Photos and Story by DONNA BALANCIA
Mike Campbell plays on, approaching five years after the death of his best friend, Tom Petty. Campbell, the co-founder of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is recording and touring with his band, Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs.
Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs, which started out as a hobby several years ago, has evolved into a true touring and recording group. And despite the name, the band is putting out some great music.
“The band exists for fun,” he told US Rocker. “I get to sing and try new songs out. I play and write every day.”
Campbell is beloved by the fans and is considered one of the most talented musicians, as guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. While he’s best known for his work as the lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, he remains humble in his approach. Despite the “heartbreak” of the sudden death of his longtime musical partner, Petty, which happened in October of 2017, Campbell keeps the music going.
Check out Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs at their website here.
Born in Florida in 1950, Campbell began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, the Rhythmaires, while still in high school. He later went on to join Petty and the Heartbreakers in the mid-1970s and remained with the band for more than four decades.
Campbell is known for his skillful guitar playing and his ability to create memorable and melodic songs and amazing guitar solos. He’s worked with many of the most notable bands and musicians, including Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and Don Henley.
Read more about Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs here.
In addition to his work as a guitarist, Campbell is also a respected record producer and has produced albums for artists such as Jack Tempchin and The Tubes.
And while the band’s name, The Dirty Knobs, may sound a little, well, “dirty,” there’s actually a funny story behind the name, Campbell said.
“There was a dirty knob on the amp, so I said, ‘That’s what we’re gonna call ourselves, The Dirty Knobs!’ Yes, there’s somewhat of a double entendre, but it’s all in good fun.”
For tour info on the Dirty Knobs go to the website.
