Mike Campbell | Desert Island Guitars & The Dirty Knobs

[@ericguitarman2762]

My name is Eric ,I’m from society hill loan (645 south st Phila pa) I sold mike that 90’s firebird (autographed by Johnny winter) ..I have to say that mike is a long time hero of mine ..I couldn’t believe it when he came in to my shop..I was so thrilled ..when I saw he was using that guitar regularly I was just blown away …keep spreading the love mike! Your a national treasure ..one of the last Jedi!

[@sboy1955]

That’s pretty cool, I bet you were blown seeing him play one of your guitars with the Heartbreakers! Did you happen to get a photo with him for your shop?

[@ericguitarman2762]

@@sboy1955 yes check out societyhillloan on Instagram..there’s a pic

[@ericguitarman2762]

We’ve actually had many great musicians come into our shop : John Anderson,Robert plant and his band,Doyle bramhall Ii(sold him a guitar)Abe laborial jr,David hildago (sold him a guitar) Jason Schwartzman (sold him a guitar),mick Mars ,queensryche ,trey cool,Vince martell and so so many more

[@sboy1955]

@@ericguitarman2762 - I’ll check it out

[@sboy1955]

@@ericguitarman2762 - next time I head up that way, I’ll see if I can route your way 👍🏽

[@dirtylemon3379]

One of the greats. Not a wasted note. No showboating. No bloated ego. Just the real deal, Lucille.

[@KirksReport]

Word

[@alchemysticgoldmind4164]

Writer of Boys of Summer

[@markweaver8529]

I could listen to his stories all day.

[@LindaRoy]

I could listen to/watch him talk about his guitars all day. But let’s face it, with the amazing collection in his possession, it would be a week or more. And I’m here for it! 🎸

[@aragusea]

It’s just crazy how bright nearly any guitar sounds in his hands.

[@dakotaslim]

Can't believe Mike spent decades not singing. He sounds like Tom's brother. Eerie and wonderful.

[@BloodySoup74]

It's that Florida twang I guess

[@shivaumesh1129]

He sang lead on the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers song "I don't wanna fight" from Echo

[@hapax87]

@@shivaumesh1129 Correct, I was wondering if anyone would bring that up. I think he does a great job on that song. Maybe not the singer that Tom was , but not bad either.

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

I heard fairly recently that when Mike (I think) toured with Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks voice coach had heard Mike singing before and wanted to work with Mike. He was surprised by Mike's singing because Mike very rarely sang on tour as a Heart Breaker. After working out some stuff with the voice coach that Mike has become a helluva good singer. I do recall Mike singing a song in a TP and the HB's. I don't remember what tour they were doing.

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

@@shivaumesh1129 I was a moment ago trying to remember the title of that song ..thanks

[@KM-302]

Mike has written as many iconic riffs as anyone in history and his voice complimented Tom's perfectly. What a legend.

[@liveforeverluckymanej-200]

Tom, didn't die. His spirit lives on through, Mike.

[@jtyler780]

Not fair. Mike is a musician on his own. Let him be his own person

[@djross2043]

Your right!

[@randalclarke5487]

@@jtyler780 I think you misunderstood his comment...come on, you've got to admit the guy eerily sounds and even looks like Tom

[@flouisbailey]

He harmonized with Tom for a lot of years a part of the Heartbreakers Sound, his guitar playing is top notch and will always be. A personal guitar Hero.

[@PrestonHazard]

@@randalclarke5487Yeah there was a moment there where he kinda sounded like tom and looked like him and I forgot it was mike. But his music is his own, and I have to say. The Dirty Knobs rock. Not in a “wow, it’s like the Heartbreakers are still a band” sort of way, but in a “hey, these guys are awesome, I dig their rock” sort of way. I’ve actually been listening to them a bit more than Heartbreaker stuff lately. It fits the mood more idk why

[@stephenlennartz3466]

You can feel the love. Truly... he really appreciates the beauty of his guitars. Contagious enthusiasm. 😎🎸👍

[@bluesmaniac580]

One of the finest Guitarists, who gives the song exactly what it needs! Master Mike Campbell! 🎸

[@johnhassall1782]

I'll add to that statement if I may "and nothing more". He's a fantastic guitarist! 👍

[@rodrigobortoloti2830]

This guy is a sensational guitarist, he drank from the pure fountain, Clapton, Page, Beck, Green. It does a wonderful job. Excellent composer and singer. In short: living rock legend! Greetings from Brazil.

