We couldn’t help but notice how good Tom Petty--and all of the Heartbreakers, for that matter--looked last night performing their Super Bowl halftime show.

Because let’s be honest:  Most of us have long thought of Tom Petty as one of music’s rougher-looking artists, especially back in “the day” when when glam bands like Aerosmith, Van Halen and The Rolling Stones dominated the concert scene. 

But, while big hair and a pretty face can certainly sell a lot of albums, things get a little tougher when the bloom of youth has left the building and an artist has to rely on actual talent to survive, which is, of course, why Petty’s band has held up so well over the years.  (And why Peter Frampton is doing Geico commercials and Michael Bolton is on reality TV ).

 Plus, and have you ever noticed how a lot of not-so-attractive-when-young people tend to either improve with age or are immune to it?  (It’s sort of the “nowhere to go but up” principle).  Petty is a perfect example of someone who looks as good now as he ever did, and if what we’ve seen of his on-stage apparel is any indication, he also has a great sense of style for an old rocker, especially considering that his particular brand of classic Southern-style rock isn’t exactly known for it’s cutting-edge fashion icons.

We just wish we knew who designed the suits the band wore last night because we thought they were fabulous, especially Petty’s with the double-breasted  jacket (worn open over a silky gold shirt with a polka-dotted scarf).  They were tailored but hip, dressy without being overly costum-y, and refreshingly age-appropriate.  (There wasn’t a skin-tight leather pant or grizzled bare tatooed arm in sight).  Even the guitar strap colors seemed to be carefully chosen to complement the whole grown-up rocker look.

In fact, Petty always seems to look pulled-together in a way that shows respect for his audience without compromising his laid-back style.  
 Look how he pairs this very traditionally 70’s country-western style fringed jacket with a trendy skull scarf-tie and a bright red starched shirt:

Not bad for an old Gator…