Tom Petty Isn’t Being Petty Towards Sam Smith Over Ripping Off His Song

Just a little update to that story earlier this week about the uncanny similarities between Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” and Tom Petty;s “Won’t Back Down.” Petty has been added to the writing credit of the song, which many felt was a move by Smith pretty muck acknowledging how similar the two songs are.  Tom Petty has released at statement on his website and he’s being a total stand up guy about the whole thing. Via:

“About the Sam Smith thing. Let me say I have never had any hard feelings toward Sam. All my years of songwriting have shown me these things can happen. Most times you catch it before it gets out the studio door but in this case it got by. Sam’s people were very understanding of our predicament and we easily came to an agreement. The word lawsuit was never even said and was never my intention. And no more was to be said about it. How it got out to the press is beyond Sam or myself. Sam did the right thing and I have thought no more about this. A musical accident no more no less. In these times we live in this is hardly news. I wish Sam all the best for his ongoing career. Peace and love to all.”

I admire the hell out of Tom Petty for taking the high road in this situation. It’s all too easy to file a lawsuit or get in some aggressive public Twitter feud with another artist. In the end, all parties involved just end up looking like complete assholes. Shit happens and be done with it is a pretty good M.O. for life.

The only time something like this is vaguely acceptable is Louis C.K. grilling Dane Cook. That was brilliant television for all parties involved.

[H/T: Uproxx]

Brandon Wenerd is BroBible's publisher, writing on this site since 2009. He writes about sports, music, men's fashion, outdoor gear, traveling, skiing, and epic adventures. Based in Los Angeles, he also enjoys interviewing athletes and entertainers. Proud Penn State alum, former New Yorker. Email: brandon@brobible.com