Stage Buzz: Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party Film Screening

Brassneck | October 14, 2024 | 0 Comments

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ fifth album, Long After Dark, added indelible singles, including “You Got Lucky” and “Change of Heart” to the band’s canon. In the studio and on the road in 1982 with the Heartbreakers, Cameron Crowe and his crew rolled film to create Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party. The documentary was the Academy Award-winning director’s directorial debut. Following a single airing in 1983 on MTV, the film virtually disappeared. Heartbreakers Beach Party attained cult status among Petty’s fans through trading VHS bootlegs and was even credited as one of many inspirational sources for Rob Reiner’s celebrated 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap. Among various interviews, concert clips, and peeks into the studio are behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the groundbreaking post-apocalyptic western music video for “You Got Lucky.” Late bassist Howie Epstein was a new addition to the Heartbreakers at the time and summed up his impression of Long After Dark. “I think it sounds great,” he says gamely as his bandmates look on. “Howie loves it,” adds Petty with brotherly enthusiasm. Elsewhere, Petty describes his driving force. “Once the music got into my body, I couldn’t ever think of doing anything else,” he says. The documentary has now been prepared for its big-screen debut on two special nights. Tickets can be purchased for this Thursday, October 17, and what would have been Petty’s 74th birthday, Sunday, October 20. The film has been restored from its 16-mm source, including a new introduction from Crowe and 20 minutes of outtakes. “I’m so happy we’re bringing it back in all its reckless glory,” says Crowe in a press release. “Let that sucker blast!” Watch the trailer HERE. “For hardcore fans only – pass,” said one dismissive 1983 review published by HBO. Those hardcore fans can find tickets now at www.TomPettyFilm.com. Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party will be screened in multiple Chicagoland movie houses. – Jeff Elbel