Photo Credit: Dino Perrucci
Mike Campbell will tell his stories in a new memoir, which aims to capture his extensive tenure as an original member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The aptly titled Heartbreaker: A Memoir will arrive via Grand Central Publishing on March 18, 2025, and will be offered in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook editions.
Leaning into troves of his 40-year run as the lead guitarist, co-songwriter, and co-producer in the revered heartland rock group, Campbell will use the pages of his memoir to convey tales of his historic career and personal life–from his impoverished Florida upbringing to steady rise to stardom through Petty’s highly regarded solo sets, Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, which despite solo status for the bandleader, still included Campbell’s touch.
“This is my book,” Campbell stated via press release. “It’s the story of a poor kid from Jacksonville, Florida, who realized a dream through music. It’s a long journey through hard work, dedication, and luck. Playing guitar and writing songs has been my inspiration and purpose. It’s a story of hope, redemption, and gratitude, a testimonial that dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and follow your truth. It took two years to write, and it’s a labor of love. I hope you enjoy the ride!”
Along with the aforementioned accolades, Campbell’s success coincides with writing credits on a myriad of Petty classics, including “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “You Got Lucky,” and co-producer status on Heartbreakers albums, ranging from 1985’s Southern Accidents through 2010’s Mojo; informing the musicians 2002 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Outside of his work with Petty, Campbell used his songwriting gift to assist others, scoring co-writing credits on Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” and along with his maestro, Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Dragging My Heart.” In the years that followed Petty’s 2017 death, Campbell continued his career by joining Fleetwood Mac on the road in 2018 and 2019. Currently, the artist is concentrating on his self-titled Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs.
“Mike Campbell’s Heartbreaker is everything one hopes for in a rock memoir,” said Ben Schafer,
Executive Editor, Grand Central Publishing. “Like the remarkable body of work he co-created with TomPetty and the Heartbreakers, it delivers on every level from beginning to end.”
See Campbell’s official Instagram post announcing the forthcoming release below.
For more information, visit www.thedirtyknobs.com.
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