What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartbreaker
A fast-paced, tender-hearted rock ’n’ roll memoir for the ages, Mike Campbell’s Heartbreaker is part rags-to-riches story and part raucous, seat-of-the-pants adventure, recounting Campbell’s life and times as lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Mike Campbell was the lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from the band’s inception in 1976 to Petty’s tragic death in 2017. His iconic, melodic playing helped form the foundation of the band’s sound, as heard on definitive classics like “American Girl,” “Breakdown,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” “Learning to Fly” and “Into the Great Wide Open.”
Together, Petty and Campbell wrote countless songs, including some of the band’s biggest “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “You Got Lucky” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream” among them.
From their early days in Florida to their dizzying rise to superstardom to Petty’s acclaimed, platinum-selling solo albums Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, Petty never made a record without him. Their work together is timeless, as are the career-defining hits Campbell co-wrote with Don Henley (“The Boys of Summer”) and with Petty for Stevie Nicks (“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”).
But few know of the less-than-glamorous background from which Campbell emerged—a hardscrabble childhood on the north side of Jacksonville, often just days ahead of homelessness, raised by a single mother struggling on minimum wage. After months of saving, his mother bought him a $15 pawnshop acoustic guitar for his sixteenth birthday. With a chord book and a transistor radio, Campbell painstakingly taught himself to play.
When a chance encounter with a guidance counselor inspired him to enroll in the University of Florida, Campbell—broke, with nowhere else to go and the Vietnam draft looming—moved into a rundown farmhouse in Gainesville, where he met a 20-year-old Tom Petty. They were soon inseparable. Together they chased their shared dream all the way to Los Angeles, where Campbell would meet his destiny, and the love of his life, Marcie.
It was an at-times grueling dream come true that took Campbell from the very bottom to the absolute top, where Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would remain for decades, creating an astonishing body of work.
Brilliant, soft-spoken and intensely private, Campbell opens up within these pages for the first time, revealing himself to be an astute observer of triumphs, tragedies and absurdities alike, with a songwriter’s eye for the telling detail and a voice as direct and unpretentious as his music.
An instant classic, Heartbreaker is Mike Campbell’s heartfelt portrait of one throwaway kid’s lifesaving love of music and the creative heights he achieved through luck, collaboration, humility and extraordinary talent.
Mike Campbell was the lead guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from the band’s inception in 1976 to Petty’s tragic death in 2017. His iconic, melodic playing helped form the foundation of the band’s sound, as heard on definitive classics like “American Girl,” “Breakdown,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” “Learning to Fly” and “Into the Great Wide Open.”
Together, Petty and Campbell wrote countless songs, including some of the band’s biggest “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “You Got Lucky” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream” among them.
From their early days in Florida to their dizzying rise to superstardom to Petty’s acclaimed, platinum-selling solo albums Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, Petty never made a record without him. Their work together is timeless, as are the career-defining hits Campbell co-wrote with Don Henley (“The Boys of Summer”) and with Petty for Stevie Nicks (“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”).
But few know of the less-than-glamorous background from which Campbell emerged—a hardscrabble childhood on the north side of Jacksonville, often just days ahead of homelessness, raised by a single mother struggling on minimum wage. After months of saving, his mother bought him a $15 pawnshop acoustic guitar for his sixteenth birthday. With a chord book and a transistor radio, Campbell painstakingly taught himself to play.
When a chance encounter with a guidance counselor inspired him to enroll in the University of Florida, Campbell—broke, with nowhere else to go and the Vietnam draft looming—moved into a rundown farmhouse in Gainesville, where he met a 20-year-old Tom Petty. They were soon inseparable. Together they chased their shared dream all the way to Los Angeles, where Campbell would meet his destiny, and the love of his life, Marcie.
It was an at-times grueling dream come true that took Campbell from the very bottom to the absolute top, where Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would remain for decades, creating an astonishing body of work.
Brilliant, soft-spoken and intensely private, Campbell opens up within these pages for the first time, revealing himself to be an astute observer of triumphs, tragedies and absurdities alike, with a songwriter’s eye for the telling detail and a voice as direct and unpretentious as his music.
An instant classic, Heartbreaker is Mike Campbell’s heartfelt portrait of one throwaway kid’s lifesaving love of music and the creative heights he achieved through luck, collaboration, humility and extraordinary talent.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2025
276 people are currently reading
4114 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
April 2, 2025
The Power Chord Behind Tom
Mike Campbell was Tom Petty’s right-hand man, his lead guitarist throughout his recording career. He, along with his co-writer, Ari Surdoval, has written a rare gem: a truly enjoyable rock and roll biography. Unlike many other musician autobiographies, Campbell avoids self-congratulation and doesn't overstate his significance in the music industry.
Tom Petty's backup group, the Heartbreakers, were integral to his signature sound. Mike Campbell, the lead guitarist, was an essential member, notably co-writing hits like "Refugee," "I Won't Back Down," and "You Got Lucky." His distinctive guitar work, as exemplified in the outro solo of "Running Down a Dream," is unforgettable. Campbell's influence extended beyond Petty's work, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, co-writing Henley's iconic songs "Boys of Summer" and "Heart of the Matter," as well as Nicks’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
Early in his life, Campbell faced many challenges. Growing up in poverty in Florida, he was forced to sell his blood plasma for $15 a day to buy food before finding success. The book also explores the journey of Petty and Campbell's early band, Mudcrutch, as it evolved into the Heartbreakers, including the difficulties they encountered. The band struggled to find its unique sound while dealing with producers, record companies, and internal conflicts. Resentment grew within the group due to the "Tom Petty and..." label and Petty's eventual dominance over the other members, who were told by management that they were merely “sidemen,” and would be compensated as such. Campbell found himself acting as a mediator between Petty and the rest of the band, persuading them to stay together despite the challenges.
Mike Campbell's unassuming nature is part of what makes his book such a good read. He puts making the best music above all else, even if it means deferring to Petty and sometimes being at a disadvantage because of it. While the book includes stories and mentions names like Harrison, Dylan, and the Stones, it never becomes a gossipy tell-all. Although Tom Petty is no longer with us, Mike Campbell continues to make music and, thankfully, has shared the Heartbreaker journey with us.
…somethings are over
Some things go on
And part of me you carry
A part of me is gone – “Walls” Tom Petty
Thank you to Hachette Books / Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #Heartbreaker #NetGalley
Mike Campbell was Tom Petty’s right-hand man, his lead guitarist throughout his recording career. He, along with his co-writer, Ari Surdoval, has written a rare gem: a truly enjoyable rock and roll biography. Unlike many other musician autobiographies, Campbell avoids self-congratulation and doesn't overstate his significance in the music industry.
Tom Petty's backup group, the Heartbreakers, were integral to his signature sound. Mike Campbell, the lead guitarist, was an essential member, notably co-writing hits like "Refugee," "I Won't Back Down," and "You Got Lucky." His distinctive guitar work, as exemplified in the outro solo of "Running Down a Dream," is unforgettable. Campbell's influence extended beyond Petty's work, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, co-writing Henley's iconic songs "Boys of Summer" and "Heart of the Matter," as well as Nicks’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
Early in his life, Campbell faced many challenges. Growing up in poverty in Florida, he was forced to sell his blood plasma for $15 a day to buy food before finding success. The book also explores the journey of Petty and Campbell's early band, Mudcrutch, as it evolved into the Heartbreakers, including the difficulties they encountered. The band struggled to find its unique sound while dealing with producers, record companies, and internal conflicts. Resentment grew within the group due to the "Tom Petty and..." label and Petty's eventual dominance over the other members, who were told by management that they were merely “sidemen,” and would be compensated as such. Campbell found himself acting as a mediator between Petty and the rest of the band, persuading them to stay together despite the challenges.
