Jerome Brunet Photography/Rockin Robin Promotions

Jerome Brunet Photography/Rockin Robin PromotionsAs recently reported, a special Los Angeles charity concert commemorating what would’ve been Tom Petty‘s 69th birthday takes place this Friday at the El Rey Theatre, with a lineup including two members of Petty’s band The Heartbreakers, bassist Ron Blair and drummer Steve Ferrone.

Blair tells ABC Audio that he’ll play a few songs with Ferrone at the show, marking only the second time since Petty’s October 2017 death that they’ve played live together.

“Ferrone and I…create a very interesting sound,” Blair says, “and it’s a very interesting energy I don’t experience with anybody else.”

For much of the concert, Ron will perform as part of the house band and with his current group, the San Diego-based Chris Torres Band. The show will also feature various artists playing in different combinations.

The confirmed lineup includes legendary session drummer Jim Keltner, former David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, Stephen Stills‘ son Chris and the late Roy Orbison‘s sons Roy Jr. and Alex. In addition, Hattie Webb, who sang backing vocals on Petty and the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour, will be on hand.

“We get a chance to honor him with a great variety of people who are just so happy to be there,” Blair declares.

Meanwhile, Jeff Slate, a veteran singer/songwriter and music journalist who’s organizing and will perform at the concert, promises ABC Audio that there “will absolutely be surprised guests.”

He adds, “I wouldn’t be surprised if some of Tom’s peers or people he mentored show up and do a couple of songs and maybe even close the show.”

Blair says he wouldn’t rule out some of the other Heartbreakers appearing as well.

Tickets for the show, which will benefit The Midnight Mission and MusiCares, are available at AXS.com and via TheElRey.com.

Copyright © 2019, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.