Mike Campbell is a class act. Back when I was first married and working in LA, I got tickets to see Mudcrutch at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. At the last minute that day, my then-manager came to me and told me I couldn't leave early for the concert; if I did, I would be fired. I turned around, told him to fuck off, and quit - I never regretted it. I had the immeasurable pleasure of seeing their final show at the Hollywood Bowl in Sept 2017; I was listening to this song in my office when one of my employees came in to tell me he had passed... I still get a tear in my eye when I remember him and the HB's RIP Tom & Howie
I remember Mudcrutch . Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to me will always be that 70s band that lived up the road. Tom Petty was one if not the one of the greatest lyricist of our time. Mr. Campbell is also a great song writer. Just ask Don Henley.
Three years later and, of all the Sirius XM choices I have during my drives, I still find myself tuning primarily into Tom Petty Radio. It just lifts my heart.
I know Steve Ferrone and asked him a few years ago, sorry about your boss passing and he told me being a Heartbreaker was a brotherhood and honor and TP was the best guy ever.He trembled when he told me that..RIP Tom and Howie..TP and HB's forever!
No other guitar player ever complemented a lead singer better than Mike Campbell did Tom Petty. To their credit, they never became a nostalgia act -- always writing and performing new material at a rate that was very rare in modern rock and roll. Add to that the fact that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were the best cover band in the business, almost always delivering the definitive live version of the classic songs they loved.
Mike is a terrific guitarist, always the perfect accompaniment to Petty who did rhythm and lead as well as vocals. Mudcrutch also was their gig of course, same symmetry. Tom was so spectacular and together they just kept coming up with new material that crushed it. Sorry to lose, Tom. Glad Mike is still in music.
Always been a tom petty fan. Before he died I watched the running down a dream documentary and I was completely blown away. I really didnt realize how many hits he really had. Amazing.
It breaks my heart that Tom Petty is gone. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made a sound that will never be repeated. To all the musicians that have passed away, the leader of the band has arrived.
Excellent comment I couldn't of said it better I was 60 years in 2017 n I never appreciated Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers til after I noticed he sang many song I sing to so many times I just ordered two poster on Amazon I want to or am gonna frame myself in his memory on my walls
Mike Campbell: An incredibly underrated and important part of the success of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, taking nothing away from Petty at all. They made a great team.
95,000 Florida Gators football fans singing along to "I Won't Back Down" as a tribute to Tom Petty demonstrates the enduring quality of his music.Consider most of the students at that game were not born when that song was on the charts.It gave me chills listening to the chorus.Happy that it is on RU-vid for posterity.
I love Mike's passion. And Tom's belief that he "could save the world through rock and roll." We could use a few more artists like that today. Rest well, Tom Petty!
What can I say? Tom truly got lucky when he found Mike. And Ben. All of them. Together they created a beautiful thing. I never met these guys, and it makes no difference that I didn't. They gave-and will continue to give-me more than I ever hoped for.
Thank you Mike. You are the best! Missed the bus to be at the Tom and Heartbreakers shows, always thought that there would be another chance to see you guys....A hard lesson to learn. Miss you Tom, will see you soon and thanks again for all your help with this long and strange trip. God bless you and your family and friends. He went down swinging.
Thank You for this. Thank You Mike Campbell. I was going through hell in my life when Tom Petty went to Heaven and I didn’t have that time to mourn his passing as a fan. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are like cream & sugar in coffee, and your beautiful tunes have brought me through some extremely horrific times and very severe depression which I’m still battling. God Bless Each one of you. 🥺 🙏🕊🌹🎸💔🎸🌹🕊🙏
I am in Cape Town and although it is far away i sometimes feel Tom Mike and the guys are sitting right here with me. Great guitarist - humble man you are Mike ... Thank you for the kind words about a well loved human who passed through our lives
13:51 - Mike speaks to our collective grief: "I've learned that when you're in a spot like this, the best healing--and the best way to get through it--is to be of service to other people that you love. Reach out to other people that are struggling and help them and that, in turn, helps you get through it. So that's my two cents."
My Mother's comment about Tom Petty's music.... "He gives good advice in his songs" so true! Miss my Mom & Dad & Tom makes me grateful my heart is full, angels who protect, guide, help us break down walls to love ....!
