Mike Campbell, the celebrated guitarist and co-songwriter for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, will open up about his life and legendary career in a new book, Heartbreaker: A Memoir. Slated for release on March 18th, 2025 via Grand Central Publishing, the book promises an intimate journey through Campbell’s musical legacy, from his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in one of America’s most enduring rock bands. The memoir will be available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.
“This is my book,” Campbell shared in a 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!”
Known for his instantly recognizable guitar work and a knack for penning hits, Campbell has co-written some of Tom Petty’s most iconic songs including “Refugee”, “Here Comes My Girl”, and “You Got Lucky”. These songs, anchored by Campbell’s signature guitar riffs and Petty’s incisive lyrics, became timeless anthems, earning the Heartbreakers a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Beyond his celebrated partnership with Petty, Campbell’s songwriting talent has made a significant impact in collaborations with other artists. Among these are Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” and Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”.
The memoir also chronicles Campbell’s life after Petty’s passing in 2017. While the loss of his close friend and collaborator was a profound one, Campbell continued to channel his passion for music by stepping in as a guitarist for Fleetwood Mac during the band’s 2018–2019 tour. Today, he devotes himself to his own band, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, proving that his creative energy is as boundless as ever.
Executive Editor Ben Schafer of Grand Central Publishing expressed his admiration for the memoir, calling Heartbreaker “everything one hopes for in a rock memoir.” Schafer praises the book’s ability to capture the spirit of Campbell’s legendary career, describing it as a compelling ride from start to finish.
Heartbreaker: A Memoir is available for pre-order now through major retailers. Find a full list of Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs’ upcoming tour dates and ticketing details here.
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