[@hapax87]

That's a very astute observation my friend. I think he may have a bit of Chuck Berry in him also.

[@rodrigobortoloti2830]

Well remembered!

[@AP-ui7oi]

One of the best rock guitar players of all time.

[@afmartin2734]

Wildly underrated

[@gedmason6387]

Is hard to find the words to say how much i love Mike Campbell ❤

[@michaelpekala1494]

I got chills when Mike was singing Irish girl. You can feel the spirit of Tom channeled through him. Just beautiful.

[@TylerJamesPryor]

They have fairly similar voices

[@williamroark]

@@TylerJamesPryor I kept looking up to see who was “speaking”

[@michele21auntiem]

I said something very similar on Irish Girl when he released it.

[@williamgamble547]

Everyone from Gainesville sings like that. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bobsmoot8454]

Mike is a very tasteful and articulate player, never over plays the song, he makes the “just right” accents within the framework of the song. Listen to American Girl or Stop Dragging My Heart Around, just killer licks. Thankfully he’s still making music for all of us to enjoy, thanks Mike

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

I'm pretty sure that is the common census on Mike's playing. I don't think I've ever heard or read a comment about how Mike overplays or shows up a song. Thanks for clarifying. I almost for one moment thought Mike played way too many notes.

[@JeffBostick222]

Probably comes from having played so many live gigs in Mudcrutch and early Heartbreakers. Playing dives requires a tight band with just the right fills.

[@LindaRoy]

Mike Campbell’s the real deal. Easily my favorite guitar player. Every note counts. He serves the song and his leads are legendary. A huge inspiration/influence on me musically.

[@mikecampbell1918]

I want to specially appreciate you for being a big fan. Thanks for your nice. Comment on my post, it means alot to me . I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email that will be indicated below. Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't respond unnecessary messages. Hangouts mail: [e-mail]

[@tMatt5M]

MOJO is an amazing rock album. One of the best.

[@sixpenske1940]

One of the greatest to ever do it!! Legendary .

[@donnyhud]

we love you mike!! i was lucky enough to see you and tom 22 times!! your my favorite guitar player!!!

[@Salamander1775]

Mike is just as much of a treasure as Tom was.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Wouldn’t be one without the other….when Tom and the guys drove across country to L.A. and initially got rejected, he made Mike swear he’d never leave him…best American rock band the worlds ever known

[@Marc-js8rx]

The hook-ish sounds Mike Campbell consistently creates - using open chords married with specific guitars -- is nothing short of a gift from God. Yet it is we are the beneficiaries. I can listen to him for hours. Missing Tom so often, but hearing Mike sing is the perfect TP "salve".

[@gordonsmith33]

If any one deserves to have a broadcaster and a '59 it's Mike. Thanks Mike for your music!

[@Gabber4643]

Great to see ya Mike. Is it me or you sound a lot like Tom? Incredible. God bless you.

[@TWTexasA1]

What can I say that hasn’t been said, the man is incredible. His loyalty to Tom Petty for all those years I mean come on how many musicians can say that. Now some people might say he stood behind Tom as his guitar player …I say he stood next to Tom and made him sound that much better. I’ve just always thought Mike was a terrific guitar player with great backing vocals . And now he gets to shine with his own band with some great songs of his own…👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@benyoung4305]

This guy, that band, my heroes. God bless you all.

[@bluesky2680]

You’re right Mike. A world without music would be sad. Thank you for sharing your art.

[@jaykay6387]

What a great musician this guy is. Always loved his playing, and hopefully he brings the Dirty Knobs to the east coast so I can go see 'em live! I don't want to say he's an "underrated" guitarist because it's cliche and I think everybody knows by now that he's one of the best to ever do it.

[@johnb7889]

My wife and I saw Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Houston multiple times over the years and always enjoyed the shows but, my favorite part was always when Tom would let Mike off of his leash for a few minutes to do whatever he was feeling. Good times, great tones, and just the right notes.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done Mike! Thanks So much for All You Share and Care! Be Well All!

