Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Mission Of Mercy Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Mike Campbell was a member, architect and co-captain of the Heartbreakers, a band he cofounded with Tom Petty, whom he met in a Gainesville, Florida carport in 1972. As the Heartbreakers lead guitarist, Campbell co-wrote many of the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers hits and also co-produced many of their albums – in addition to penning songs for Don Henley (“Boys of Summer”), Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks and playing on records by Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.

In 2020, Campbell released Wreckless Abandon, the first album by The Dirty Knobs, a group that was Campbell’s longtime side project but is now his primary musical focus. They released their second LP External Combustion in 2022 and toured the USA, including runs opening for both Chris Stapleton and The Who. Their third album Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits featured appearances from artists including Graham Nash, Lucinda Williams, Chris Stapleton and fellow Heartbreaker, Benmont Tench.

Mission Of Mercy, produced by George Drakoulias, Martin Pradler and Mike Campbell, is the band’s fourth studio record. Due to be released in June of 2026, the album features 12 new songs penned by Campbell, showcasing his unique perspective through his songwriting, while also tapping into his signature, iconic guitar playing that changed rock music forever. The album features collaborations from Morgane Stapleton and Kate Pierson (B-52s) and was recorded at Hocus Pocus Studios in California.

Mike Campbell recently released his memoir Heartbreaker, a fast-paced, tender-hearted rock ’n’ roll memoir for the ages and a New York Times bestseller. Part rags-to-riches story and part raucous, seat-of-the-pants adventure, it recounts Campbell’s life and times as lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.