Mike Campbell on the Heartbreakers “The Waiting” Solo & Its Electric Spontaneity | Shred with Shifty

[@brettliebermanmusic]

This series, by far, is the best guitar content on KZbin in a long long time.

[@premierguitar]

🙏

[@TooMuchBike]

Holy crap I love Mike Campbell. Such a subtle genius. Like Lukather, he's so modest about his work.

[@tefenstrat]

Its such a treat to listen to Mike tell stories about the old days, I could sit and listen as long as Mike was willing to keep talking...lol. Mike mentioned twice how much he loved George Harrison's guitar playing. I wish I could have got a chance to ask Mike if he ever got a chance to play or jam with the Traveling Wilbury's? I bet he would have loved that. Mike is one of those rare individuals who can make little mistake's while playing guitar ( like during this interview) but when the pressure is on ( like during the Superbowl performance) makes NO mistakes. The Beatles final concert on the Apple rooftop is another perfect example of this, watch the 3 part documentation called Get Back.

[@ricdale7813]

Mike never was a flashy "its about me" guitarist. He wrote and played the perfect parts making perfect songs. Excellent tone,superb playing and all very tastefully done.

[@MrDevins]

Mike IS an American treasure.

[@caleshtcincredibles]

He most certainly is ! Well said !

[@Dreyno]

He’s a world treasure.

[@sammmy4495]

Thank you

[@oldrrocr]

to hear the phrase" That's it! you're hired!" from Mike has got to be the highest compliment.

[@s2seltaeb]

Thanks Chris and Mike! Chris, please have Mike on 100 more times so we can get more Heartbreakers songs on here 😇 Another great one would be Elliot Easton... maybe for "Bye Bye Love!" (There's other videos of him doing other Cars' songs).

[@s2seltaeb]

@premierguitar The one to have Mike Campbell come back for, in an encore presentation, is "Love Is A Long Road." That song was just chosen as the theme song for the Grand Theft Auto 6 video game. It will be a bigger and bigger song over the next few years, and would be a huge hit with multiple age ranges if MC came back and did a video of it with Chris. 🙏

[@GS-uy4xo]

I love how he see’s music as sort of a spirit that comes to you and if you’re lucky you can grab what it’s giving you, and then it’s gone for a while. He certainly takes advantage of those times - great stuff!

[@nicstunes]

What a gracious, brilliant, humble musician. TP's co-pilot but a great captain in his own right.

[@KSmith_007]

CRIMINALLY underrated guitar player. Both of these men are.

[@revwillyg6450]

There's the "criminally underrated" comment! 😂 I'm just messing, don't hate

[@robertmulligan9073]

I like to say that Mike Campbell taught me guitar. All his tunes are a lesson in great song writing and playing the notes that suits the song just right. His contributions to rock and roll are immense!!

[@brittons.wiedmeier7861]

I read an article once that said something to the effect of "Mike Campbell has never played a wasted note". I think that sums it up. He serves the song and not himself. He is, was, and always will be my musical hero. I've seen the Dirty Knobs three times now, and will go any time he comes remotely close. See him while you can. Thanks Mike and Chris.

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

I always thought Campbell played leads like George Harrison- short, concise, to the point and melodic. Was great to hear Mike say he likes George's solos! And maybe that's why Petty liked playing with Harrison- short, melodic solos? And a great guy, too. Thanks Mike! Loved seeing Mudcrutch back in the day at University Auditorium!!!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Going back and watching live videos of Tom Petty and Heartbreakers from the late 70s and 80s , great band , very tight and Mike's playing so tasteful that just weaves itself around the song and your heart ❤️. Just can't get enough !

[@herrroy4963]

This is kind of mindblowing. Sitting here on youtube and we get to learn exactly how maestro Mike played on that iconic song. From Mike himself. I'm pretty grateful for that opportunity . So cool. I'm like 20yrs younger than Mike, but I learned to play guitar the same way he did, by listening careful to the solos and tried to figure out by ear how to play. I also used live music videos sometimes to see where they put their fingers 🤣 Man that was a long time ago! Thanks for an awesome video!

[@mikeatl4953]

Agreed, he is just one of the best players on top of incredible creativity and musicality. How miraculous he and TP got together and clicked, exponentially increasing their individual genius. .

