The most recent posthumous track by Tom Petty is experiencing an upward trend in popularity.
The most recent posthumous track by Tom Petty is experiencing an upward trend in popularity.
Ever since Tom Petty bid farewell in 2017, his musical estate has been treating fans to an endless feast of tunes they can't get enough of. With an already impressive discography, it seems there's an endless supply of music waiting to be shared, either for the first time or in a fresh, appealing form for die-hard Petty fans.
Petty's latest posthumous single is on an epic climb, gaining momentum with each passing week. Just when it seems like the tune might lose steam and start to dip, it manages to pick up speed again. The single is holding firm on one chart it's never left, while also re-entering another ranking, showing up on two lists at once.
"Never Be You" has made a notable jump this time around, moving up from No. 39 to No. 34 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. This is a new peak for the single, which has now been consistently ranked on Billboard's top-performing tracks at radio stations that cater to a rock format with an alternative leaning and mature audience.
Simultaneously, "Never Be You" is back on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart. This list is a bit more cutthroat, featuring all forms of rock and alternative music. On this chart, Petty makes a comeback at No. 49.
So far, "Never Be You" has only managed to spend two frames on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, and it hasn't reached the heights it has this week. The single has peaked at No. 47 in the past, but it's currently sitting just a few rungs below that mark.
Recently, Petty's label and estate released "Never Be You" on the newly released deluxe version of his album Long After Dark. Despite being an older song, many may be unfamiliar with Petty's version, even among his long-term fans.
Originally, "Never Be You" was a hit for another artist—Rosanne Cash. Petty penned the song, but Cash's version gained traction in the country music scene. Now, the tune is generating excitement in the rock world as well, although it has yet to reach the number one spot on any chart, like Cash's version did.
Tom Petty's posthumous musical estate continues to deliver hits, with "Never Be You" currently surging on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, moving up from No. 39 to No. 34. This progression represents a new peak for the single, which has consistently ranked on Billboard's top-performing tracks for radio stations catering to a mature rock audience with an alternative leaning.
Additionally, "Never Be You" has re-entered the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart, making a comeback at No. 49. Although the song has only managed to spend two frames on this cutthroat chart so far, its current position is higher than its previous peak at No. 47.
Recently, the single was released on the deluxe version of Tom Petty's album Long After Dark, which may introduce the tune to fans who were previously unfamiliar with Petty's version. Originally, "Never Be You" was a hit for another artist - Rosanne Cash - who achieved number one status with the song in the country music scene.
Tom Petty's continued success on the charts is a testament to his enduring influence and the enthusiasm of his devoted fanbase. In fact, Forbes named Petty as one of the highest-earning dead celebrities in 2020, demonstrating the market demand for new releases and re-releases from the late artist's discography.
As "Never Be You" continues to climb the charts, fans can look forward to more exciting posthumous releases from the Tom Petty estate, keeping the music of the beloved musician alive and well for years to come.