Why Is Mike Campbell So Cool? 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Props to his guitar tech Chinner too!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

Mike is the coolest! Love the Dirty Knobs too!

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Mikes guitar collection is amazing.

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

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".

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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."

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'.

You guys are turning out really great content

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

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

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.

Campbell’s vibrato 🙌

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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"

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.

It’s Mike Mother effin’ Campbell!!!

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'.

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.

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

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?

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!

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.

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.

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

Mike Campbell is the classiest ragamuffin in music 👌

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

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

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 ❤

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

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

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.

I fucking love tom petty and mike campbell.

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 😜

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.

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.

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

Kudos Mike Campbell, keep rocking brother!

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.

Running Down the Dream is such a fantastic film.

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

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

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

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

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

Great episode guys. Mike is such a tasty player.

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

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.

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.

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 RU-vid videos of people holding/playing Harrison's guitars - revering them ... very cool guy, Mike Campbell, and great guitarist

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?

You guys did a good analisis of Mike Campbell.

Mike Campbell was on the solo albums as well

Mike Campbell and Dirty Knobs on tour soon. 👏

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...

I LOVE MIKE CAMPBELL 💘🎸💘

Im so glad this video exists

You guys are having great conversations lately.

Gotta pay the guy on the left so he can buy a comb.

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

Mike Campbell is what every guitar player should aspire to be...an awesome player, better person! (Oh...& cleaning the fretboard 🚫 on his guitars is forbidden! 🤣).

Tom played the bass in Mudcrutch Tom Leadon played lead guitar before Mike Campbell as Mudcrutch.

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).

Great writer too !