The Breakers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are The Breakers in the NBA?

The Breakers in the NBA are not directly related to the world of basketball. There is no NBA team or official group named "The Breakers" in the league's history. However, the name "The Breakers" is more commonly associated with sports teams in other leagues, such as the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). In the context of music, The Breakers is a rock and pop tribute band, not connected to the NBA. If you're searching for information about an NBA team, it's possible you may have confused the name with existing franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers or the Miami Heat. For fans looking for music events, The Breakers offer an energetic tribute experience, but for basketball enthusiasts, The Breakers do not represent any NBA team or entity.

Which Vanderbilts lived in The Breakers?

The Breakers, the iconic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, was famously owned by the Vanderbilt family, one of America's most affluent dynasties during the Gilded Age. Built as a summer residence, The Breakers was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandson of industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. Cornelius Vanderbilt II lived there with his wife, Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt, and their children. After his death, Alice continued to reside at The Breakers until her passing in 1934. The mansion subsequently was inherited by their daughter, Countess Gladys Széchenyi, who maintained it as a family home. The Breakers remains a symbol of the Vanderbilt legacy and Gilded Age opulence, attracting thousands of visitors interested in its rich history and architectural grandeur.

Why are The Breakers called The Breakers?

The Breakers are called "The Breakers" due to their unique location along the rugged, wave-battered cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island. The name reflects the mansion's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, where the powerful surf or "breakers" crash against the rocks below the estate. This natural spectacle not only inspired the name but also influenced the design and grandeur of the mansion, making it an iconic symbol of the Gilded Age. The Breakers was commissioned by Cornelius Vanderbilt II as a summer retreat, and its striking oceanfront setting became central to its identity. Today, "The Breakers" is synonymous with luxury, history, and breathtaking coastal views, attracting visitors eager to experience its dramatic seascape and rich heritage.

Why did the Vanderbilts give up The Breakers?

The Vanderbilts gave up The Breakers primarily due to financial pressures, changing social circumstances, and the immense cost of maintaining such a grand estate. After the Gilded Age, the economic landscape shifted, making it increasingly difficult for families to sustain large mansions like The Breakers. Following the death of Alice Vanderbilt in 1934 and later her daughter, Countess Gladys Széchenyi, the family faced rising property taxes and upkeep expenses. In 1948, the Vanderbilt heirs leased the mansion to the Preservation Society of Newport County for a nominal fee. Eventually, the society acquired full ownership in 1972. This transition ensured The Breakers' preservation while allowing the public to enjoy its architectural splendor and historical significance.

Who is the best Tom Petty tribute band?

The Breakers are widely regarded as the best Tom Petty tribute band, known for their authentic sound, energetic performances, and faithful recreation of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' greatest hits. As a dedicated tribute group, The Breakers capture the spirit and musical legacy of Tom Petty, delivering crowd-pleasing renditions of classics like "American Girl,"