[@iansnyder274]

Mike is so great. That video and solo catapulted my guitar playing journey starting in '82. What a treasure he is. We love and appreciate you Mike! Thank you for this interview😊

[@joem6859]

Note for note, he's the best, no extra stuff, no wanking, just beautiful stuff. Even some of the newer Petty stuff like 'Good Enough' really shows ALL of his abilities, his genius and his tone. what tone....

[@jefflundberg8068]

Mike and Elliott Easton - both have a knack for beautiful solos that added to the song, never overdone.

[@brianwood7237]

Back in 1983 my guitar teacher decided I needed to learn how to play this solo... so much to unpack, such as; melodic Tasty Licks combined with unison bends, great tone and dynamics Great example of Mike's lead guitar genius

[@jaycareaga9929]

Mike is one of my favorite guitar players ever.

[@patwest8304]

Whenever I see a new episode of "Shred with Shifty" has come out I think, "Damn, this is the best day EVER!" Thank you SOOO much, Chris! We love you!

[@ia5662]

He and Tom were like peanut butter and jelly - I have grown up soaking in all that Mike Campbell's tones and guitar parts had to offer and keep uncovering more as I get older. What a consummate professional and all-time creator. His work in the Heartbreakers should go into the Library of Congress! Every song had that added sugar or frosting thanks to Mike Campbell and he often provided the meat too. My favorite albums are definitely Into The Great Wide Open and Wildflowers back to back - he has so many great guitar moments in both, with electric AND acoustic. I love his acoustic playing too - he's a wizard to us mere mortals much like Steve Howe.

[@djavidianmx1832]

A master of understatement. Never a wasted note, never a note too many

[@bldallas]

Great video, Chris! Mike Campbell may be my favorite guest so far; and a great pick for the song/solo to focused on. He is such an awesome player and was a massive part of all those killer hit songs. Mike and Tom were a powerhouse together and I can’t imagine those tunes without all his contributions. Heck they even sound similar, when they’re just talking. Thanks for all that you do Chris; I’m definitely a big fan.

[@buccos2004]

Mike and Tom....two of the all time great contributors to American music. So thankful that I happened to live at the same time as Tom Petty and Mike Campbell and the Hearbreakers.

[@BloodySoup74]

When i think of the perfect part to the solo or perfect phrasing to a solo I think of Mike Campbell and Elliot Easton. Automatically!

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

And George Harrison?

[@BloodySoup74]

@@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia I guess what I'm talking about was in a time where fast shredders were the new exciting thing. Back in the 60s there was not too many people can play superfast so most of the sound was on the money without getting overboard.

[@darenanderson1960]

What a gentleman. I like him a lot. I wish I could play the way he does-perfect part, perfect tone-always serving the song. I realize I play far too much of the “check out this cool guitar stuff I can do”.

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

Today, everybody, and the internet, obsess over gear. Mike just plays...

[@cecilmusick8629]

Love Mikes playing, he's a great example of serving the songs perfectly and not his ego!

[@JamesVandevanter]

You can fret behind the slide as well. But you guys know. Thank you Chris and Mike for your music, style..........etc.

[@mikeprince6045]

Mike is the best.. love his personality i could hang with him no problem….love seing guys that are masters and dont wear it on their sleeve … thats the true definition of a cool human being not to mention he was part and founder of a band that truely had a unique trend setting vibe….. he and tom set the bar in rock and roll… what a great soul.. love you Mike and best of luck with the Knobs… you and Tom ate without a doubt American icons… may you live forever brother

[@dmn23]

Follow the melody, add some Chuck Berry, be tasteful with your vibrato, and don't over-complicate it. These are life lessons.

[@TheBoomtown4]

He would arpeggio over the learning to fly strumming into and that little thing is the single best sound I’ve heard guitars produce. Listen to the first 4 barres, it’s supernatural.

[@jimlutz8092]

I am so glad I watched the entire interview. Mike is so easy to hang with, and so NOT a big time celebrity personality. I just want to hang and play guitar with him. I could do that for hours. I've learned so much from his playing over the years, even if I haven't been doing the solo parts for songs like "The Waiting" exactly as Mike shows here.

[@jasonperl8619]

I absolutely love these shifty video's. Mike is such an awesome dude!

