartbreaker’s live shows.

“Best of Marin 2024, 2023 : Best Tribute Band” – Pacific Sun
“Best of the North Bay 2024 : Best Tribute Band” Sonoma and Napa – The Bohemian
“Best of the North Bay 2023 : Best Tribute Band” – The Bohemian
“Best of the North Bay 2022, 2021 : Best Cover Band” – The Bohemian
“Best of Marin 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018 : Best Cover Band” – Pacific Sun
“Best of Marin 2015: Best Local Band” – Pacific Sun
“Best Band San Francisco North Bay” – 2013, 2012, 2011 – The Bohemian

Members

Adam “bagel” Berkowitz
Drums

Bagel’s musical career is a varied one. He has produced, engineered, mixed and drummed on over 30 albums, one charting at # 39 on the Americana Charts and another recently up to #16 on the CMJ Hip Hop Charts. Bagel was one of 25 “Up and Coming” unsigned drummers across America to receive an endorsement deal with Paiste Cymbals and has toured throughout the continental U.S. and abroad. A few of the many artists Bagel has or is currently performing with include: Jerry Hannan, Noelle Hampton, Larkin Gayle, The Mother Truckers and The 85’s. Besides his infectious groove, Adam is a performer you can’t help but watch as he works that kit!

Dan Durkin
Lead vocals, Guitars & Harmonica

A founding member of Petty Theft, Dan is a consummate lead singer and front-man who makes everyone feel like they were invited to the party and whose powerful vocals carry the room wherever they go. Dan also founded Marin County bands Frontline and East of Eden. His band East of Eden shared the stage with Michael McDonald, Chris Isaak, Bruce Hornsby and even drummer Pete Best of The Beatles. His left-handed/upside-down guitar playing fascinates audiences and has other guitarists scratching their heads wondering how the heck he does that.

Django Bayless
Bass & Vocals

Besides being a founding member of Petty Theft, Django has performed in many Marin County bands most notably Sapphire, Triad, and Gahundza in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Django solidifies the rhythm section with his steady bass playing and anchors the vocals with his pristine high harmonies.

Michael Papenburg
Guitar

Michael is a Bay Area native and sought after session player who has been performing in Bay Area bands since the early eighties. The list of artists he has worked with includes Matt Nathanson, Lilyvolt, Brittany Shane, The GoldDiggers, The Welcome Matt, Hey! Brontosaurus, Cameron Ember, Sebastian, The Mad Cattle Ensemble, Orange, and Missile Harmony. He loves playing slide guitar and has been a fan of Tom Petty since he bought “Breakdown” on 45 when it was first released.

Monroe Grisman

Monroe Grisman
Guitar, Vocals

Born into a musical family with both his parents being accomplished musicians, Monroe is a veteran guitarist of the SF Bay Area music scene who has performed and recorded with numerous local bands that have toured both domestically and abroad. Monroe has also worked as a producer and session musician for local and international recording projects and was a member of highly regarded rock bands American Drag and Stereo Flyers.  Besides PT,  he is currently a member of Kana Mota and working on other original music projects. He also performs around the Bay Area with The 85’s (80’s tribute band), AZDZ (AC/DC Tribute), and The Soul Jah Family Band (Classic Reggae covers). Monroe brings a high energy edge to PT with his electrifying solos and fun stage presence.

Steven Seydler

Steven Seydler
Keyboards

Veteran keyboardist Steven Seydler continues to be a sought after session and touring musician in Northern California since making his permanent home in Sonoma County in 2010. His early career launched quickly from his home town in Boston, MA after studying at Berklee School of Music and with legendary educator Charlie Banacas. Steven has toured with platinum recording artist Jorge Ferreira and Grammy award winning group Tavares throughout the United States and internationally through South America, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Steven currently performs regularly with Petty Theft and the Dylan Black project.

BAND HISTORY

Founded in early 2003, Petty Theft began as a classic rock cover band performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to enthusiastic audiences. It quickly became clear that the band’s true focus should be on celebrating the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Since then, Petty Theft has expanded to regular touring beyond the Bay Area and throughout multiple states, earning a reputation as one of the most sought-after Tom Petty tribute acts.

With the same six-member lineup format as the Heartbreakers, Petty Theft delivers an authentic, high-energy performance that continues to resonate with fans nationwide.

Steve Ferrone’s Special Guest Appearances

Steve Ferrone, the legendary drummer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, has performed with Petty Theft on three unforgettable occasions:

Petty Theft opened for The Kenneth Brian Band, featuring Steve Ferrone on drums. Ferrone surprised the audience by joining Petty Theft during their set for the final three songs.

Ferrone performed four songs with Petty Theft, including “I Won’t Back Down,” “Runnin’ Down A Dream,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” and “It’s Good to Be King.” Kenneth Brian also joined on the final song.

During Petty Theft’s annual Tom Petty Birthday Celebration, Ferrone played six songs with the band, including “You Wreck Me,” “Refugee,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “It’s Good to Be King.” Kenneth Brian joined for the final song.

🎥 Watch Steve Ferrone performing with Petty Theft:

Performing Nationwide

Petty Theft performs around 60 shows per year throughout the United States, bringing Tom Petty’s timeless music to fans of all generations.

In 2022, Petty Theft had the honor of sharing the Concord Pavilion stage, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tesla at KSAN FM 107.7 The Bone’s “Bone Bash XVIII.”

Notable Musicians Who Have Played with Petty Theft

Over the years, Petty Theft has attracted an impressive lineup of high-caliber musicians, including:

TOURING

Petty Theft has become one of the most successful nationally touring tributes to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, performing across California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Since 2014, we have honored Tom Petty’s legacy by naming each of our tours after his songs, lyrics, or album titles.

Our tour history includes:

Each year, we continue to celebrate Tom Petty’s music, bringing his timeless songs to fans across the country.