Why Is Mike Campbell So Cool?

The boys discuss one Jonathans Favorite Guitar players of all time Mike Campbell the Sideman for the Late Tom Petty. You might be surprised who else he has written songs for and other albums he played on!
Click subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss a thing!
115 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
910-725-0807
[e-mail]
SHOP HOURS : MON - SAT 11AM - 6PM, SUN 12-4PM

[@ryno9677]

I’ve obsessed over Mike Campbell for years. The dude is one of the best to ever do it

[@guitarjonathan]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@jed1166]

Because his playing contained / contains absolutely NO EGO! He played for the song and the band.... that’s cool!

[@guitarjonathan]

Agreed!

[@seanharrison2928]

So right

[@jonathansmith2581]

Mike Campbell is pure class. Hits exactly the right note, at exactly the right time.

[@ryancousins]

Mike is the most tasteful player in the history of the instrument. Somehow every note he plays is exactly what the song needed at that moment. Nothing more or less. He’s in a league of his own.

[@philroodart]

Mike Campbell is one of the greatest(and largely overlooked) guitar players ever. Phenomenal, not showboating, just a hard playing blue-collar guitar player. I've seen him live twice and he's just great to watch onstage just doing the work and grinding out the riffs. Great player for sure

[@garyssimo]

Hes NOT overlooked. or underrated. Lets not be saying silly stuff so much plrase.

[@philroodart]

@@garyssimo he's not by guitar players, but when I tell people who don't play guitar that Mike Campbell is my favorite guitar player, they look confused and ask me who that is. Dude played for one of the biggest bands in the world for 40 years and people don't know who he is. That's the definition of overlooked. That's all I was saying in making that point... either way, the guy is doing fine, so let's all take it easy plrase

[@markbrandon172]

Mike Campbell plays the lead on the solo of the new Chris Stapleton song "Arkansas". Glad to see this guy staying busy, artists like him can't stop playing, they just keep creating.

[@deepdoodoo3252]

Chris Stapleton also sings with Mike Campbell on “Pistol Paki’n Mama” with the dirty knobs.

[@chadlomax111]

Mike Campbell is great because he never over plays or under plays. It always seems to be just the right amount. And his cool way of playing chords with open strings ringing. Tasty stuff.

[@unionjack515]

I just learned that Mike Campbell wrote the synth riff to “You Got Lucky” too. He’s ALSO a case study for how to use a trem bar. Great video guys.

[@guitarjonathan]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@briansimer4311]

Tom -played bass in Mudcrutch...I think. And the “Strat copy” was a Guyatone! Such a great talent. He never overpowered a song. He accented the song and was tasteful in doing it. Benmont Tench was the same way on the piano.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Props to his guitar tech Chinner too!

[@gggomez9764]

Thank you. Finally. My favourite guitarists do not shred George Harrison Mick Campbell Paul McCartney Adam Levy Keith Richards Chris Stapleton and Elliot Easton. Their guitar parts will be remembered for decades.

[@johnnyb2495]

Always loved his playing, writing, and the tone...SUCH great tone. No matter how his backline has evolved...no matter what guitar he's playing at any given moment...it's ALWAYS Mike Campbell and it always serves the song. He's been my single favorite guitarist for decades now. Sadly, this love of TP & the HBs has also led me down the path of Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. :) As far as I know, there's no cure. RIP Tom...keep Rockin' Mike!

[@Highland804]

I love Mike Campbell, because he's that rare guitar player who can give me the chills with some of his solos, and let me tell you, I've seen The Dirty Knobs several times now. If they come around to your area (when it's safe), GO SEE THEM!

[@barbarascotto3873]

I second that. The only concerts I go to nowadays is Bob Weir solo/Dead and Co & The Dirty Knobs

[@gbergman95]

My buddy is in the band, The Dirty Knobs with Mike. At his birthday party I sat right in front of Mike Campbell and his wife. I complemented his hat and he said, “thanks man!” Haha thats all i said to him!

[@guitarjonathan]

Ok, that's freaking awesome.

[@geetarbube]

Mike is the coolest! Love the Dirty Knobs too!

[@charlieebarb8695]

F*** that guy is my favorite song! 😂😂😂

[@guitarjonathan]

The absolute coolest!

[@barbarascotto3873]

@@charlieebarb8695 it oughta be a crime...

[@JustinHaglerMusic]

Mike Campbell is the reason I play guitar. He has been my favorite guitarist since the 80's.