[@alterfloyd1]

That vibrato nuance conversation was very helpful, thanks Mike and Chris

[@hippydippy]

"Drone Sounds"... Always make me think of Jimi Hendrix's - "Castles made of Sand". The intro & out's. I'll never forget hearing those sounds in 1968 at 13. Love them.

[@philipmarsh3522]

I think the hardest part of learning any Mike Campbell song is realizing that everything is simple, except the part where playing it ‘perfectly’ gets you about 10% of the way there. Then you have to figure out how to actually work out his vibrato, the tiny phrasing nuances, the dynamics. I’ve never really gotten all the way there … I guess you just have to be Mike to do it right. A good friend of mine, who is also friends with Mike, told me some time back that it’s nearly impossible to get it right, because Mike is the best guitarist on the planet and it isn’t anything to do with technical ability. Hearing that from someone who is the best guitarist that I know in real life is eye opening.

[@tommyraper3895]

Thanks for this, Chris! Mike Campbell is one of my all-time favorites. I can't get enough of listening to him and how things were developed!

[@mikeprince6045]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jpm1897]

These interviews do a great job of humanizing great artists. Simply said, MC songs are fun to play. It’s funny how I hear his influence in the Congregation solo. ✌️

[@sixgunrj]

Great interview! I did't know Mike was influenced by Chuck Berry. I was too. I use Chuck Berry licks every chance I get when soloing. Thank you so much Chris for bringing the great Mike Campbell on your show! What a nice guy he is!

[@BillBensen]

I love that Pete got his question on this one! I loved playing with him in Signicci and when he sat in with the Redheads. Love to you, Chris!

[@bengooch4306]

This is amazing. Thank you so, so much for this series! Please keep it up, it is so good.

[@macdad159]

Happy Birthday Mike Campbell!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Mike made a good point. If you over think your playing it will sound stiff. Notice how none of his solos are complex but instead they compliment the song. For instance, this solo he played what Tom was singing when he got stuck. Just play those notes. Most would be doing speed runs, etc. Well done, you don't need all that for a hit song.

[@briannacery9939]

Shifty, that yellow black guard Tele is meant for you. You sound so good on it! Mike Campbell is fantastic!

[@tjames6427]

I'm the same way when it comes to learning songs! I just hear it and find the notes using my ear. It's the best way to learn! Throw on a backing track and just expand the pentatonic into something else. Mike is a legend and an inspiration!

[@bldallas]

Had to watch this one again, Chris. I’m a huge fan of both of you. I also just paused the beginning to go watch their original video. Haven’t seen it in decades, but I love it! Very straight forward. And Mike, you look cool as hell in that thing. Y’all just look young. Of course U was in college back then, so we all did. This had to be early in the MTV days before videos had to have weird and totally nonsensical content, like a horse walking thru the set or a wizard in the corner. Anyhow, back to the Epi. Really great story to a really great lead. Thanks again, Chris and Mike. Great job to you both.

[@therockerfoo2339]

Thank you Chris and Mike! Great interview. Always enjoy Mikes humbleness and tips.

[@toastoftowne1076]

In my mind Mike is the absolute coolest.

[@DDubGuitar]

I always LOVED that lick at 26:55. It's the perfect punctuation. When I figured it out, I was amazed at how simple AND effective it was.

[@waynefrance4545]

Great interaction! It almost felt like you guys were buddies just hanging out. Was also nice hearing Tom referenced here and there. Awesome interview. Well done!!

[@MrSumfeen]

What a fantastic series of interviews. Thank you Shifty from all us guitar geeks!

[@LicksoftheLegend]

Easily my favorite one so far. Mike is cool as can be and Chris asks the perfect questions.

[@saffel]

Rad- I just read Mike Campbell- and clicked! Even better when I realized it’ was the latest episode of Shred with Shifty’ Siiiiiick

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I want to be like Mike when I grow up. If being cool were a person it’s Mike.

[@user-ql1pc7pi9x]

That's my favorite Heartbreakers track. Heard it on the radio today here in Auckland, NZ, on the way to an American car show in my Dad's '66 Vette.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

As always these interviews are amazing! Both of you are amazing too!!🎸🎸✌🏻✌🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Bilbie55]

Never thought about Bloomfield as being an inspiration for Campbell but it makes plenty of sense

[@TheChef470]

My Gosh I just found your show. You are a fantastic host and Mike is most certainly an American treasure. Thoroughly enjoyed this show . ❤

[@arthurguitar]

One on my all time favourites (along with Albert Lee). Definitely one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. Hasn’t wasted a single note.

