Pete Freer
Pete Freer
Pete Freer is the powerful voice at the front of Petty and Friends, bringing passion, soul, and energy to every performance. A lover of all genres with a deep appreciation for unique voices, Pete is a self-taught singer who found inspiration in the rich sounds of Jersey soul, Motown, and the R&B and rock of the early ‘70s. From the moment he first heard Dream On by Aerosmith, he knew music would be a driving force in his life.
Pete’s vocal style is shaped by a love for powerful singers, no matter the genre. His ability to channel raw emotion into every note makes him a dynamic and compelling frontman. When Petty and Friends co-founder Stretch Gall approached him after a gig, Pete saw the opportunity to join a group of dedicated musicians who focus on expression over perfection—something that resonated deeply with him.
For Pete, the best moments on stage happen when the audience gets involved, feeding off the band’s energy and getting lost in the music. His favorite songs to perform are anything soulful, and his go-to guilty pleasure is Bring It On Home by Sam Cooke. Before a show, he has an unconventional ritual—listening to music that’s completely different from what the band will play that night.
Above all, Pete hopes audiences walk away from a Petty and Friends performance feeling like they’ve escaped from the real world for a few hours. His goal? To make every song feel like the band’s last—full of heart, soul, and the kind of energy that lingers long after the final note.