If you haven't seen the documentary, Running Down A Dream, get it, watch it, love it. So SO MUCH great stuff on there all the way back to this childhood! Peter Bogdonovich did a great job.
Same here. It's a huge loss, way too soon. Great people in a great band of brothers. A bond of real musicians that's an endangered species. Sickens me because music should take precedence over everything in else in this world. Let's hope things get on the right track. Mike Campbell and band, you guys are a great inspiration for all up and coming musicians/bands to pay attention to the magic only a band can achieve.
john steele I thought that I was totally NOT NORMAL to be feeling the same sadness that you describe in your comment. I listen to them AT LEAST once a day, and am still HEART-BROKEN.
Tommy was on top of his game! I wonder do the Heartbreakers still have a contract they have to fulfill? And if so who's going to take over the lead singing?
What an artist, what a band. They were all class acts.They all complimented each other. I saw them in Toronto on the last tour. I never dreamed this would be the last time I would see them live.God Bless and Keep You, Tom. Bless you's too, Heartbreakers. I'm so sorry for your loss, our loss. He died doing the thing he loved.
Thanks so much for your work Mike and all the years of TP & HB GREAT MUSICIANS-SONG WRITERS and the musical gifts you showered upon those of us who used the music for the soundtracks to our lives! Seriously... Thank you! 🙏 Andy Kelly 🇺🇸🇮🇪🇬🇧 Godbless you all...Amen and Amen to that! 🙏
I loved Tom petty and the heartbreakers for 40 years, first hearing them as a teenager in Liverpool England, waiting for every new album to arrive in my local music shop, was lucky to see them live a few times and when they toured with bob Dylan also. This interview must of been really hard for mike Campbell being such close friends , brothers really, Tom and mike Campbell have something that’s very rare in the music business, apart from great musical talent they have class !! Thank you for all the great songs and as it is nearly 2 years since we lost Tom it doesn’t get any easier but listening to the great songs helps, mike Campbell you really do have a lot of class man !
Hey Neil, similar story for me mate. Bought the first Heartbreakers album some 40 years ago in Liverpool and have been a huge fan since. They created a rich tapestry of music that remains timeless and an inspiration to many. Tom’s passing was such a shock and the world will miss a fine musician. RIP TP
One of my greatest joys is singing the songs of the Heartbreakers with my girls on road trips. The greatest tribute we can make is to share these songs with others and I have no doubt that they will live on for generations to come. Thanks for the music, guys. RIP, Tom ❤️
I watch the movie “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers“ by Peter Bogdanovich every morning when I work out. 1/2 one morning and 1/2 the next. Thanks Mike. Greetings from Sacramento California Mike
The moment Mike Campbell, with TP & The Heartbreakers, played the opening licks of Taxman at 'The Concert for George', I knew what I'd been missing out on all the years I hadn't been buying Heartbreakers records. I've relented and changed all that now. I was so sad to hear of Tom's passing, but chuffed to know that my son was in the audience at his last show.
Never had the honor of seeing them in concert. Was looking for a concert when he passed. My life loss not to see him but a blessing to follow and love his own unique brand of rock and roll. God bless mike.
I am a huge Tom Petty fan. As a fellow songwriter, I am in awe of his catalog of work. I was a radio DJ when The Heartbreakers began. One of my badges of honor was that, I actually GOT FIRED for PLAYING Tom Petty on the radio. Between the first two records, Shelter Records (his first label) released a radio promo live EP "Live 'Leg" that was recorded live in Boston. It had a B&W cover with Tom in a black leather jacket and bullets. For some reason, my Program Director decided it was "punk rock." I played "Fooled Again" on my show and the next day I was told, "I said NO punk rock...you're fired." I argued that Tom Petty isn't punk rock but I got booted. Fortunately, I had the top ratings in my time slot in the city, so the next day the general manager hired me back. When I started my show that night, I followed the PD who had fired me. He wasn't happy that I went over his head and had been rehired. And the first sone I played was "Fooled Again"...that I had been fired for olaying the night before. It was the ultimate F.U....and after that, it was cool for the entire air staff to play Tom Petty. Then a few years later, my own band had an album on the radio and we had a new member from the midwest who played keys/rhythm guitar and sang.....she ended up leaving to sing backup with John Mellancamp and THEN with the Heartbreakers at "Live Aid" and on the "Pack Up the Plantation" tour, etc. The another guy I had played with for years in the '70s, who recently refound me again, had Stan Lynch play drums on his last CD. I told him it was a small world because I ended up with a few of Howie Epstein's basses and his favorite Telecaster p, after he passed away. So, besides loving Tom Petty's music, I have had a number of chance intertwinings that have made the music even more personal for me. The night he died, my close friend and drummer I olayed with for more than a decade but hadn't spoken with in years, called me in NYC at 2 a.m. from AZ, just knowing I would be broken up from his passing. We spoke for two hours catching up. Thanks for all that, Tom.