[@gnawbabygnaw]

I needed a spine surgery and was in my first appt with a top neurosurgeon. He asked me what I like to do. I told him I like to play the guitar and have been for 40 years. He smiled, pointed to his brain and said,”there is nothing better for the mind. You’re physically doing something that has to happen with a rhythm and have to anticipate changing your hands to something else at an exact time within the rhythm…” and all the other stuff that comes with playing. He spoke for a good five minutes about it. He was Right!

[@johnhassall1782]

Mike Campbell is probably my favourite guitarist! Love the way he plays!

[@BonnieGoldstein-v1v]

Mike is simply remarkable ❤ I have been a huge fan since my first heartbreakers concert in the 90s. What a gem and phenomenal talent 🎉 Thank you Mike for your amazing gift ! Love you loads ❤❤

[@mickrinaldiofficial979]

Everything he plays is perfect. ..and the tone and feel is sublime! 1 of the greatest ever

[@danielcombs3207]

He’s such a great underrated musician and a great person as well. Friends of mine met Tom and the Heartbreakers before a show in 1978 or 79 and they told me that Mike was a really nice unassuming guy. One of my friends complimented him and told him that his playing reminded him of Keith Richards. And he thanked him and said he wish he was as good as Keith. That sort of tells you what kind of person he is. No big rock star ego just a really nice unassuming guy

[@d.reeves9263]

"Desert Island Guitars" would be a great name for a guitar company

[@oscarfernandezjr.8530]

Mike's a legend.

[@poolhouseproduction9607]

Thanks for everything all these years Mike.

[@johnjames1813]

Mike Campbell is a national treasure

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

Let me be the first person to point these two things out. Mike's voice sounds like Tom Petty's voice. And, if you were unaware, Mike gives the song exactly what it needs. Every note counts. Never a wasted note. He serves the song and isn't afraid not to play a note. I am letting you all know these things because it's been a very very very well kept secret but finally this secret must be shared with the world. I hope I didn't shatter anyone else's beliefs on Mike's voice or playing.

[@michaelthornburg2491]

Mike is a legend who supported Tom and was 50 percent of their success. He proved that less was more with his signature riffs and solos. Never flashy or arrogant.

[@jazzsounds8159]

Like how he sums up the Heartbreakers, hope and redemption. Beautiful Mike.

[@theruley]

He has been my #1 favourite guitar player for about as long as i have been playing guitar. Truly one of the all time greats.

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Love this guy! Had the privilege of seeing TP & the HB's on their last two tours. Tom & Mike's voices are almost identical, Mike talks just a bit faster. If you play this at .75 speed....it's damn near Tom's voice. Wild!

[@ericstewart9742]

Wow that is trippy! If I heard it on the radio I would think it was Tom talking.

[@martind.jr.1973]

Grear musicians, great stories and priceless memories. Thanks Mike, I bet Tom is proud on you,

[@edouglaspratt]

In Richmond, Virginia, 1977 and '78, I lived and worked in The Fan district. The bohemian and upper class artsy part of the city. I used to see handmade flyers posted on telephone poles, every few weeks, advertising "Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers". I thought that was the coolest name for a band; they were playing at venues for 30 to 60 people I'd guess but never did get out to see them. What a missed opportunity...two years worth! I became quite an admirer of the Heartbreakers' persistence and their art. Mike Campbell obviously listens carefully to his bandmates as he plays, because he never overplays or outdoes them. He finds the opportunities to enhance the "context" so to speak. This video is the first time I've heard him speaking. He comes across as humble, passionate, knowledgeable and articulate in a down-to-earth way. This vid makes me imagine he and I could talk for hours. I wish you "pura vida", Mike. -Doug Pratt, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

[@mt5464]

Thank you for the posting - I love Mike - my favorite guitar player💘🎸💘

[@dandymcgee]

The Broadcaster sounds and looks absolutely insaneeee. 😍

[@byebyebeano8616]

Thank you for that! Mike is the man.