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

"It's just the normal noises in here!" Keep kickin it Mike👍❤ 🎩💘

[@AndyDion]

I never knew Mike Campbell played on that Wallflowers song!! I’ve seen The Heartbreakers 2 times and they were amazing! Great video guys!

[@guitarjonathan]

One of my favorite shows I've ever been to. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@jimleininger8963]

Great video, but you missed the coolest Mike Campbell project. Look up the Blue Stingrays! The Heartbreakers minus Petty became The Blue Stingrays for one album and its fantastic. Including a full fictitious back story of the band... Their cover of Goldfinger is killer. The whole album is great stuff. Can't be a Mike Campbell fan and NOT know about this

[@guitarjonathan]

Thanks! Will check it out now!!

[@jimleininger8963]

@@guitarjonathan Sweet! Let us know what you think. If it trips your trigger, check out the crazy fiction back story they made. They obviously had fun with that album

[@Dreyno]

I saw them live in 2012. Mike is phenomenal. He nailed all his parts and threw in a few fantastic solos. The tone of all the guitars was beautiful. The whole band was so tight. And Tom was a superstar. So glad I managed to catch them before he died.

[@bartdwmusic1212]

Liked the video before it even started! Mike Campbell is the GOAT!

[@guitarjonathan]

Yes!!

[@dannydny]

Mikes guitar playing is all about the song. He totally knows what to play and what not to play. He somehow always finds a place to sit in the mix and really contribute to the song! Great video

[@BrandOdyssey]

Mikes guitar collection is amazing.

[@CasinoGuitars]

It’s somewhat flabbergasting! We are in awe:)

[@scottpickett9779]

Mike Campbell is the man. The best at hooks that you want to learn.

[@mikefetterman6782]

Mike Campbell is one of the people that inspire me to play guitar. Harrison, SRV, Gary Moore, Clapton, Gilmour, Rich Robinson, Mark Ford, Malcolm, and Angus and Page, all got me strumming years ago and the perfect NOTE at the perfect time is always something that touches people's spine.

[@richardferrara86]

Great video guys. Mike Campbell is a fantastic guitar player!

[@guitarjonathan]

Thanks!! He is definitely awesome.

[@williammaxstadt795]

I remember seeing for the first time in a live performance on tv. Just the melodic, tasteful solo. Not minimal, but not showy either. Play what fits the song. Simply....Mike Campbell is a true artist. Thank you for the video....you guys nailed it!

[@Hulkhoagie1]

You guys keep putting out great and interesting videos on a daily basis. There are some great guitar oriented channels out there but you're creating content that isn't available elsewhere. I'm a fan. Keep it going.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a ton! That really mean a lot and we have a great amount of fun doing this! We’ll keep em coming Daniel and sincere thanks for the good cheer!

[@guitarjonathan]

Thank you!!

[@user-vn6mb8im8w]

Mike Campbell is not only a great writer and musician, he seems like an amazingly sweet person. My sister and i met him briefly in '79 after their "Listen to Her Heart" show in Houston, Texas. He was so kind and generous in spirit, I could ever after only describe him as "angelic".

[@ryangunwitch-black]

It is kind of amazing how Tom Petty managed to stay working and remain very relevant through the 80s and 90s. He just never stopped. He was a Wilbury. He was a solo artist (sort of) and he kept going and going. It's a testament to the quality of the song-writing and the fact that he had people like Mike Campbell around.

[@mikeatl4953]

Couldn’t agree more, Mike Campbell is definitely one of the top rock and roll guitarist.

[@davegallagher7428]

If you played in a bar band in the 80s/Early 90s you were probably playing American Girl, I love the Outro that Mike Campbell does. On the live version though he played the same notes but changed the order so it was actually a new lick, pretty cool.

[@guitarjonathan]

I'm still playing it. 😂 Very cool about changing the lick up.

[@mikaelbodin9178]

Love this content. Mike is perhaps the most underrated guitarist of his generation. Just listen to Running Down a Dream. I was lucky to see him play with Tom and the band in Charlotte back in 2010.

[@elainemarks7845]

Was watching MC on his IG page and he mentioned this video. That’s pretty cool. If you haven’t already check out The Dirty Knobs new album. I know you’ll be impressed. Mike Campbell is way too underrated

[@vincentjoyce5100]

He’s also had great producers like Iovine, Rubin, Lynne. Mike is like good comfort food to me, as if you innately know it in your soul.