What a great story! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm still in such pain over his loss. And Fooled Again is my favorite song - just love to keep watching him sing it over again --- how I regret I never figured out how to become a backup singer for his band XOXOOXOXOXOXOXO
Mike is so right, they were a great band and made some great music. Tom had a great life but left far too soon but he wont ever be forgotten because their music will live on and on. So sorry for Tom's lovely wife and children and of course his friends and the band mates, sad, sad time for them
He isn't, never was Everyone who knows guitarplaying can' t underrate him anyway. Tastefull playing just that what the song needs, never a poser like "hey look at me how great I can play". Those guys are never underrated, not by fans or musicians.
I haven't stopped listening to every piece of audio and video about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers since the terrible day. I pray for the Heartbreakers and hope the music someday can continue..
Time to move on. Time to get goin'. What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing'. Under my feet, the grass is grown'. Time to move on. Time to get going'. Thank you for writing the sound track to my life. No one has ever done what TPHB did.
One of the many songwriters and singers, I idolized while growing up. Mike Campbell is a great great songwriter as well. Tom Petty will always be remembered for the music he brought us.
I can remember the first time I heard Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Refugee was the first song I heard and loved it. They were really some of the best musicians I've heard.
Thank you for posting this. Ever since Tom's passing, I've looked for a reaction from Mike. He conducted himself exactly how I imagined he would- with honesty, class, humility, emotion, and love. I finally made it to see Tom in concert this past June for the first time, and I brought my 19 year old son, as well. The tickets were my Christmas gift to him last year. We both enjoyed the show so much, and we now forever feel connected by that musical bond. Tom, I look forward to seeing you in heaven.
This is really late, but I just wanted to say that your comment moved me to tears. I didn't get to know my mom until the last few years of her life, and the real key to us forming a bond was rock n roll, especially Tom Petty. I was also 19 when I got to see him live with my mom. I will always cherish his music and that wonderful concert with my mom. And it makes me even happier to know that Tom's music did something similar for you and your son.
When I had George Gruhn appraise my wrap tail gold top a few years ago, the older friendly sales guy with the wild hair and eyes asked me what I played it through. I told him I used a couple of old blackface Princeton Reverbs. He smiled and said, "Ahh, Mike Campbell". I said, " What a great player". He replied, " and he's a good guy, too". It's always good to hear that's the case with one of your guitar heroes. R.I.P. Tom, you and Mike have left a tremendous legacy for us all to enjoy.
😭 tears The world will not be the same, ever! Its march of 2018 and I still cry, my heart still hurts, Mike you are amazing , 🙏 and thanks for sharing .. Heartbroken 😞 ❤️
One of my favourite Tom Petty Mike Campbell stories was over the track "Walkin' From The Fire". I'm pasting that section here: [Campbell did have a particular memory of cutting this one in ’84. “I listened to the words and I said to Tom, ‘Don’t you think he’d be running from the fire?’ And he just looked at me and said, ‘Shut up.’”] (-:
I saw him in Atlanta on this tour! I'm just in shock. Have been listening to him since the 70's! I'm so glad that I got to see the band this tour! Their songs are timeless!!
Was so fortunate to have seen Tom and the band over 30 times. Most of these (11) were at the Fillmore in SF. I feel as though I have lost a dear friend who brought so much happiness to my life. I'm still in shock two months later. Thank you to Tom, Mike, Benmont, Ron, Howie, Steve and Scott for all the great times. I was at the last two bay area shows at the Greek in Berkeley and the band was as great as ever!! Tom Petty will be remembered forever. Robert Obeso
Yes, Mike, You, Tom and the Heartbreakers did achieve some level of immortality. I listen to your music almost daily and every time I hear a song for the nth time, I find a new color, texture, something about it that will keep me listening for decades to come. And since this is the Mudcrutch channel, let me say that Mudcrutch is what country music could and should be. Thanks.
