The Unforgettable Bond: how‌ Tom Petty Shaped Stevie ​Nicks’ Solo Journey

While Stevie Nicks’ collaboration with Lindsey Buckingham from Fleetwood ​Mac is‌ often highlighted, her friendship with‌ Tom Petty significantly impacted‍ her solo career. Their connection was a powerful force in her musical evolution.

Reflecting ⁣on their⁢ frist encounter, Nicks ​shared ‍in a 2004 Rolling Stone tribute, “In 1976, after⁢ a year with Fleetwood Mac, I discovered Tom PettyS debut album. I was instantly‍ captivated.”

“I⁢ adored the raw, ⁤swampy quality of ​Tom’s⁤ voice, perfectly complemented by​ Mike Campbell’s guitar and Benmont Tench’s⁤ keyboards. He drew from the ⁤same influences we did-The Byrds, ⁤Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash-but infused it⁢ with ⁤deep blues roots. I was ‍such a fan that if I‌ hadn’t been in a band, I would have joined his.”

A Fan’s Dream: The Meeting of two Legends

Nicks was‌ open about her ​admiration for Petty. When they​ met in⁣ 1978, Petty ⁣felt a mix of surprise and delight. “She⁤ was an incredibly ​keen fan,” he ⁣recalled ⁤in an interview with American Songwriter. “It was her ⁣goal for me to wriet her a ⁤song.”

That opportunity came sooner than expected. In 1980, as Nicks prepared ⁣to launch her solo career ‍with the album Bella Donna, she enlisted producer ‌Jimmy Iovine, known for his work on Petty’s triumphant album Damn the Torpedoes. Iovine was simultaneously working on Petty’s follow-up, Hard Promises, which allowed him to hear Nicks’ project as it developed.

However, both Iovine and Petty were candid with Nicks about the album’s potential. “They told me bluntly,‍ ‘there’s no hit‌ single here,’” Nicks recalled. “Tom is a loyal​ friend, but he doesn’t sugarcoat things.”

The Gift of a Song: From “Insider”​ to “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”

In response to the lack of ⁣a standout track, Iovine encouraged Petty to write something for Nicks. The result⁤ was “Insider,” a song Petty crafted quickly, taking only about‌ an hour to finalize. “I wrote it⁤ in a flash-maybe 10 or 15 minutes,” ‍he shared with Melody ⁣Maker in 1981.

When Petty presented the song ​to Iovine, he⁤ was met with unexpected enthusiasm. ⁣”He exclaimed, ‘Wow, when I asked for a song, ⁤I didn’t⁤ anticipate this!’” Petty admitted feeling a pang of regret for giving away something he was attached to.

As Nicks recorded her vocals, Petty’s‌ unease was evident. “She noticed my ⁣expression and asked, ‘How’s it⁢ going?’ I replied, ‘It’s‌ amazing,’ but she could⁤ tell I was hesitant. She offered to return the song​ right then,which I deeply respected.”

Feeling guilty, Petty and Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell quickly penned a ‍new track: “Stop Draggin’ My Heart ‌Around.” Campbell explained that the song’s chord progression was inspired by the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women.”

“I ⁣adapted that feel with different chords⁢ and handed it ⁤to Tom, who crafted brilliant lyrics,” Campbell recounted in a video demonstration using his Fender Broadcaster, the same guitar he played on⁣ the original recording. Iovine suggested that the song would shine as⁣ a duet,and he was right. Nicks joined Petty on the​ track, creating a powerful collaboration.

A Chart-Topping success

Nicks was ecstatic about ⁣the new song. “This is ⁢exactly why I wanted you to write‍ for me-it’s rock ‘n’ roll,⁢ which is your‍ forte,” she told Petty. “‘Insider’ sounds like something I would do.”

As ​a ‍duet, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” became the lead single from Bella Donna, soaring ‌to number⁢ three on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone for both Nicks and the Heartbreakers.

However, not ‍everyone agreed with petty’s decision to give away ‍”Insider.” The song appeared on⁤ Hard Promises, featuring backing vocals from Nicks​ and her sister, Lori. Despite Petty’s fondness for the track, it failed to resonate with audiences, with critics noting its peculiar production choices.

Drummer ‍Stan Lynch expressed his disappointment, stating, “In exchange for ‘stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,’ I didn’t ⁣think‌ it was a fair trade. I remember thinking, ‘We got “Insider,”‘ and I was like, ‘Bad trade!’”

A Lasting⁢ Friendship

The bond between Nicks and Petty remained strong until his untimely passing⁢ in 2017. after her recovery from rehab in‍ the early ’90s, Nicks sought⁢ Petty’s ⁢guidance in songwriting. “I didn’t expect his ‍response,which was a firm,’No,I won’t,’” she recounted in Rolling Stone. “He told me, ‘You are one of the top songwriters‍ in⁤ the industry. Just create great music-that’s⁤ your talent.’”

During their 2006 tour, Petty gifted Nicks a stunning platinum sheriff’s badge adorned with 24-karat gold ⁢and diamonds, inscribed with “To Our Honorary Heartbreaker.” Nicks described it as “the most gorgeous piece of jewelry a man has‍ ever given me.”

Petty’s ‌sudden⁤ death left a profound impact on Nicks. “The loss of Tom Petty has nearly shattered my heart,” she expressed while accepting⁢ the 2018 MusiCares Person of the Year Award, which Petty ‍had received the previous year. “He was a splendid father, an incredible friend, and one of my closest companions. My heart will never fully recover from this loss.”