Today, the Tom Petty Estate unveils a stunning new video for “Never Be You,” the centerpiece of the recently released deluxe edition of Long After Dark, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ groundbreaking yet often overlooked 1982 album.
The visually captivating video was crafted by Emmy Award-winning animator and experimental filmmaker Jeff Scher, renowned for his kaleidoscopic artistry in music videos for icons like Bob Dylan, Graham Nash, and Paul Simon. Scher’s signature style of meticulously hand-drawn, colored, and painted animation breathes vibrant life into the song, creating a mesmerizing visual journey.
Watch the video here.
Since its release last month, the original version of “Never Be You” has been resonating strongly with audiences, climbing the charts and achieving the title of #6 Greatest Gainer at AAA radio this week. Co-written by Petty and fellow Heartbreaker Benmont Tench, the haunting track was originally left off Long After Dark and became a #1 country hit for Rosanne Cash. Now, this deluxe edition brings Petty’s own powerful interpretation of the song to the forefront, giving it the recognition it deserves.
LONG AFTER DARK DELUXE: A CRITICAL AND COMMERCIAL TRIUMPH
Released last month to widespread acclaim via Geffen/UMe, Long After Dark Deluxe debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top Ten Album and Top 10 Vinyl charts. The reissue features an additional 45 minutes of previously unreleased tracks that showcase the depth and breadth of the sessions.
Reflecting on the original album’s production, Petty once said, “There was some music recorded for Long After Dark that didn’t get on the record, that I thought would’ve made it a better album. I left off…four things that I liked quite a bit. And probably a few more written that never even got in the door.”
The estate’s dedication to sharing these unearthed gems has reignited enthusiasm for the Long After Dark era, giving fans a deeper understanding of Petty’s creative process.
ADDITIONAL ARCHIVAL RELEASES
Earlier this year, the Tom Petty Estate opened the vaults to share a treasure trove of previously unreleased music and newly remastered film from the Long After Dark period (1982-1983). Highlights include the cult classic TOM PETTY: HEARTBREAKERS BEACH PARTY, a rare film directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire), further cementing this era as a pivotal chapter in Petty’s storied career.
For more information, visit www.tompetty.com.