I am sorry still to everybody in the world, especially his family and band. I am a firefighter who acted on stage here in Chicago. Picked up the guitar at 49 when I was injured. hacking away. Tom was coming to Wrigley where I was on Engine 78. From the minute I purchased the ticket something clicked in my head that said....you have seen Tom Petty 9 times start playing some of his songs....my guitar began to speak.....and still I can't....that night....there was evil in the air, and Toms energy just didn't want to be here any more and left. We must remember that night in Vegas. In my heart I know Tom turned on the tv like me, and didn't want to be here.
Mike Campbell is Class as a person and Guitarist. The night Tom passed my phone wouldn't stop ringing. What was so beautiful about it was the fact it was so many of my daughters friends. They would come to our house and hear Tom and Heartbreak erstwhile they were here. I felt so gd they were still listening to the music. it had made an impact. That my friends is a Great Band. miss u Tom but u play all the time I in quiet a few places in England we loved u. Sue Maher
Amen brother. I was told @ work with a counter full of people, and had to take a minute of silence to recover. It hit me harder than any rock and roll death.
The first song I learned to play all the way through properly as a guitarist was Break Down. that song alone was a big hit for them. It just shows that music is music. You don't have to shred, play 300 to 1000 notes a minute to be a good player. It's about a great melody line, great subject matter translated with few words and most of all a great over all sound.
Oh....Tom was the best...and The Heartbreakers are the most awesome "backing band" in the world. What a shocking loss :( Thanks Tom - you were my guy for ever, and always will be.
Tom Petty was my most favored rock group. So sad to see this happen. Mike thank you for being part of the Heart breakers group. You are an awesome guitar player. I wish I had your knowledge in playing guitar. Thank you for being apart of my most favored rock group ever. I grew up with you guys. Sucks....
Mike camble is theeeee most underrated guitar player of all time.i seen them in Charlotte and Raleigh n.c. and he is magical,I've love tom petty and the heart breakers first heard them 1978 driving home and American girl came on,I turned it up and loved them ever since. I play bass by myself to my tom petty collection I have for years it is better than any antidepressant ever prescribed.as many have acknowledged there will never b another moment in time that rocked me from 78 to 2017,love u rip.
Thank-you, Mike for such a thoughtful, loving interview. x Tom was such an inspiration to so many people, Mike, but you ALL are. Tom, you, Benmont, Steve, Ron and Scott, and not forgetting Howie and Stan too. Your music will ALWAYS live on, because it's in our hearts and souls, and we pass it on to each new generation, as I have done with my son. I know how I feel about Tom passing, so I cannot even begin to image your grief and pain. Sending you and Marcie, all the guys, Dana, and all the family, lots of hugs, and much love. - Sue xx
I'm so glad Mike Campbell I was hoping I would hear from you about your life with Tom and the band. You answered many curiosity questions about Tom. I know its not going to be easy but you can keep going Just Like Tom carried on With Music I hope u keep playing I'll be there too!!!
Thank you Mike. You have been my favorite guitarist, since before I even started playing. Best of luck in the future. I know you have an amazing amount of music left in you. God bless you Mike.
Mike, thanks so much for doing this interview. I loved Tom's music but I also loved the whole band. Tom is gone but he will never be forgotten. I sing his songs almost everyday. I speak only for myself, as you always say Mike. I think most of us really need to hear from everyone in the band. Benmont, Scott, Ron, Steve, we care about all of you or at least I do. Please don't shut us out. I can't & T think none of us can, just leave the remaining band members. Jesus, I can't leave Ringo & Paul. We still care, very much. Again, I speak only for myself
sigh.....it took the death of Tom Petty for me to find him. I dived right into listening to the music that Tom and the Heartbreakers made, and have not come up for air since. It's now 07/2020. I don't listen to much else. What impresses me the most about these guys? The pure talent with absolutely NO egos attached. Every once in a bit I find a new "favorite" song. And I'll play it over and over. Most times I find in the abundance of out takes. And I wonder...how did this song NOT make it on an album. Thanks so much guys, ALL of ya, for the wonderful music that will be there for us for years to come.