For decades, Mike Campbell has been a cornerstone in the world of rock music, primarily known for his role as the guitarist, co-songwriter, and co-producer with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. His soulful blues-rock riffs have given life to many of the band’s timeless songs, which continue to resonate deeply with fans.
Even after Tom Petty’s passing in 2017, Campbell remains a dedicated musician, now leading his own band, the Dirty Knobs. Recently, the group released their latest album, “Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits,” a blend of new tracks and older songs Campbell unearthed from his extensive archives.
“I seem to write about damaged women that need to be saved,” Campbell muses. Fans of Tom Petty will find much to appreciate in the new album, thanks to Campbell’s signature melodic guitar work and heartfelt vocals. The album also features contributions from notable artists like Chris Stapleton, Lucinda Williams, and Graham Nash, adding layers of emotional depth to the songs.
Campbell, currently in Philadelphia, is preparing for a series of shows where he plans to join Chris Stapleton on stage for a rendition of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “I Should Have Known It.” Stapleton’s version of the song is part of the upcoming tribute album, “Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty,” set to release on June 21.
Reflecting on his career, Campbell expresses immense gratitude. “I’m just like I was when I first picked up the guitar,” he says. “I followed it because I had to, not because I thought I’d ever get rich or famous. But I just love the music. I love the instrument, and I love the songs. I still do as much or better than at the beginning. I’m very blessed of a person. I’ve had a charmed life, and I’m enjoying every second of it.”
“Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits” is the third Dirty Knobs record in four years, and it reflects the band’s growth and chemistry from extensive touring. “I hear confidence,” Campbell notes. “We toured a lot on the first few records, and I’m getting my feet leading the band. I hear growth. Also, we’re still having a lot of fun — so there it is.”
When asked if he approached this album differently, Campbell says, “No, there was no conscious effort to be different, just to be better, try to come up with better songs, and refine it, and keep doing what we do. It’s one of those things, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If it’s working, go with it.”
Campbell’s lyrics often feature characters facing tough times but finding hope and redemption. “You’re right. I noticed that there’s a lot of desperate characters,” he laughs. “But a lot of the best songs, even with The Heartbreakers, those characters are desperate to get a better life and to get to some sort of redemption and hope through the trouble they’re in.”
On his songwriting process, Campbell explains, “Once you become committed to writing, you’re always in that mindset — open for the muse, open for any fraction of an inspiration, a lyric, or a chord, or a melody that might come to you.”
Campbell’s collaboration with other artists on the album has been a highlight. “They’ve all, in each case, made them better,” he says. “Lucinda Williams, for instance, made the song ‘Hell or High Water’ 10 times better with her soulful voice.”
Stevie Nicks also played a role in the album’s creation. Campbell recalls, “I was rehearsing for the Fleetwood Mac tour, and Mick Fleetwood had a dulcimer I admired. Stevie overheard me and later gifted me one. I wrote the song ‘Innocent Man’ on that dulcimer.”
Campbell’s involvement in the upcoming Tom Petty tribute album includes a collaboration with Margo Price on “Ways to Be Wicked.” “George Drakoulias, who was involved with the production, remembered the song and got Margo to sing on it. It’s like your children have come back to life,” Campbell says.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Campbell is proud of the enduring quality of the songs he created with Tom Petty. “A good song will age well. In the Heartbreakers, a lot of the songs I wrote with Tom — ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream,’ ‘A Woman in Love,’ ‘Here Comes My Girl’ — they age well. You can hear them years later, and they can still get the feeling and be affected by them.”
As Campbell continues to tour and create music, he remains dedicated to inspiring his audience. “Tom said that to me once, ‘Our job is to inspire the listeners, and if we can do something to make their moment feel a little brighter and make them feel good inside, then you’ve done your job.'”
With a new album and a tour on the horizon, Campbell is excited to connect with fans and share his music. “Live music will never die. The industry has changed a lot. It’s not like it used to be. But live music… I look at it like we’re a rock ‘n’ roll church. You come to our sermon and for a couple of hours, you can forget about wars and politics, and all that, and just be in a place of love, and joy, and redemption with us for a few hours, and hopefully feel better about yourself.”
For Mike Campbell, the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well, and he continues to share that spirit with audiences around the world.
