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Stan Lynch, Mike Campbell of The Heartbreakers, Chris Stapleton and Ron Blair
Awards & Red Carpet

The Heartbreakers Reunite Stage Comeback With Chris Stapleton At Americana Awards

The legendary band hit the Ryman Auditorium stage for their first performance in nine years to accept a Lifetime Achievement honor.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

Music history was made in Nashville when legendary rock band The Heartbreakers stepped back into the spotlight together for their first public performance in nearly a decade. Taking the stage at the historic Ryman Auditorium during the Americana Awards, the surviving bandmates delivered an emotional set that thrilled audience members and celebrated their unmatched musical legacy. The rare reunion marked the iconic group’s first live appearance together as a performing unit in nine years. Original members Ron Blair, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, and Stan Lynch gathered on stage at the annual ceremony to accept the evening's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. To help bring their timeless song catalog back to life for the special occasion, country superstar Chris Stapleton joined the veteran musicians for an unforgettable collaboration.

Chris Stapleton Americana Awards Performance Stapleton took center stage alongside the group to deliver powerful vocals on some of their signature hits. Together, the stellar lineup ripped through vibrant performances of classic rock anthems including "American Girl" and "Breakdown," drawing massive applause from the crowd inside the famed venue. As the historic set continued to build momentum, the stage welcomed even more familiar faces. Longtime Heartbreakers members Scott Thurston and Steve Ferrone joined their fellow bandmates to perform the smash track "You Wreck Me," rounding out a high-powered set that honored decades of rock and roll excellence.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Legacy Stapleton’s guest turn alongside the iconic band builds on a deep musical relationship that spans years. Back in 2017, the acclaimed country musician served as the primary opening act for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on their extensive 40th anniversary tour. Stapleton has also maintained a strong artistic bond with guitarist Mike Campbell, recording with him for Campbell's side project, The Dirty Knobs. The high-profile showcase held deep emotional significance for everyone in attendance, serving as a fitting homage to the group's late frontman Tom Petty, who passed away in October 2017 at the age of 66. By bringing their legendary sound back to the stage alongside one of modern country music’s biggest stars, The Heartbreakers proved that their classic catalog remains as vibrant and influential as ever.

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The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

The Heartbreakers: The Hits, the Label Fights and the Loss of Tom Petty

From a debut that takes time to catch fire to a final Hollywood Bowl stand, the Heartbreakers build their story on hit records, business battles and a partnership that lasts four decades.

  1. The first record plants the flag

    The Heartbreakers — The first record plants the flag

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release their self-titled debut, introducing Petty, guitar player Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench, bassist Ron Blair and drummer Stan Lynch. It contains two songs that become calling cards: American Girl and Breakdown. The latter reaches the U.S. Top 40 in 1978.

  2. Flashpoint

    Bankruptcy, then a breakthrough

    The Heartbreakers — Bankruptcy, then a breakthrough

    Petty files for bankruptcy amid a contract fight triggered by MCA’s acquisition of ABC Records, which distributes the band’s label, Shelter. After the dispute is settled, the Heartbreakers release Damn the Torpedoes. Powered by songs including Refugee and Don’t Do Me Like That, it reaches No. 2 on the U.S. album chart.

  3. Flashpoint

    Petty fights a dollar increase

    The Heartbreakers — Petty fights a dollar increase

    Petty challenges MCA’s plan to give Hard Promises a $9.98 list price rather than the customary $8.98. He considers calling the album Eight Ninety Eight to make the point. The record arrives at the lower price, with The Waiting as its lead single.

  4. The drum seat changes

    The Heartbreakers — The drum seat changes

    Founding drummer Stan Lynch leaves the Heartbreakers, and Steve Ferrone replaces him. Ferrone also plays on Wildflowers, released that year as a Petty solo album with contributions from Campbell and Tench—a reminder that Petty’s solo career and his band remain closely intertwined.

  5. The Hall of Fame makes it official

    The Heartbreakers — The Hall of Fame makes it official

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Jakob Dylan delivers the induction. The honored lineup includes original bassist Ron Blair and his successor, Howie Epstein, alongside Petty, Campbell, Tench and Lynch.

  6. A first No. 1, decades into the run

    The Heartbreakers — A first No. 1, decades into the run

    Hypnotic Eye becomes the first Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album to top the U.S. album chart. It also becomes their final studio album released during Petty’s lifetime.

  7. The final show comes before the loss

    The Heartbreakers — The final show comes before the loss

    The Heartbreakers close their 40th-anniversary tour at the Hollywood Bowl on September 25, their final concert with Petty. He dies on October 2 at 66, one week after that performance, ending the band’s four-decade run with its frontman.

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People also ask

Did The Heartbreakers perform at the Americana Awards?
Yes, surviving members of The Heartbreakers reunited at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium to perform a special live set and accept a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Who sang with The Heartbreakers during their reunion performance?
Country music icon Chris Stapleton joined the band on stage to share lead vocal duties on classic hits including American Girl and Breakdown.