New Documentary Revisits Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks' Iconic Collaboration

A newly released documentary, Tom Petty: Heartbreak Beach Party, directed by Cameron Crowe, explores the late musician’s creative process and revisits his iconic collaboration with Stevie Nicks in 1981. The film, now streaming on Paramount+, delves into the making of Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around and Insider, two songs that emerged from their partnership.

In the documentary, Petty recalls how their collaboration began. “Stevie’s a fan of the band, and she had been for a long time,” he says in a resurfaced interview. “One night at dinner, she got real adamant about wanting a song. So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll write the song.’” The result was Insider, a deeply personal track intended for Nicks, but she ultimately insisted Petty keep it for himself. Instead, they worked together on Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, which became a hit on her 1981 album Bella Donna.

Petty, who maintained a close musical bond with Nicks for decades, tragically passed away in 2017 due to drug toxicity complications. The documentary revives their shared musical legacy, showcasing rare behind-the-scenes footage of their sessions. It also includes their 2009 duet of I Need to Know from From Gainesville – The 30th Anniversary Concert.

The film, originally aired once on MTV in 1983, has resurfaced more than 40 years later, offering fans a deeper look into Petty’s journey with the Heartbreakers. With its mix of rare footage and rock nostalgia, Tom Petty: Heartbreak Beach Party cements Petty and Nicks’ place in rock history, ensuring their collaborations continue to inspire future generations.