Mike Campbell's unassuming nature is part of what makes his book such a good read. He puts making the best music above all else, even if it means deferring to Petty and sometimes being at a disadvantage because of it. While the book includes stories and mentions names like Harrison, Dylan, and the Stones, it never becomes a gossipy tell-all. Although Tom Petty is no longer with us, Mike Campbell continues to make music and, thankfully, has shared the Heartbreaker journey with us.
…somethings are over
Some things go on
And part of me you carry
A part of me is gone – “Walls” Tom Petty
Thank you to Hachette Books / Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #Heartbreaker #NetGalley
June 11, 2025
Let’s see if I can manage not to gush too much about this wonderful book. If possible, do yourself a favor and listen to Mike Campbell narrate this.
I’ve been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers since the first time I heard Breakdown. With my best friend and our boyfriends, riding through the mountains in one of their Mustangs, listening to the soundtrack of the movie FM on an eight track. How is that for dating yourself?! I saw the band twice in those early years, once at Red Rocks. Imagine then moving and finding out I was now living in Tom Petty’s hometown, where he and the band are local legends. Seeing them perform there, with the mayor giving them keys to the city… and with Mike Campbell playing his Gator guitar. Hearing them sing classic songs, having Stevie Nicks join them, and hearing their sweet tributes Down South and Southern Accents. So many memories of mine are wrapped up with this band.
But I’ll admit I didn’t know as much about Mike Campbell… and what a pleasure it was to get to know this sweet soul. He came from humble beginnings, and was drawn to the guitar at a young age. He lacked confidence in himself, and it was his guidance counselor in Jacksonville who convinced him to attend UF and worked to get him scholarships. Imagine how different his life would have been if he hadn’t found himself on UF campus, listening to Tom and bandmates play on the Plaza. Later he met Tom and they began playing together. From the early days with Mudcrutch, playing at strip club bars and learning to play and write music together. Mike met his wife Marcie soon after the band arrived in California, and they are still together.
Mike details the struggles and success of the band. Tom was his best friend, and he respected and admired him. But this book doesn’t present a idealized plastic version of Tom - rather, he explains how Tom had an ego, could be selfish, be brutally honest to the point of cruelty… yet he could be a loyal friend, he was devoted to his family, and he was the driving force of the band. Mike could find him frustrating at times, but he also respected his immense talent and he knew that his success was tied to Tom’s. They were bandmates and friends over 40 years.
The book also provides wonderful stories of other music legends. They toured with Bob Dylan. They became friends with George Harrison and other Beatles. Mike met Johnny Cash, and after telling him his dad’s favorite song was one of his, Johnny played it on stage and dedicated it to him. Imagine Mick Jagger coming to your home studio to listen to a song you’ve written… to have the icon start dancing, strutting, finger pointing and other classic Jagger moves as he listened… saying he couldn’t sing lyrics to a song he couldn’t dance to.
And of course, throughout the book he tells how the bandmates struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. Howie died of an overdose, Benmont struggled with alcohol, Mike battled drugs… and of course Tom was lost to drugs. He pushed himself to keep performing with tremendous pain, only finding out afterwards he’d broken his hip, but he was determined not to cancel shows and let down the fans. Mike was devastated by this loss.
Mike had started a side band while still playing with the Heartbreakers. I was lucky enough to hear Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs play at a Tom Petty birthday bash/tribute. I’m so happy he has found an outlet for his wonderful music. Tom had once told him his singing was too similar to Tom’s, but the truth is they both maintained their Southern accents that comes out in their music. The history and stories shared here are amazing, but he reveals himself as a gentle and thoughtful man who has tried to remain positive and genuine throughout his life.
Ok, no, I wasn’t able not to gush over this. 💖
I’ve been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers since the first time I heard Breakdown. With my best friend and our boyfriends, riding through the mountains in one of their Mustangs, listening to the soundtrack of the movie FM on an eight track. How is that for dating yourself?! I saw the band twice in those early years, once at Red Rocks. Imagine then moving and finding out I was now living in Tom Petty’s hometown, where he and the band are local legends. Seeing them perform there, with the mayor giving them keys to the city… and with Mike Campbell playing his Gator guitar. Hearing them sing classic songs, having Stevie Nicks join them, and hearing their sweet tributes Down South and Southern Accents. So many memories of mine are wrapped up with this band.
But I’ll admit I didn’t know as much about Mike Campbell… and what a pleasure it was to get to know this sweet soul. He came from humble beginnings, and was drawn to the guitar at a young age. He lacked confidence in himself, and it was his guidance counselor in Jacksonville who convinced him to attend UF and worked to get him scholarships. Imagine how different his life would have been if he hadn’t found himself on UF campus, listening to Tom and bandmates play on the Plaza. Later he met Tom and they began playing together. From the early days with Mudcrutch, playing at strip club bars and learning to play and write music together. Mike met his wife Marcie soon after the band arrived in California, and they are still together.
Mike details the struggles and success of the band. Tom was his best friend, and he respected and admired him. But this book doesn’t present a idealized plastic version of Tom - rather, he explains how Tom had an ego, could be selfish, be brutally honest to the point of cruelty… yet he could be a loyal friend, he was devoted to his family, and he was the driving force of the band. Mike could find him frustrating at times, but he also respected his immense talent and he knew that his success was tied to Tom’s. They were bandmates and friends over 40 years.
The book also provides wonderful stories of other music legends. They toured with Bob Dylan. They became friends with George Harrison and other Beatles. Mike met Johnny Cash, and after telling him his dad’s favorite song was one of his, Johnny played it on stage and dedicated it to him. Imagine Mick Jagger coming to your home studio to listen to a song you’ve written… to have the icon start dancing, strutting, finger pointing and other classic Jagger moves as he listened… saying he couldn’t sing lyrics to a song he couldn’t dance to.
And of course, throughout the book he tells how the bandmates struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. Howie died of an overdose, Benmont struggled with alcohol, Mike battled drugs… and of course Tom was lost to drugs. He pushed himself to keep performing with tremendous pain, only finding out afterwards he’d broken his hip, but he was determined not to cancel shows and let down the fans. Mike was devastated by this loss.
Mike had started a side band while still playing with the Heartbreakers. I was lucky enough to hear Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs play at a Tom Petty birthday bash/tribute. I’m so happy he has found an outlet for his wonderful music. Tom had once told him his singing was too similar to Tom’s, but the truth is they both maintained their Southern accents that comes out in their music. The history and stories shared here are amazing, but he reveals himself as a gentle and thoughtful man who has tried to remain positive and genuine throughout his life.
Ok, no, I wasn’t able not to gush over this. 💖
January 10, 2025
My wife is a librarian and receives advance reading copies for evaluation. Sometimes I help with the evaluation and make recommendations.
I love TP and the Heartbreakers. So I was predisposed to like this book. I ended up loving it. Obviously, it was not just about Mike’s life with the Heartbreakers but his childhood and his own story.
He has had an interesting life and tells a great story. He focuses on the big events of his life but many of those were as a Heartbreaker. He, I think smarty, does not hit on some of the more public events. For example the HOF induction is covered both in the documentary and in print. The focus here is more on the events that affected his life or things he felt were important to discuss. And like Willie Nelson does in his autobiographies, he is careful about not telling any story but his own. For example he will talk about Benmont’s incredible playing and how he fit with Mike in the band, but all from Mike’s perspective.
