TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - DON’T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE

Released: February 28, 1985

Charted:  US: #13   UK: #50 

"Don't Come Around Here No More" is a collaboration between Tom Petty and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Released in February 1985 as the lead single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "Southern Accents," the song originated from a romantic encounter that producer Dave Stewart had with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.

After a show, Stewart went home with Nicks, but she kicked him out the next morning. Inspired by the experience, Stewart created a demo with a drum machine, synthesizer, and sitar, which led to the song's iconic chorus. Producer Jimmy Iovine, who was working with Nicks on her Bella Donna album, heard the demo and began writing the song for her. However, tensions arose between Nicks and Iovine during the recording session, leading Iovine to give the song to Tom Petty instead. Petty and Nicks had previously collaborated on "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," so it was a fitting choice.

In addition to the core Heartbreakers lineup, "Don't Come Around Here No More" featured female backing vocals by Marilyn Martin and Sharon Celani, both known for their work with Stevie Nicks. Stephanie Spruill, who contributed vocals to Billy Idol's "Mony Mony," also lent her voice to the track. Other musicians included Daniel Rothmuller on cello and Dean Garcia on bass. Petty himself added piano to the recording, while Dave Stewart's original demo contributed sitar and keyboard elements.

The music video embraced an Alice In Wonderland theme, reflecting Dave Stewart's experience transitioning from England to Los Angeles. Directed by Jeff Stein, the video featured an elaborate set with black-and-white tiled backgrounds and oversized costumes, with Tom Petty portraying the Mad Hatter. Stewart made an appearance at the beginning, playing the sitar on a giant mushroom. The video's ending, where the girl is turned into a cake and eaten by the band, sparked controversy, leading to an alternative version where she isn't consumed. Despite the controversy, the video was a hit on MTV, helping to introduce Petty to a younger audience.