[@RichSad45]

Other than the Grateful Dead, the band I saw most often in concert through the years is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I was lucky enough to see Mudcrutch on their tour a couple years before Tom Petty passed at House of Blues in Boston. Also was at the Wiltern Theatre in L.A. when Tom recorded Pack Up The Plantation: Live! Arena or smaller theatre Mike's sound was always epic. Singable parts. That's the key.

[@scottgeyer684]

Mike Campbell has always been one of my favorites (so underrated)! Tom Petty NEVER worked without MC!!!

[@MrSageXP]

Traveling Wilburys?

[@scottgeyer684]

@@MrSageXP Campbell was also involved in those sessions. He tells a story of trying to lay down the slide part for Handle With Care, and finally convincing George Harrison to do it.

[@glennwallace9203]

@@scottgeyer684 just watched that interview ---- tears!

[@martinwilson8656]

To me it was always Mike Campbell and Brian May. I love guitarists who play for the song and their part grew the spirit of the song in a way that no one else could.

[@sherrysimmons5553]

Tom would say straight up that Mike was one the best guitar players out there. I have heard him say that in more than one interview. TPHB'S have been part of my life since I was 12. They were and are some of the most talented bunch of musical players you will ever find. All of them. I don't know any band that has stood the test of time like them. 💘 forever!

[@TerryLivelyInk]

I've loved Mike Campbell for years and years. His videos he's put out during the pandemic have been so uplifting during hard times. Whenever I'm felling a little down, I go to his instagram and watch them. He's always so positive and upbeat. Thanks guys for doing this video on him.

[@carlosgravy7966]

OMG, Baxter! Thank you so much for airing your dirty laundry. Whole new appreciation for you and this channel.

[@markaochoa2017]

You guys are turning out really great content

[@guitarjonathan]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@dakotaslim]

Mike Campbell is just a brilliant and original musician. The Heartbreakers stuff is timeless. No guitar pyrotechnics (which I both actively loathe and find boring at the same time). Just great tone and melodic virtuosity that is always perfect for the song. I think the Harrison comparisons are apt. Or maybe he's the Ringo of guitar. Always the right note at the right time.

[@pauldhaasbroek]

The solo in "Room at the top of the world" is the most mind bending moment in recorded guitar history.

[@Eric_K_Sr]

Absolutely love Mike Campbell! I was fortunate enough to see TP and the Heartbreakers at the Glen Helen Pavillion in San Bernardino, CA in the summer of 2003. What an incredible show, one of the best concerts I got to experience. Mike put on a guitar clinic that evening, just perfect live tone!

[@nelsonw2096]

I always loved 6th Ave Heartbreak, and more specifically I loved that slide part. I had no idea that it was Mike Campbell. Probably shouldn't be surprised. Great episode fellas.

[@kristinepowell1712]

You're so right. George Harrison was always my favorite. It took me a while after his passing, to find anyone comparable. I had loved TP along the way, too, and I finally honed in on Mike Campbell. And found my next lead guitar player who was as fantastic as George. So glad when they both played on 'I Won't Back Down'.

[@JTHeidrick]

Mike Campbell is along the same lines of David Gilmore. Both are melodic, tone obsessed, and never waste notes when playing. Awesome guitar work. Mike I simply one of the most listenable guitarists in rock music!

[@glassslide]

Awesome video, great topic, interesting chat, as always. "Services the song" is the PERFECT description of Mike Campbell, always thought of Elliot Easton in the same way. Also loved how Mike himself describes his style as "Don't bore us just get to the chorus"

[@1968joseph1]

Wildflowers tour. Band walks off the stage. Campbell plays a 15 minute montage. Awesome! Have you noticed that his speaking voice is very similar to Petty's?

[@matthewcasey892]

Campbell’s vibrato 🙌

[@shawnmagee2640]

I was Mike in a Petty tribute out of Northern California for several years. I learned everything he ever recorded with Tom. Note for note. Having done that and performed them hundreds of times I would say there is an idea at the center of every piece of music that informs the melody and movement. Rarely obvious and immeasurably important. That is Mike. To quote Jim Gordon "he is a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a dark knight."

[@natashanyxx9486]

Another great video. I just love you guys. When I watch your videos, it makes my day better.

[@laj043]

Mike Campbell is a song guitarist. He picks the perfect parts and notes to give the song a special vibe. Same as Ringo as known as a song drummer.