[@defaultusername5929]

Remember hanging an amp from the ceiling and spinning it around for the Leslie effect ? A true Mike Campbell innovation ! And truly dangerous !

[@NCokkie]

Brilliant player with excellent taste. Always the perfect playing for each song.

[@petulantfrenzy5532]

Mike your music has always made me happy. Thank you. And Rock On.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Mike Campbell is an absolute six string king 🎸

[@davetube2ful]

So true about music, i was driving in 1972 on weber rd. and Maggie May came on the radio tell this day when i here that song it takes me there, i can even smell it.

[@harveycan5820]

Nadine's music store in Hollywood on Santa Monica Blvd near Vine Street. Big blue sign with distinctive script lettering. Kind of tucked in-between a couple other buildings, you parked around back and that was where the entrance was. Cozy shop filled with great gear and friendly folks. Fair, working musician prices. Been gone a long time, still missed!

[@shippenman5977]

If a guitar inspires one great song, it's paid itself off. ...love it

[@johnnyx9892]

The Princeton reverb is my favorite amp of all time.

[@JeffBostick222]

4 guys playing live and making it real; medicine for an overproduced world.

[@charlie-obrien]

It's overdue. Music since the advent of Pro tools and such has all sounded remarkably the same. Dull.

[@JeffBostick222]

@@charlie-obrien well, I'm one of those producers and writers who uses a lot of those tools and I've heard really good stuff and bad stuff too. Made some myself.

[@charlie-obrien]

@@JeffBostick222 It's not that it can't be good, of course it has advantages. But, the overall effect across the industry is that it has homogenized the sound of each genre, so that a lot of music is indistinguishable from the majority. I don't know if you ever record country, but look at what it has done to those artists. Same goes for Hip Hop and down the line. That's why to our oversaturated ears, Mike with his 4 man group playing and sing with real talent and passion sounds so good right now.

[@-Atmos1]

Glued to the screen , just brilliant .

[@BateraLab]

I love Mike, great upload, thank you! 👍🏻🎸🍊

[@Laura-zw2kn]

Love the album! One of my favorites ever! It makes me happy!💕

[@huskvarsm]

Mike is a great human being with NO EGO I love the guy.

[@АлександрАксёнов-ж1х]

Great songwriter and guitarist!

[@ralex3697]

He is amazing

[@mattymize]

Absolutely love this man. Living legend.

[@sesa1076]

I miss Tom so much.

[@Keepmelevel]

Mike is my hero… everything that pops up with him i watch it! Mike your a cool dude! 😎

[@alexwillis954]

Same… I could watch and listen to him all day. I love how he doesn’t try to be flashy he just tries to be him

[@Keepmelevel]

@@alexwillis954 Yes, these kids on TikTok today try to play as fast as possible… Give me an A cord that cracks the ribs or a cool melody line.

[@jerryvahnknight218]

Amazing! Love Mike’s playing! When I was stationed overseas and The Heartbreakers would come on the radio, for a couple minutes; I felt like I was home.

[@codywhite96]

Great Interview with one of the greatest musicians of today and the last 50 years! Very humble and down to earth and one of my top guitar heroes and influences. My last three or four guitars that I've purchased are because of Mike. Would've loved to hear about Mike's Goldtop in this interview but the Broadcaster is just as good and the '59 sounded out of this world! The red Firebird VII that Mike mentioned was a beautiful guitar!

[@charleneklimekbaer6072]

Hi Mike, here's a short story for you. Flying from Georgia to Arcadia Ca. Knobs were playing at blues club. End of last set, you put the guitar in its stand and you left the stage in a hurry. But this guitar had a little life left so it jumped from the stand. As it was falling ,I reached out and caught it before it hit the floor. No broken neck this time. The concert was great. You even signed a couple of photos for me. Thanks for that as well. Love the music. Thanks for the covid songs. Your wife did a great job filming. Stay safe. Charlene Savannah Georgia

[@greenl2472]

This Man has changed my life and many others. Thanks Mike

[@ernststavroblofeld2109]

Mike is the true heir of rock royalty.

[@dougpotosky4102]

One of the best interviews I have ever heard from a great guitar player.Class act! Hey Mike! I was the photograher who took the rain photo from Austin City Limits Festival. Sunday night. Good thing you made it off the stage. In that wild thunder lighting storm! Ps. I have another great photo from that show. No rain. But I bet you will really like it!

