Mike Campbell Finds New Path with Dirty Knobs After Heartbreakers’ Hiatus

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Mike Campbell, the legendary guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, has found a new musical home with his band, the Dirty Knobs. Following the tragic death of Tom Petty in 2017, Campbell has channeled his grief and creativity into this passion project, which has now released its third album, *Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits*.

“It’s a labor of love,” Campbell said of the Dirty Knobs. “I started this between Heartbreakers tours to try out new songs and keep in the groove. We played clubs, made recordings, and it just got better and better.” The band has become Campbell’s primary focus since Petty’s passing, marking a new chapter in his storied career.

Campbell’s journey with the Dirty Knobs began as a side project but evolved into a full-time endeavor after the Heartbreakers went on an indefinite hiatus. The band’s latest album showcases Campbell’s signature guitar work, blending rich riffs and tasteful solos with moments of raw intensity, such as in tracks like “So Alive” and “Innocent Man.”

Reflecting on his career, Campbell emphasized his shift toward songwriting. “When I started learning to play, I immediately began crafting my own chords and writing songs,” he said. “I’ve focused more on that as the years have gone on. I’m more toward the song and less toward the guitar these days.”

Campbell, who is self-taught, credits his early influences, such as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, for shaping his unique style. “I got my lessons off the records,” he explained. “I would slow them down to hear what was going on, copy them, and then speed them back up.”

Despite parting with over 100 guitars recently, Campbell still holds onto a few cherished instruments, including his Rickenbackers and a Fender Broadcaster he bought in 1976. “There’s, like, six or eight that I would never give away,” he said.

While the Dirty Knobs may never eclipse the legacy of the Heartbreakers, Campbell is proud of the band’s progress. “To a large extent, I’m finding a new path for myself,” he said. “You always have to have a dream. My other dream ran its course, and I’ve got to carry on.”

Campbell’s autobiography, *Heartbreaker: A Memoir*, is set for release this March, offering fans a deeper look into his life and career. For now, he remains focused on the Dirty Knobs, continuing to write, perform, and inspire.