[@jenniferlauri5512]

Guys...everything you said is so true about Mr. Mike C. I am one of those viewers of his Instagram videos and comment almost every time he brings out a different instrument and song. So glad to know there are other lovers of pure talent

[@gloriamarshall8296]

HUGE Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fan! Mike Cambell immensely talented guitarist. Benmont Tench as well. Still can't believe Tom Petty is no longer with us.

[@charlieebarb8695]

It’s Mike Mother effin’ Campbell!!!

[@guitarjonathan]

Yes!!!!!

[@Fugettaboutit]

Have always felt that Campbell was one of the most underrated rock n' roll guitarists in history. His guitar playing and musicality is like home cookin'.

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

In a word, Mike's guitar parts are memorable.

[@zolazingo]

Mike Campbell totally gets it ...his tone is unmistakable Mike. ( Princeton & Blues Jr.) caught a video once where he said how much he worked on this 'vibrato' technique ...said that's your signature, work on it every day ... I'm glad Mikes back & gigging with the Dirty Knobs ... keep on Rockin Mike & the DK's ❤

[@jeremiahallender1919]

Don’t know how I didn’t comment on this sooner,but you are right about mikeCampbell ,Jonathan !i was fortunate enough to see Them five or six times,they are flawless live.my whole family loves them,mike Campbell has more instantly recognizable riffs an licks than most rockstars wil ever own. To me the heartbreakers are the American Rolling Stones,(but cooler obviously.)in regards to hits…..just dropping hits,bangers!!but mikes guitar 🎸 makes it iconic 😎rock on Jonathan an you too bax!! Late response but better late than never 😜

[@medor6635]

Still don’t think there’s anyone who uses the wah better than Mike! The guy is a master of that classic rock tones.

[@guitarjonathan]

Definitely!!

[@johnhartlepool2349]

Huge respect The Eagles are the best ever. The thing about the genuis that is Mike Campbell is that he always plays what is right for the song other guitarists indulge in flashnes. Mike Campbell is so under rated. And he does great work for badly treated dogs.

[@bradleywargo4698]

I love it when you guys do this type of video. 🤘🏻🎸

[@CasinoGuitars]

Thanks a ton! We have a bunch of fun talking about these greats and are thrilled you enjoy them!

[@mitchmatthews6713]

You guys need to talk about Danny Gatton and The Hellecasters.

[@guitarjonathan]

Oh man, that's a great idea!!!

[@stevensiegel1426]

You guys are so spot on Mike and David Gilmour are the best in the pocket players out there. I use the same approach with tone and recording. Studied it like crazy. Check out our latest single Who’ll Take Me Home by Moe Green’s Eye. I lifted Mike’s tone and approach. Rythym tracks were all recorded live like the Heartbreakers.

[@jaykay6412]

He’s cool because he’s can make a 1 note solo be the best solo. He’s king of keeping it simple. He knows exactly what the song needs

[@nidgemills1617]

Great vid. 100% agree. Saw him with Fleetwood Mac in NZ, superb gig & he sounded incredible, subtle, not in your face but take his playing away & the song falls flat on its face.

[@stephenrich8808]

remember seeing Refuge debut on MTV (when they played music videos) ... and when the George Harrison guitars app was available, they had a series of KZbin videos of people holding/playing Harrison's guitars - revering them ... very cool guy, Mike Campbell, and great guitarist

[@guitarjonathan]

Awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@melissagerber7231]

I forget if I saw it on MTV or, on Merv Griffin, actually.

[@guitrr]

Campbell is the ultimate example of a musician who plays to the song, rather than to the ego.

[@SaintrioMike]

We did "I Need To Know" and "Breakdown" when it was current. I'm old. Mike's guitar parts were do-able and resonant. They fit the song. It was effective. I still do "American Girl". I use a Princeton and get my sound with boxes. I love players that serve the song.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

Mike Campbell is the classiest ragamuffin in music 👌

[@glenkepic3208]

Fan since BreakDown in '77. Saw Tom Petty and The HeartBreakers, for The Fillmore 'stand', like 5 nights, '96 or so. As much as i Loved the show, i also loved when TP walked off stage and the crew led by Mike did some instrumentals. Walk Don't Run, Apache,....more but a long time ago.