There are plenty of great stories and information here for TP lovers and music lovers. Some specific commentary on music or guitars in particular went a little over my non musical head, but I can see where those who really dig music tech and guitars will eat that information up. It is all good, and his knowledge and enthusiasm comes through clear and strong.
I am sure that his cowriter deserves credit for pulling it all together, and he did a great job as well. Highly recommended for anyone who loves TP, or rock music or just a good story about some great musicians who also happened to be good people.
I love TP and the Heartbreakers. So I was predisposed to like this book. I ended up loving it. Obviously, it was not just about Mike’s life with the Heartbreakers but his childhood and his own story.
He has had an interesting life and tells a great story. He focuses on the big events of his life but many of those were as a Heartbreaker. He, I think smarty, does not hit on some of the more public events. For example the HOF induction is covered both in the documentary and in print. The focus here is more on the events that affected his life or things he felt were important to discuss. And like Willie Nelson does in his autobiographies, he is careful about not telling any story but his own. For example he will talk about Benmont’s incredible playing and how he fit with Mike in the band, but all from Mike’s perspective.
There are plenty of great stories and information here for TP lovers and music lovers. Some specific commentary on music or guitars in particular went a little over my non musical head, but I can see where those who really dig music tech and guitars will eat that information up. It is all good, and his knowledge and enthusiasm comes through clear and strong.
I am sure that his cowriter deserves credit for pulling it all together, and he did a great job as well. Highly recommended for anyone who loves TP, or rock music or just a good story about some great musicians who also happened to be good people.
February 2, 2025
There may be no more appropriate day for me to wrap up my journey with Mike Campbell's "Heartbreaker: A Memoir" than the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's 75th birthday.
The longtime lead guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers has crafted a heartbreaker of a memoir, a book destined to be among the year-end lists of best memoirs with practically everything you could possibly want from a rock & roll memoir.
Campbell was with Petty the entire way from the band's inception in 1976 through Petty's tragic death at age 66 in 2017. While Petty was always front-and center, Campbell's memorable melody making helped develop and form the foundation for the band's instantly recognizable sound on classics such as "American Girl," "Breakdown," "Don't Come Around Here No More," "Mary Jane's Last Dance," "Into the Great Wide Open" and others. Campbell often provided the music that served as a perfect companion to Petty's lyrics including songs like "Refugee," "Here Comes My Girl," "You Got Lucky," and "Runnin' Down a Dream" among others.
If there's one thing that surprised me about "Heartbreaker," it's that Campbell writes with tremendous vulnerability about everything from his early childhood with a single mother struggling in minimum wage jobs in Jacksonville, Florida through the unexpected gift he received from that same mother of a $15 pawn shop guitar for his 16th birthday through the early days with Mudcrutch that would serve as the foundation for what would become a Petty-centered Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Campbell writes with respectful candor, his clear-eyed vulnerability recalling his extreme lows, glorious highs, and everything in-between.
Sure, we get some of the music icon storytelling including experiences with such artists as Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and a host of others. These stories are a delight and will practically have you imagining them directly in front of you as Campbell reflects on recording sessions, friendships, producing and more.
Campbell, who has been married to longtime wife Marcie since the early days of the band, recounts his own struggles with drugs and how he eventually pulled out while many of his peers did not. He tells the story of his bandmates with respect and affection, offering up explanations of sorts for how things changes and why personnel would come and go. It's clear he embraces those, especially longtime drummer Stan Lynch whose post Petty life seems to have affirmed his immense talent in a way he never really received while with the band.
Throughout "Heartbreaker," Campbell writes with such a warmth and honesty that you can't help but immerse yourself in his writing. There was the chance encounter with a high school guidance counselor that ended up inspiring him, very unexpectedly, to enroll in the University of Florida. This, in turn, led to his initial meeting with Petty and a lifelong musical journey.
I keep going back to the vulnerability in "Heartbreak," but it's truly remarkable. Campbell writes honestly about the mixed emotions and desire for "more" that served as a frequent companion as Petty was often deemed the genius while Campbell was part of the "band." Perfectly balancing that desire for more with a gratitude for what was, Campbell perfectly peels back the curtains on what it feels like to be part of an iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band. He writes with an almost schoolboy enthusiasm about his experiences with Dylan, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, meeting Johnny Cash, finding his voice with Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and encounters we knew about and encounters we didn't.
Notoriously soft-spoken, it's almost remarkable that Campbell has even offered up this memoir. You can't help but think he believed Petty would always be the one to do so. However, "Heartbreaker: A Memoir" is a sublime experience offering impossible to forget insights on Campbell and the band's triumphs, tragedies, relationships, recording, and so much more.
Again, "Heartbreaker," at least for me, is easily one of my favorite musical bios of all-time with an honest, vulnerability, air of confidence, and sense of awe that grabbed me and never let me go. It's heartfelt and exhilarating as we really learn how music saved this throwaway kid and his this immensely talented musician and songwriter lived his life in music through his music, talent, genuine friendships, more than a little luck, and songs we'll likely never forget.
The longtime lead guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers has crafted a heartbreaker of a memoir, a book destined to be among the year-end lists of best memoirs with practically everything you could possibly want from a rock & roll memoir.
Campbell was with Petty the entire way from the band's inception in 1976 through Petty's tragic death at age 66 in 2017. While Petty was always front-and center, Campbell's memorable melody making helped develop and form the foundation for the band's instantly recognizable sound on classics such as "American Girl," "Breakdown," "Don't Come Around Here No More," "Mary Jane's Last Dance," "Into the Great Wide Open" and others. Campbell often provided the music that served as a perfect companion to Petty's lyrics including songs like "Refugee," "Here Comes My Girl," "You Got Lucky," and "Runnin' Down a Dream" among others.
If there's one thing that surprised me about "Heartbreaker," it's that Campbell writes with tremendous vulnerability about everything from his early childhood with a single mother struggling in minimum wage jobs in Jacksonville, Florida through the unexpected gift he received from that same mother of a $15 pawn shop guitar for his 16th birthday through the early days with Mudcrutch that would serve as the foundation for what would become a Petty-centered Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Campbell writes with respectful candor, his clear-eyed vulnerability recalling his extreme lows, glorious highs, and everything in-between.
Sure, we get some of the music icon storytelling including experiences with such artists as Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and a host of others. These stories are a delight and will practically have you imagining them directly in front of you as Campbell reflects on recording sessions, friendships, producing and more.
Campbell, who has been married to longtime wife Marcie since the early days of the band, recounts his own struggles with drugs and how he eventually pulled out while many of his peers did not. He tells the story of his bandmates with respect and affection, offering up explanations of sorts for how things changes and why personnel would come and go. It's clear he embraces those, especially longtime drummer Stan Lynch whose post Petty life seems to have affirmed his immense talent in a way he never really received while with the band.
Throughout "Heartbreaker," Campbell writes with such a warmth and honesty that you can't help but immerse yourself in his writing. There was the chance encounter with a high school guidance counselor that ended up inspiring him, very unexpectedly, to enroll in the University of Florida. This, in turn, led to his initial meeting with Petty and a lifelong musical journey.