[@frankdulks4941]

It is so great to hear you. I really like Keith and Ronnie. You are the greatest Guitarman in Rock'n Roll. All the best from Bavaria

[@johncrow2457]

great guitarist and all round great guy. you always need another guitar, there are songs in them, its amazing. he always gives you a story and the background, superb. just in case anyone wondered or is interested, the 12 string he is playing is a Martin D12-20. wonderful bright 12 string with the 12th fret neck join. I have one that was made in 1968.

[@edigabrieli7864]

Mike is an American treasure.

[@davidsobel3303]

I'd love to hear him play one of his Rickenbackers. Such a signature of Tom's sound.

[@zraybroske2416]

One of my favorite melodic players of all time.

[@Pwd-advocate]

Campbell is really an extention of Tom and he is very together Psychologically! Refreshing another Survivor.

[@Stratboy999]

If you are a young new player or an old seasoned Pro you can do a lot worse than to pay close attention to Mike Cambell. This guy is very capable but posesses the greatest gifts of great taste and always serving the songs.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

His voice sounds oddly similar to Tom's.

[@gabrielm.4554]

thats how influence works

[@joeywho534]

It’s not odd. They’re twins.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

@@joeywho534 uhhhhhh.....no they're not. Unless you mean figuratively.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

@@gabrielm.4554 its more likely because they are both from Jacksonville FL.

[@ChrisPuckett]

Brothers

[@joeywho534]

The sound of that 12 string is JAW DROPPING.

[@ApeLikeCreature]

Mike is awesome, what a wonderful musician. And he is so right...I love to write instrumental music and each guitar I build or purchase inspires different music and playing.

[@82lube]

Thanks MIKE. Love some of the Behind the Scenes Tales... You The MAN

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Top 10 guitarist all time

[@phoenixren9642]

my favorite guitar player, and a huge inspiration to me as a musician starting out

[@Waterbasedwill]

Damn, that ‘59’s clean!

[@hapax87]

Isn't Neil Young's Black Beauty ( or whatever he named it ) also a '59 that has been painted and had the neck pickup changed to a mini-humbucker out of a Firebird ?

[@Waterbasedwill]

@@hapax87 I actually think it’s a 53 goldtop, I may be mistaken, but the story’s equally as cool either way

[@michaelgreen5206]

Love your guitar playing and guitars, Mike. Rock-on, my brother.

[@josephalston3214]

Yeeeaaahhh Mike!!! So glad your putting out the new music! Keep it coming and keep a steady pace for our ears out here listening! Your a leader we desperately need as American artists ❤️

[@GuitarHouseLima]

What a legend.

[@altonwilliams7117]

A great way of describing the power of music. 🎵

[@rva11]

Wonderful guy. I miss the magic he and Tom made

[@Rushscored4]

Love Mike Campbell. Fuckin Genius. To say he is a fantastic guitar player is an understatement. Love ya Mike 🔥

[@jimiprice6182]

Mike has a great ear for the riffs that sound fantastic, great guitar player

[@briane.paulson]

As a self taught multi instrumentalist with 42 albums on my own label, your insights on music mirrors my own. Thanks for your wisdom.✌️

[@benwhiting1712]

one of my favourite rock soloists - so melodic

[@musikvonandreas]

"Tom was using a stratocaster so i needed something good" 🤣🤣 What a legend

[@johnfrederick6164]

Love mike music makes the world go round

[@gustavoheberle6265]

God Bless you, Mike !

[@pauldavies5030]

To paraphrase Tom Petty "Mike is the most underrated guitarist of all time." He's amazing and there never would have been Heartbreakers without him. Don't forget about his work with the Wilburys too. Great! Great! Great!

[@joefox9765]

Just so much like Bob Dylan. But an amazing guitarist. Thank you so much Mike

[@MrCgregd]

"Good enough" was easy to tell there was a LP in the solos. Love that tone!!!!!

[@tompelham4648]

The Heartbreakers" truly the backbone of Tom Petty's cause. Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench at the helm......hats off Mike