[@melissagreenellc2248]

Yes! Love that he was on Bringing Down the Horse. That's how I fell in love with Mike Campbell too :)

[@supersonicej]

Mike Campbell sent me here! Lol Great video! 👍👍

[@cptntwang]

I saw him in the late seventies on „Rockpalast“. German TV. The guys were the coolest band I ever saw.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Very cool share and experience!

[@Bo-hb3eo]

He’s so cool, you wouldn’t believe it. We went to see him in Chicago and by coincidence I stayed at the same hotel. We saw Lance and Jason in the lobby, and they couldn’t have been more cool. They were so awesome to us. Jason had a new guitar delivered and allowed us to be part of the process. He played it that night at the show, and it was awesome! It was unbelievable. Then when it came time for the show and Marcy and Mike and their dog came out of the elevator, I freaked out… But at the last minute I said, kill it, Mike and fist bumped him when he left. During the show that night, Jason saw me and hand delivered a pic to me which my wife promptly lost. Oh well, after we returned from the show, guess who was standing next to us at the elevator? Yes… Mike and Marcy. My wife had made a poster, saying love to Marcy… Which has been in his guitar case traveling with them for over two years. Hopefully… We get it back this year… Autographed. Steve hit me in the eye with a ball of tape in Indianapolis… yeah that was me! So he owes me!

[@Frettedchaos]

Great episode guys. Mike is such a tasty player.

[@glennpace9783]

Wow! I was never a Don Henley fan, but I always liked Boys of Summer....now I know why! Thanks....great episode!! And yes, I am a big Mike Campbell fan...subtle when he needs to be and always cool. ...also...is there a link to those Mike Campbell staircase videos?

[@watchshowandtell7138]

"musical guilty pleasures" idea for a video. This was very fun, thanks guys!

[@MatthewCookArt]

One of the most underrated guitar players. He is always right on the money with what to play and the use of effects and it is always about the song, not ego.

[@guitarjonathan]

Agreed!!

[@martymathews8163]

Kudos Mike Campbell, keep rocking brother!

[@soundcheck247]

Mike Campbell was on the solo albums as well

[@guitarjonathan]

He was. Sorry if we didn't make that clear. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@scotthawkins928]

Love the videos guys keep 'em coming, always thought Mike Campbell was a tone monster and great player, would love to hear your guys thoughts on Rich Robinson, I feel he's greatly under appreciated in the guitar world, go ahead talk amongst yourselves...

[@mcfontaine]

Running Down the Dream is such a fantastic film.

[@tidepoolbay]

I Love Animals and miss My Little Man Mookie!! Mike Campbell is a great Guitarist! Peace & Love!

[@jeffrutledge662]

Got into your channel month ago! You guys are so cool! Btw buying my first Tele (have Les Paul Custom, American Strat now need a Tele for the ultimate Tri-fecta! Lol).

[@guitarjonathan]

I don't know how cool we are, but thanks for watching! 😂 And congrats on the tele!

[@azcharlie2009]

Mike also plays acoustic on Johnny Cash's version of Hurt. There are 3 guitar players on the record, and Mike is one of them.

[@steveedward2600]

You guys did a good analisis of Mike Campbell.

[@mark78750]

You guys are having great conversations lately.

[@kenpower]

Im so glad this video exists

[@zeeb0w]

wow! this is the most excited i have ever seen dav..i mean jonathan. i think he loves mike more than i love ed sheeran, and that’s bizarre!

[@guitarjonathan]

😂😂😂 I love him quite a bit. 😉

[@david25876]

Mike is genuine. That’s why he is cool!

[@nancyhoffman4563]

Because he’s a Heartbreaker. 💙

[@mpactdesignmedia]

2:14 - 2:24 - you just described how I 'fell in cool' with Johnny Marr, only "that song" was How Soon is Now?. But, yeah - Mike Campbell drips with cool. BTW, Mike Campbell Producer as well! Check out "Way Out West" by Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. It's a gem with Campbell's stamp all over it.

[@kompst]

Mike Campbell and Dirty Knobs on tour soon. 👏

[@AlexA-fn2bg]

I fucking love tom petty and mike campbell.

[@mt5464]

I LOVE MIKE CAMPBELL 💘🎸💘

[@geetarman513]

I don’t know but he is, he and Tom both have that quality.

[@markbois1713]

Saw the Heartbreakers when the song Breakdown was just starting to take off. As a young guitar player Mike Campbell made a big impression on me. Yeah I'm old it must have been around 78 or 79 because I was still in high school.