I keep going back to the vulnerability in "Heartbreak," but it's truly remarkable. Campbell writes honestly about the mixed emotions and desire for "more" that served as a frequent companion as Petty was often deemed the genius while Campbell was part of the "band." Perfectly balancing that desire for more with a gratitude for what was, Campbell perfectly peels back the curtains on what it feels like to be part of an iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band. He writes with an almost schoolboy enthusiasm about his experiences with Dylan, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, meeting Johnny Cash, finding his voice with Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and encounters we knew about and encounters we didn't.
Notoriously soft-spoken, it's almost remarkable that Campbell has even offered up this memoir. You can't help but think he believed Petty would always be the one to do so. However, "Heartbreaker: A Memoir" is a sublime experience offering impossible to forget insights on Campbell and the band's triumphs, tragedies, relationships, recording, and so much more.
Again, "Heartbreaker," at least for me, is easily one of my favorite musical bios of all-time with an honest, vulnerability, air of confidence, and sense of awe that grabbed me and never let me go. It's heartfelt and exhilarating as we really learn how music saved this throwaway kid and his this immensely talented musician and songwriter lived his life in music through his music, talent, genuine friendships, more than a little luck, and songs we'll likely never forget.
April 30, 2025
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (TPATH) are my favorite band ever. Their music is deep in my heart and their songs are in regular rotation on my playlist. Having seen their 2007 documentary, I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about the history of this special band so I went into Mike Campbell's memoir, expecting to learn a few fun tidbits. Instead, I came away with a far deeper appreciation for the 'blood, sweat and tears' that went into the creation - and multiple re-creations - of a band of talented musicians determined to make it to the top of the industry.
There is so much I enjoyed about this book. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Mike's very early years with guitar and the influences on him. This provides a necessary background in understanding the difficult decisions he was later faced with as TPATH began to experience success. I marveled at Mike's ability to repeatedly set aside his ego and adopt an attitude of gratitude. He never forgot his humble Florida beginnings and chose to remain thankful to Tom Petty for getting to leave that life behind.
Anyone who plays guitar will smile in recognition as they read Mike's description of the joy this instrument brought into his life. It brought back memories of my older brother teaching me my first guitar chords C-F-G and my first strum pattern (down-down-UP-down-up-down-DOWN). Throughout the book, Mike goes into detail about guitar technique, musicality and phrasing, bending and shaping the sounds of the chords and notes. Some of this went over my head but it made me reflect on how much more appreciation we audience members should have for the artistry of the musicians on stage.
I was delighted with the many "stories behind the songs." I laughed my fool head off at how 'Even the Losers' was recorded, and TP's decision to leave in certain...um...sounds that wouldn't have been a part of any professional recording. I will leave it at that so as not to spoil the story for others. IYKYK. It was fascinating to learn how Mike and TP worked together to create so many of the songs I love. As immensely talented a songwriter as TP was, great credit should be given to Mike as collaborator on so many of those hits.
Anyone who has been in a band or been around musicians knows that FIT is critical. You can have the best musicians in the world and if they don't fit in with the vision at the time or the leadership style, it just isn't going to work. Whether it's the garage band my kid joined in 8th grade or professionals like TPATH, it's a universal truth. Mike pulls back the curtain and with fairness and respect, helps the reader understand the various comings and goings of band members throughout the decades.
I now have a greater appreciation for the contributions of Mudcrutch to TPATH, as well as musicians like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne (love me some Traveling Wilburys!).
There is so much more to the story than this band of great musicians with a talent for songwriting. It is also a tribute to the influence and brilliance of the different music producers and recording engineers who worked with TPATH. With a greater understanding of these different styles, I intend to listen to TPATH albums in chronological order.
Mike doesn't soften the troubled influence that hard drugs had on the band but he states facts through a retrospective lens of kindness and compassion for his fellow bandmates.
I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. It brought me to tears more than once. It's a keeper! 10/10 recommend.
There is so much I enjoyed about this book. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Mike's very early years with guitar and the influences on him. This provides a necessary background in understanding the difficult decisions he was later faced with as TPATH began to experience success. I marveled at Mike's ability to repeatedly set aside his ego and adopt an attitude of gratitude. He never forgot his humble Florida beginnings and chose to remain thankful to Tom Petty for getting to leave that life behind.
Anyone who plays guitar will smile in recognition as they read Mike's description of the joy this instrument brought into his life. It brought back memories of my older brother teaching me my first guitar chords C-F-G and my first strum pattern (down-down-UP-down-up-down-DOWN). Throughout the book, Mike goes into detail about guitar technique, musicality and phrasing, bending and shaping the sounds of the chords and notes. Some of this went over my head but it made me reflect on how much more appreciation we audience members should have for the artistry of the musicians on stage.
I was delighted with the many "stories behind the songs." I laughed my fool head off at how 'Even the Losers' was recorded, and TP's decision to leave in certain...um...sounds that wouldn't have been a part of any professional recording. I will leave it at that so as not to spoil the story for others. IYKYK. It was fascinating to learn how Mike and TP worked together to create so many of the songs I love. As immensely talented a songwriter as TP was, great credit should be given to Mike as collaborator on so many of those hits.
Anyone who has been in a band or been around musicians knows that FIT is critical. You can have the best musicians in the world and if they don't fit in with the vision at the time or the leadership style, it just isn't going to work. Whether it's the garage band my kid joined in 8th grade or professionals like TPATH, it's a universal truth. Mike pulls back the curtain and with fairness and respect, helps the reader understand the various comings and goings of band members throughout the decades.
I now have a greater appreciation for the contributions of Mudcrutch to TPATH, as well as musicians like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne (love me some Traveling Wilburys!).
There is so much more to the story than this band of great musicians with a talent for songwriting. It is also a tribute to the influence and brilliance of the different music producers and recording engineers who worked with TPATH. With a greater understanding of these different styles, I intend to listen to TPATH albums in chronological order.
Mike doesn't soften the troubled influence that hard drugs had on the band but he states facts through a retrospective lens of kindness and compassion for his fellow bandmates.
I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. It brought me to tears more than once. It's a keeper! 10/10 recommend.
February 20, 2025
This is one of the best rock'n'roll memoirs I have read, and I've read a lot. Mike Campbell strikes the perfect balance between musical details, the creation of songs and albums, and personal history of himself and his fellow band members. Interspersed in this thoroughly engaging biography are heartfelt stories of working with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Stevie Nicks, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and so many more. This is a must read for fans of rock'n'roll, and especially Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker fans! Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
May 3, 2025
I could not put this book down. If you love reading about the creative process, about collaboration in writing and arranging, about guitars and deep-seated friendship, this the the rock memoir for you. Blessedly short on drugs, although we know Petty and some bandmates struggled with addiction. This is the quintessential rock memoir about a band
April 28, 2025
I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Campbell's always been—for me—the most fascinating member of Petty's band, though they're all interesting in their own way.
Campbell does a very good job of not slagging anyone, nor does he go heavily into the sex and drugs of the Heartbreakers' rock 'n' roll trip. So, if you're looking for dirt and nastiness, you'll have to look elsewhere.
But, without all that, this is still an incredible journey from living dirt poor to becoming one of the most beloved American bands. Campbell has memories to spare, and stories that will make you laugh out loud and others that will...well...break your heart.
I alternated between the audio and print version of this and I will say, when he talks about saying goodbye to Tom Petty, the raw emotion in his voice choked me up as much as he did as he narrated it.
Campbell has, for the most part, lived a charmed life and, I'm very sure that most of that is due to remaining loyal to Tom Petty through thick and thin. But I will say, there's times through the story where I wanted to take him aside and demand that he stand up for himself.
