By Bob Makin
originally published: 01/09/2024
A team of ace musicians from the Nashville studio and touring circuit, Southern Accents recreates the music, style, and sound of the late great singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Petty. Whether it be T.P.’s solo material or that which he created with his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, the Heartbreakers, Southern Accents will present their signature immaculate precision and wildly contagious enthusiasm on Jan. 20 at URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $30-$40 and an additional $25 and $29.50 respectively for preferred parking and a pre-show dinner. For show tickets and info, click here.
For more about Southern Accents, click southernaccentsband.com and enjoy the following interview with front man Ronnie Gregg.
How many tour dates do you do a year?
We usually do around 50 to 60 shows a year.
Who’s in the band, what instruments do they play, to which Heartbreaker are they paying tribute, and how did you get together?
Ronnie Gregg, lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Paul Jones, bass; Nick Swan, lead guitar; Tony Mac, drums, and Jeff Hollandsworth, keyboards. We formed the band in 2016 out of mutual love of Tom’s music.
Is Paul Jones a fan of John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin’s bassist?
Paul is a fan of John Paul Jones. We all love Led Zeppelin.
What do you admire most about Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers?
Always loved their style. In my opinion, they were always one of the coolest bands.
Why and how is Tom Petty the greatest rock ‘n’ roll songwriter?
He wrote about life and love unlike any other songwriter I’ve ever heard. He is one of the few artists that makes the hairs on your arm stand up.
Besides Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, what is the greatest musical common ground of the members of Southern Accents?
We just have a certain music chemistry between us that works. I’m very blessed to work with such a talented bunch of guys.
How often do you play in New Jersey?
We have only played New Jersey a few times, mainly in the Vineland area. So we’re totally excited to be coming to a new area of New Jersey.
After Carteret, when will you be back in Jersey and where?
We plan on being back in the New Jersey area hopefully next summer or early fall. We have a date, but unfortunately we can’t announce it just yet.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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