[@1rwjwith]

Fantastic episode..this is my favorite PETTY /Heartbreakers song. So melodic, modal and beautiful on the solo and fills.

[@peterolson5232]

Brilliant video - big thanks to both

[@kevinmackfurniture]

"You Got Lucky" and the solo riffs off that song, play in my head whenever, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are brought up.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

You actually played my favourite lick in your sign-off Chris, that is just my absolute fave. It's function within the song is absolute gold!

[@gracekopesky7762]

Enjoying this interview. Mike is one of the greatest. Thank you

[@imanalien2222]

Just wached the video and Mike plays/fakes the solo the exact same way as he showed here. What a legend!

[@shippenman5977]

Saw Mike and the Dirty knobs and Chris with foo fighters in 2023. Great freakin shows.

[@ballenstorms]

The perfect interview! Thank you.

[@scottbangoarce4836]

The only time I ever saw TP&TH and the only time I ever saw Bob Dylan was on the same night, on the same stage, at Pine Knob in Clarkston, Michigan. You just don't forget something like that.

[@Michael777Simmons]

Mike is the man.

[@peterkerr9822]

Love Shiftys vids👍Should be a good one 😊❤️🎸

[@cptntwang]

That’s a masterclass. Thank you so much.

[@lets_rock_it]

I was starting to think you had left us iam glad you didnt. 🤘 this is becoming my favourite podcast ❤

[@dr.buzzvonjellar8862]

Thank you so much Mike! From my heart, thank you for the music and the perfect parts.

[@greghenricks8516]

Awesome awesome interview. Thank you!

[@coolspring8749]

Th his is a fantastic video! He’s buddies with John McFee their vids are hysterical. Exceptional guitar player.

[@djavidianmx1832]

29:03!!!! Yes! So glad he went there. I always joke theres a turkey gobbling there😂😂 Love that part.

[@TheUlesifah82]

It’s crazy how much Mike and Tom sound alike when they talk… I suppose 50 years of being together will do that but Keith and Mick sure don’t sound alike …. lol … love ya Mike Campbell, thank you for all the years of amazing music and just being the definition of cool

[@davidwright9550]

Two of my favorite fellow picking dudes in one video! Now how cool is that???

[@bareandmare]

Great interview!! Thanks Shifty!

[@shreddyvedder]

Great interview Shifty🎸👍

[@Ycjedi]

Please never stop doing these 😅

[@metaphoria3]

Dude looks great still awesome interview! \m/

[@JasminBellavance_Music]

What a great guitar mind!

[@jimmy5634]

For many of us who play, this is all so familiar and relatable.

[@stevenhill1287]

Awesome interview! 😎👍

[@finaljesus]

the album hard promises has always been my favorite love tom petty and the heartbreakers and love mike

[@Sonicblue1922]

great episode! Thank you Chris!

[@timmytVA]

I FKin love Mike Campbell. And now I know that he went to see Rancid, maybe my favorite punk bad. Now I love him more.

[@megale_music]

Mike is so so good.

[@monmixer]

Love the Heartbreakers. A perfect example of how simplicity is so much better than beating your brains out trying to be a shredder. IMO putting all that time into playing fast is missing the boat unless you learned how to play well first. I learned a lot of songs from that first album they put out. Along with Skykyrds first few albums. BOC live. Hot Rails To Hell is great jam song you can cut your teeth on for a backing track.

[@revwillyg6450]

I love that video! It's like, we can afford a white room, 3 cans of paint, and colored string. Work with it!

[@zenmaestro04]

Listen up kids. When Mike Campbell talks guitar, you listen!

[@hiddenriveroutdoors3844]

Mike is a walking God!

[@stevenblakeakahashburns]

Got my Glasgow ticket ages ago….canny wait

[@13setzer]

MIKE CAMPBELL FOREVER

[@jamesjordan4586]

Thanks that was great fun.

[@AP-ui7oi]

Mike is the man!

[@imanalien2222]

Mike Campbell: Johnny on the spot.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Absolutely love Shifty!