Petty was a magnificent talent, to be sure, and an unstoppable force...but there's definitely times he took one of the greatest bands in the world for granted. He always talked them up in interviews, but behind the scenes, he didn't give them the respect, nor the rewards, that they were rightfully owed.
Yet, for all that, it's still refreshing to read about a guy who's able to constantly look around at where he is, who he's playing with, what he's got, and what he's achieved, and be grateful for it.
A really good book.
Campbell does a very good job of not slagging anyone, nor does he go heavily into the sex and drugs of the Heartbreakers' rock 'n' roll trip. So, if you're looking for dirt and nastiness, you'll have to look elsewhere.
But, without all that, this is still an incredible journey from living dirt poor to becoming one of the most beloved American bands. Campbell has memories to spare, and stories that will make you laugh out loud and others that will...well...break your heart.
I alternated between the audio and print version of this and I will say, when he talks about saying goodbye to Tom Petty, the raw emotion in his voice choked me up as much as he did as he narrated it.
Campbell has, for the most part, lived a charmed life and, I'm very sure that most of that is due to remaining loyal to Tom Petty through thick and thin. But I will say, there's times through the story where I wanted to take him aside and demand that he stand up for himself.
Petty was a magnificent talent, to be sure, and an unstoppable force...but there's definitely times he took one of the greatest bands in the world for granted. He always talked them up in interviews, but behind the scenes, he didn't give them the respect, nor the rewards, that they were rightfully owed.
Yet, for all that, it's still refreshing to read about a guy who's able to constantly look around at where he is, who he's playing with, what he's got, and what he's achieved, and be grateful for it.
A really good book.
March 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to the publish date. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to think of the start of this autobiography. While, it was detailed well written, I didn’t find myself flying through it. I suspect some of this is because I have started going the audio route with many memoirs in autobiographies, and perhaps I was in a bit of a reading lull. That all changed when I got about 40% of the way through the book. I flew through the back half in about four days. This was a fantastic read! While, I have a lot of respect for Mike Campbell prior to reading this book, I didn’t know much about his life or work outside of the Dirty Knobs and The Heartbreakers. I did manage to see him play both with Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac, but learned so much more about songwriting collaborations he was part of, music and musicians he has loved, and the people that he has spent time with. This was an excellent read, and if Mike does the audio version himself, I would be happy to listen to him narrate his life. This is a book I would consider re-reading. I give very few 5 stars, but this book has made that list.
March 24, 2025
A heartfelt story about a dirt poor kid from Jacksonville, Florida, Mike Campbell, who, after watching the Beatles on TV, teaches himself to play guitar.
After high school, he moves to Gainesville to go to college and ends up playing guitar with a local band, lead by another teen, Tom Petty.
Their story is well known, they head to LA to seek a record deal and fame. They are not an overnight success. Rather, a lot of hard work went into the band prior to their iconic success.
Campbell’s memoir is full of backstories, big performances and musical personalities! From a personal perspective, the love portrayed between Mike and his wife, Marcie, is very sincere.
Very emotional read.
After high school, he moves to Gainesville to go to college and ends up playing guitar with a local band, lead by another teen, Tom Petty.
Their story is well known, they head to LA to seek a record deal and fame. They are not an overnight success. Rather, a lot of hard work went into the band prior to their iconic success.
Campbell’s memoir is full of backstories, big performances and musical personalities! From a personal perspective, the love portrayed between Mike and his wife, Marcie, is very sincere.
Very emotional read.
July 17, 2025
Mike Campbell, guitar player for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, has written a memoir about his life in rock and roll, over 40 years of it in Tom Petty's band. It's honest, detailed, insightful, and emotionally moving, surprising for a memoir done with a ghost writer. The reader has to give full credit to both of them for wringing all that's to be had out of a story like this. The only criticism you can level at it is that it's so well-edited that it moves along at a brisk pace and those that may want to wallow in certain periods or details get moved promptly along to the next great story. From living on oatmeal in a Jacksonville, Florida, apartment and scuffling for bar dates to playing to the largest arena audiences, after making records that earned millions of dollars, this memoir covers it all and never loses sight of what makes it all human. A fine accomplishment. - BH.
June 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this one - mike has a good point of view on the entirety of tom petty’s career and I am glad that he took the time to share his incredible journey. Dividing the book into three parts was a good move as was splitting each part into many chapters - i picture Mike putting this together much like a three disc greatest hits album, with so many stories to fit into each part.
I wont add any spoilers here but mike’s connections to, writing for and adding to so many other artists songs was particularly interesting and an eye opener.
I wont add any spoilers here but mike’s connections to, writing for and adding to so many other artists songs was particularly interesting and an eye opener.
March 13, 2025
This book took me places. It took me to when I first fell in love with Tom and The Heartbreakers. It took me to all the times I saw them live. It took me back to all the thrills of the music.
Mike Campbell wrote a book that showed more of the bad side of Tom Petty than I think he intended. That’s a great thing. There’s two camps on him. One is that he’s the great American storyteller and the other is that he was a gigantic jerk. Mike has the receipts, he was both. The obsessive need that Mike had for Tom’s approval, to the detriment of himself and his career, was a big disturbing and after a fantastic beginning, turns the book into a Heartbreakers book.
Mike covers himself, past the early years, in stories about the music. There are beautiful stories here, so I’m not knocking it. But there’s not enough Mike outside of the music world. Does he like movies? Does he shop for all those great clothes or does he just randomly grab stuff? Does he ever eat a meal with his family? There’s no backstory to it. I was hoping for something more, but I’m insanely happy with what we got.
I would recommend this to everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Mike Campbell wrote a book that showed more of the bad side of Tom Petty than I think he intended. That’s a great thing. There’s two camps on him. One is that he’s the great American storyteller and the other is that he was a gigantic jerk. Mike has the receipts, he was both. The obsessive need that Mike had for Tom’s approval, to the detriment of himself and his career, was a big disturbing and after a fantastic beginning, turns the book into a Heartbreakers book.
Mike covers himself, past the early years, in stories about the music. There are beautiful stories here, so I’m not knocking it. But there’s not enough Mike outside of the music world. Does he like movies? Does he shop for all those great clothes or does he just randomly grab stuff? Does he ever eat a meal with his family? There’s no backstory to it. I was hoping for something more, but I’m insanely happy with what we got.
I would recommend this to everyone.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2025
Enjoyed reading a thoughtful story of the musical and life journey from my favorite guitarist from the Heartbreakers. Recomend for those who appreciate insight into the business, challenges, and joys of professional music from a talented, humble man.
May 30, 2025
Best Bits: The wonderful highlights of this book are Mike’s moments with Jeff Lynne (“He wrote all the songs on ELO’s double album Out of the Blue in three weeks and recorded it in two months; it sold ten million copies and had five hit singles.”). Jeff and Tom together wrote both “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down” in ONE day. For acoustic guitars they layered a J45, an Ovation and a Nashville high strung all playing difference voicings then all triple tracked. Jeff made Tom sing dry to make it more intimate like you were in the room w/ him. Tom & Mike had been used to reverb and delay. I Won’t Back Down used a Strat into the board and then for the solo a Gretsch Clipper and a glass slide into a cranked Ampeg Rocket. For the Jeff Lynne snare sound, track the snare separately pull the mics back and point them at the ceiling. Record all the drum parts separately so mixing is most versatile. With Jeff there was no drama [I personally spent five days with him and can attest to that – he is super cool – and funny]. Mike saw George Harrison do the slide solo on “Handle with Care” – he used Mike’s Strat and Mike’s glass slide and did it in ONE take. Jeff told Mike make a drum loop, then add guitar, then add drum fills to give it some life. Stevie Nicks would carry a notebook with her to jot down musical ideas and lyrics. Bob Dylan said, “Don’t stop when it’s coming.” Do a ton of verses and then pick the best ones.
Until page 163, Mike talks about the pre-Heartbreaker years, like w/ his failed band Mutcrutch that went nowhere. Reduced to one sentence those pages say: Mike grew up poor in Gainesville Florida and never expected to leave, but while Dolly Parton makes the poor years heartwarming and instructive, Mike doesn’t. After the end of Mudcrutch, Mike tells you about stuff most musicians know for another 100 pages, when he tells you how his engineer Shelly said getting the drums sound first is critical – if your drums didn’t sound great “nothing could move forward.” It took them “days” just to get the best snare sound. The top head of the snare tuned to a different note than the bottom head. They did more than 70 takes of Refugee to get it just right all the way through. Benmont Tench installed two rear view mirrors on his B3. Publishing royalties from co-writing songs with Tom (like Refugee or You Got Lucky) really helped Mike get through lean times. Sometimes Mike adds percussion to “glue the tracks together.”
Politics: A rare political concern comes out on page 331, when the Heartbreakers perform at Farm Aid during their Southern Accents tour and Mike thoughtfully expresses concern for the small family farms. Then Mike casually tells you he performed at two Zionist events in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem - the moral courage to support illegal occupiers.
It took them two years to record “Wildflowers” (1992-1994). Mike calls it Tom’s “greatest artistic achievement.” I’d say definitely not, instead it was “Full Moon Fever” and “Into the Great Wide Open”. I normally read/review only depressing non-fiction histories about US or Israeli illegal adventures, but I was sick in bed so to chill out for four mornings I read this harmless 446-page auto-bio. Couldn’t imagine reading this light-hearted book w/o a fever as I normally read first to learn heavy topic stuff.
Most musical bios I’ve read are underwhelming, and I often feel if you spent the 10 hours you’d spend reading this artist bio instead learning to play note-for-note on guitar what that same artist did on your favorite recordings - you’d learn more. Things I hoped this book would discuss but didn’t: Preferred picks? Preferred strings? Capo? Preferred amps for each style he likes to play? Preferred pedals for stage. His favorite guitars and why? e.g. I saw Mike do five Petty concerts with a Guild S-200 Thunderbird for multiple songs and he sounded amazing – so why not mention any relationship to that guitar’s tone/mojo? Instead, this book was written first for fans, not musicians who are fans. The GOOD news is I DID get a paragraph of useful info from reading this book, so Mike does let you into his world but I really expected far more detailed tracking arrangement histographies of their best songs: Free Fallin’, Won’t Back Down, A Face in the Crowd, You Got Lucky, Into the Great Wide Open, and Refugee.
Until page 163, Mike talks about the pre-Heartbreaker years, like w/ his failed band Mutcrutch that went nowhere. Reduced to one sentence those pages say: Mike grew up poor in Gainesville Florida and never expected to leave, but while Dolly Parton makes the poor years heartwarming and instructive, Mike doesn’t. After the end of Mudcrutch, Mike tells you about stuff most musicians know for another 100 pages, when he tells you how his engineer Shelly said getting the drums sound first is critical – if your drums didn’t sound great “nothing could move forward.” It took them “days” just to get the best snare sound. The top head of the snare tuned to a different note than the bottom head. They did more than 70 takes of Refugee to get it just right all the way through. Benmont Tench installed two rear view mirrors on his B3. Publishing royalties from co-writing songs with Tom (like Refugee or You Got Lucky) really helped Mike get through lean times. Sometimes Mike adds percussion to “glue the tracks together.”
Politics: A rare political concern comes out on page 331, when the Heartbreakers perform at Farm Aid during their Southern Accents tour and Mike thoughtfully expresses concern for the small family farms. Then Mike casually tells you he performed at two Zionist events in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem - the moral courage to support illegal occupiers.
It took them two years to record “Wildflowers” (1992-1994). Mike calls it Tom’s “greatest artistic achievement.” I’d say definitely not, instead it was “Full Moon Fever” and “Into the Great Wide Open”. I normally read/review only depressing non-fiction histories about US or Israeli illegal adventures, but I was sick in bed so to chill out for four mornings I read this harmless 446-page auto-bio. Couldn’t imagine reading this light-hearted book w/o a fever as I normally read first to learn heavy topic stuff.
Most musical bios I’ve read are underwhelming, and I often feel if you spent the 10 hours you’d spend reading this artist bio instead learning to play note-for-note on guitar what that same artist did on your favorite recordings - you’d learn more. Things I hoped this book would discuss but didn’t: Preferred picks? Preferred strings? Capo? Preferred amps for each style he likes to play? Preferred pedals for stage. His favorite guitars and why? e.g. I saw Mike do five Petty concerts with a Guild S-200 Thunderbird for multiple songs and he sounded amazing – so why not mention any relationship to that guitar’s tone/mojo? Instead, this book was written first for fans, not musicians who are fans. The GOOD news is I DID get a paragraph of useful info from reading this book, so Mike does let you into his world but I really expected far more detailed tracking arrangement histographies of their best songs: Free Fallin’, Won’t Back Down, A Face in the Crowd, You Got Lucky, Into the Great Wide Open, and Refugee.
July 19, 2025
Mike Campbell was the lead guitar player for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for 40 years. He was that and much more. I knew some of the background going in. I was a huge fan of that music, and have a Heartbreakers tattoo on my leg. They are definitely in the bands I would list at the top of my favorites list. I’d heard stories through the years about the band, and Mike tells it all in his memoir, simply titled Heartbreaker. It says it all and more.
For Mike, it was a case of rags to riches. He details just how poor they were growing up. His father was in the military, and it put a strain on the family that eventually fractured. There were also missteps along the way, as is the case in so many families. Mike learned from this, though, and it gave him a great outlook on life. Instead of being angry and resentful over the things he didn’t have, he saw the world through the eyes of someone who was grateful for all that he did have. This is probably the reason his partnership with Tom Petty lasted as long as it did.
Mike Campbell taught himself to play guitar, and he never stopped working at it or learning. That’s a big part of what made him a great guitarist. Too many decide they are at the top of their game and look down on the rest of the world. Mike seemed to approach every interaction and encounter as a learning experience. There are plenty of those in the book, which reads like a who’s who of rock & roll. Mike played with Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and more.
He doesn’t shy away from the controversies in the band or the problems. Drugs were there. He laments the losses caused by it, especially for those who didn’t make it. The appreciation he shows for what he achieved speaks volumes, though, especially about how he managed to make it through. California in the 1980s was a hard place to be, especially when you were a star with the people always telling you how great you are and wanting more of it. From reading this, I think that affected Tom Petty more than it did Mike Campbell. It’s Mike’s attitude of gratitude above all else that allowed him to stay with Petty in a musical partnership that is up there with Lennon and McCartney. Maybe even moreso, since they wrote together for much longer.
I liked seeing Mike come out from under Petty’s shadow after Tom Petty’s passing in 2017. I remember it distinctly because I was in Las Vegas when it happened, the day after we had been locked down in MGM during the tragic shooting there. Petty was his brother, and he loved him, but his death gave Mike the ability to perform out from under Tom’s shadow as well as the possible jealousy Tom had for Mike’s talent. At times it seems like Petty knew he was nothing without Mike and resented it. Whereas, Mike knew he was nothing without Tom and was grateful. I don’t think he gave himself enough credit, nor did he have that confidence in his abilities to strike back when Tom would sometimes dismiss his efforts. Whatever it was, though, it worked for them until the end.
It was a pleasure to get to know the quiet man alongside Petty for all those years. He comes across as a quiet, thoughtful man with a great outlook on life. He emphasizes focusing on the present and looking at life with that sense of gratitude. It’s something that is missing in our society, as people focus more on what others have that they don’t and are always trying to keep up. If more people had a philosophy in life like Mike, the world would be a better place.
This review is also available on my blog at Heartbreaker: A Memoir by Mike Campbell – Lessons from a Rock Star
For Mike, it was a case of rags to riches. He details just how poor they were growing up. His father was in the military, and it put a strain on the family that eventually fractured. There were also missteps along the way, as is the case in so many families. Mike learned from this, though, and it gave him a great outlook on life. Instead of being angry and resentful over the things he didn’t have, he saw the world through the eyes of someone who was grateful for all that he did have. This is probably the reason his partnership with Tom Petty lasted as long as it did.
Mike Campbell taught himself to play guitar, and he never stopped working at it or learning. That’s a big part of what made him a great guitarist. Too many decide they are at the top of their game and look down on the rest of the world. Mike seemed to approach every interaction and encounter as a learning experience. There are plenty of those in the book, which reads like a who’s who of rock & roll. Mike played with Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and more.
He doesn’t shy away from the controversies in the band or the problems. Drugs were there. He laments the losses caused by it, especially for those who didn’t make it. The appreciation he shows for what he achieved speaks volumes, though, especially about how he managed to make it through. California in the 1980s was a hard place to be, especially when you were a star with the people always telling you how great you are and wanting more of it. From reading this, I think that affected Tom Petty more than it did Mike Campbell. It’s Mike’s attitude of gratitude above all else that allowed him to stay with Petty in a musical partnership that is up there with Lennon and McCartney. Maybe even moreso, since they wrote together for much longer.
I liked seeing Mike come out from under Petty’s shadow after Tom Petty’s passing in 2017. I remember it distinctly because I was in Las Vegas when it happened, the day after we had been locked down in MGM during the tragic shooting there. Petty was his brother, and he loved him, but his death gave Mike the ability to perform out from under Tom’s shadow as well as the possible jealousy Tom had for Mike’s talent. At times it seems like Petty knew he was nothing without Mike and resented it. Whereas, Mike knew he was nothing without Tom and was grateful. I don’t think he gave himself enough credit, nor did he have that confidence in his abilities to strike back when Tom would sometimes dismiss his efforts. Whatever it was, though, it worked for them until the end.
It was a pleasure to get to know the quiet man alongside Petty for all those years. He comes across as a quiet, thoughtful man with a great outlook on life. He emphasizes focusing on the present and looking at life with that sense of gratitude. It’s something that is missing in our society, as people focus more on what others have that they don’t and are always trying to keep up. If more people had a philosophy in life like Mike, the world would be a better place.
This review is also available on my blog at Heartbreaker: A Memoir by Mike Campbell – Lessons from a Rock Star
June 4, 2025
A beautifully written and narrated story of Tom Petty's band by the guitarist Michael Campbell. One of the best band stories I've read.
April 13, 2025
Oh, the stories we could tell.
I’ve written before in praise of Mike Campbell, who only since Tom Petty’s death has stepped out of the shadows, both with his band The Dirty Knobs (who’ve already released three albums) and as the guitar replacement for Lindsay Buckingham following the Fleetwood Mac sundering. I guess we have Stevie Nicks to thank for pushing him into the spotlight: it was she who decided he would sing “Oh Well” on that tour, and even got him a vocal coach to build his confidence.
I’ve always thought of him as a modestly brilliant guitar player, the George Harrison or Vince Gill type, who plays for the song, and never gets in the way. His uncomfortable showboating in early Heartbreakers videos was always an hilarious highlight.
Campbell comes across in his memoir as exactly the man you might think him to be. He comes from a poverty-stricken and broken family, a straight-A student who nevertheless never imagined that he might be able to afford college. He was painfully shy, had low self-esteem, no confidence. He’s literally sitting alone in his bedroom noodling on his guitar quietly on the day that Tom Petty comes around to play with some of his housemates. Doesn’t even open the bedroom door to say hello. And then when his housemates taps on the door to ask if he wants to join in, he says, ‘Oh, I dunno…’ Didn’t think he was good enough.
Of course, he blew Tom Petty away. And Tom Petty was a man who always knew what he wanted and who he wanted in his band.
Campbell ultimately seems to have led a charmed life: well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? I suppose you have to, when all your dreams come true. But the kindness of strangers has been a real feature. The guidance counsellor who ended up meeting him by mistake and got him a college place and funding; the complete stranger who walked out of the woods and showed him how to play power chords; the other complete stranger who gifted him a beautiful Gibson acoustic guitar. And so on. I love his stories about how he came by guitars. The pawn shops, the newspaper small ads. He travels across LA to buy a 12-string Rickenbacker, and is disappointed when he gets there when he realises it’s not one of the popular models. But it ends up being the one Tom Petty is holding on the iconic cover of Damn the Torpedoes.
And that album! The story is familiar to anyone who’s seen the documentary film about TP and the Heartbreakers. But the torture they put Stan Lynch through, the stress, the endless takes and retakes. Amazing to think that a few tense moments between the Beatles grew into the legend of their break-up. The Heartbreakers had an absolutely torrid time making almost every single album – until Jeff Lynne came along and showed TP how to work less stressfully.
In the end, as Campbell says, it was worth it. I’ve often said that Damn the Torpedoes is the best album of the 1970s. On the other hand, the stress of being the Heartbreakers surely took its toll on the band. They were all told early on that they were secondary to Petty himself. Mike Campbell does so much work on every record, but when he asks for more money he’s told, “Yeah, but I’m Tom Petty.”
He really does sound like a very difficult person to work with. Brilliant, but selfish, egotistical, sometimes cruel. Campbell writes loads of songs, but when he dares to let Petty hear some of the ones he’s added lyrics and vocals to, Petty is brutal.
But he was Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen is Bruce Springsteen. To be in a band with these people, you just have to accept it. And they were an incredible band. But, I suspect, as much as they achieved, it could have been more. There was so much conflict, so much industry bullshit, and too much cocaine.
But Mike Campbell! That poor kid who at one point was selling blood plasma to make rent ends up touring the world with Dylan, playing the Royal Albert Hall with George Harrison, writing a massive hit with Don Henley, sharing the stage with Stevie Nicks… an incredible career.
This book is full of great stories. It gets a bit scrappy in the final third, because it jumps around a lot more, but it’s an excellent read.
I’ve written before in praise of Mike Campbell, who only since Tom Petty’s death has stepped out of the shadows, both with his band The Dirty Knobs (who’ve already released three albums) and as the guitar replacement for Lindsay Buckingham following the Fleetwood Mac sundering. I guess we have Stevie Nicks to thank for pushing him into the spotlight: it was she who decided he would sing “Oh Well” on that tour, and even got him a vocal coach to build his confidence.
I’ve always thought of him as a modestly brilliant guitar player, the George Harrison or Vince Gill type, who plays for the song, and never gets in the way. His uncomfortable showboating in early Heartbreakers videos was always an hilarious highlight.
Campbell comes across in his memoir as exactly the man you might think him to be. He comes from a poverty-stricken and broken family, a straight-A student who nevertheless never imagined that he might be able to afford college. He was painfully shy, had low self-esteem, no confidence. He’s literally sitting alone in his bedroom noodling on his guitar quietly on the day that Tom Petty comes around to play with some of his housemates. Doesn’t even open the bedroom door to say hello. And then when his housemates taps on the door to ask if he wants to join in, he says, ‘Oh, I dunno…’ Didn’t think he was good enough.
Of course, he blew Tom Petty away. And Tom Petty was a man who always knew what he wanted and who he wanted in his band.
Campbell ultimately seems to have led a charmed life: well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? I suppose you have to, when all your dreams come true. But the kindness of strangers has been a real feature. The guidance counsellor who ended up meeting him by mistake and got him a college place and funding; the complete stranger who walked out of the woods and showed him how to play power chords; the other complete stranger who gifted him a beautiful Gibson acoustic guitar. And so on. I love his stories about how he came by guitars. The pawn shops, the newspaper small ads. He travels across LA to buy a 12-string Rickenbacker, and is disappointed when he gets there when he realises it’s not one of the popular models. But it ends up being the one Tom Petty is holding on the iconic cover of Damn the Torpedoes.
And that album! The story is familiar to anyone who’s seen the documentary film about TP and the Heartbreakers. But the torture they put Stan Lynch through, the stress, the endless takes and retakes. Amazing to think that a few tense moments between the Beatles grew into the legend of their break-up. The Heartbreakers had an absolutely torrid time making almost every single album – until Jeff Lynne came along and showed TP how to work less stressfully.
In the end, as Campbell says, it was worth it. I’ve often said that Damn the Torpedoes is the best album of the 1970s. On the other hand, the stress of being the Heartbreakers surely took its toll on the band. They were all told early on that they were secondary to Petty himself. Mike Campbell does so much work on every record, but when he asks for more money he’s told, “Yeah, but I’m Tom Petty.”
He really does sound like a very difficult person to work with. Brilliant, but selfish, egotistical, sometimes cruel. Campbell writes loads of songs, but when he dares to let Petty hear some of the ones he’s added lyrics and vocals to, Petty is brutal.
But he was Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen is Bruce Springsteen. To be in a band with these people, you just have to accept it. And they were an incredible band. But, I suspect, as much as they achieved, it could have been more. There was so much conflict, so much industry bullshit, and too much cocaine.
But Mike Campbell! That poor kid who at one point was selling blood plasma to make rent ends up touring the world with Dylan, playing the Royal Albert Hall with George Harrison, writing a massive hit with Don Henley, sharing the stage with Stevie Nicks… an incredible career.
This book is full of great stories. It gets a bit scrappy in the final third, because it jumps around a lot more, but it’s an excellent read.
May 25, 2025
Enjoy this book, savor it, because it is so well written it will go by in a flash - leaving you wishing there was more to tell. Mike Campbell is direct, honest and he pulls no punches in this stunning memoir of his life as a Heartbreaker. Rest in peace Tom Petty.
May 26, 2025
Mike is one of the finest guitarists of the rock era, but extremely humble. If you were to tell him that, he would probably argue he wasn't all that great.
Even though this is ghostwritten, it's like a runaway train (I couldn't help it...) in how it flows and speeds towards the ending we all know is coming. For Mike, he continues on, grateful and grounded. He is a very shy introvert who made it on some of the biggest stages in the world. I respect that.
The book made me rethink some of my own ideas and prejudices towards band members, and I say that a a person who knows many people in this circle and who has heard it before. But when you hear it from Mike, the common sense does sway you.
Just an all-around great read.
Even though this is ghostwritten, it's like a runaway train (I couldn't help it...) in how it flows and speeds towards the ending we all know is coming. For Mike, he continues on, grateful and grounded. He is a very shy introvert who made it on some of the biggest stages in the world. I respect that.
The book made me rethink some of my own ideas and prejudices towards band members, and I say that a a person who knows many people in this circle and who has heard it before. But when you hear it from Mike, the common sense does sway you.
Just an all-around great read.
May 18, 2025
A lot of technical guitar stuff that went over my head, but enjoyed reading about the history.
April 17, 2025
'Heartbreaker' by Mike Campbell (with Ari Surdoval) 2025.
As far as American bands go, the Beach Boys' success was largely attributable to Brian Wilson, while the Eagles were defined by Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Although Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers functioned as a collaborative unit, guitarist Mike Campbell played a significant role in shaping their music.
Campbell is recognized as a co-writer on 36 Heartbreakers and solo Petty songs. He also composed the music, guitar, and keyboard parts for Henley's "The Boys of Summer," a song declined by Petty, which proved pivotal to Campbell's career. He further co-wrote Henley's "The Heart of the Matter."
Tom Petty's exceptional talent as a musical visionary and songwriter is undeniable. From their teenage years in Gainesville, Florida, through the final Heartbreakers performance at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2017, Campbell remained a steadfast companion to his longtime friend.
This memoir offers invaluable insights into band dynamics and Campbell's remarkable journey from poverty to fame. For dedicated Petty/Campbell enthusiasts like me, the story, particularly its conclusion, evokes a poignant sense of loss. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling account of a life shaped by a passion for music. Ultimately, it is a testament to the power of love and friendship.
As far as American bands go, the Beach Boys' success was largely attributable to Brian Wilson, while the Eagles were defined by Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Although Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers functioned as a collaborative unit, guitarist Mike Campbell played a significant role in shaping their music.
Campbell is recognized as a co-writer on 36 Heartbreakers and solo Petty songs. He also composed the music, guitar, and keyboard parts for Henley's "The Boys of Summer," a song declined by Petty, which proved pivotal to Campbell's career. He further co-wrote Henley's "The Heart of the Matter."
Tom Petty's exceptional talent as a musical visionary and songwriter is undeniable. From their teenage years in Gainesville, Florida, through the final Heartbreakers performance at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2017, Campbell remained a steadfast companion to his longtime friend.
This memoir offers invaluable insights into band dynamics and Campbell's remarkable journey from poverty to fame. For dedicated Petty/Campbell enthusiasts like me, the story, particularly its conclusion, evokes a poignant sense of loss. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling account of a life shaped by a passion for music. Ultimately, it is a testament to the power of love and friendship.
April 25, 2025
I really liked this book. As a musician’s wife, for 26 years, I completely understood all of the musical lingo and the ups and downs of being in a band. I’m glad that Mike found himself after so many years of being in “Tom Petty’s” band. My guitar playing husband always said that Mike Campbell was one of his favorite guitar players. I’m sad that he’s not around to have read his book. He would have loved it.
April 28, 2025
I’m giving this book 5 stars. I don’t do that unless it’s a book I want to read again. As a longtime fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty as a solo artist, Mudcrutch, The Traveling Wilburys and now Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs, I love Mike’s memoir. Thankful he shared his story, his memories and his amazing life as a musician.
April 17, 2025
Every TPATH fan will love this book. Hearing Mike Campbell narrate the audiobook is a plus. The story begins when Campbell was a boy. His love for music began early. Connecting with Tom Petty as a teen led to a lifelong bond.
There were a lot of lean years. Campbell subsisted for a time eating only oatmeal each day. Touring. Record deals. Writing music. Performing. There is so much here.
The story continues after Petty’s death. Touring as a member of the band with Fleetwood Mac. Dirty Knobs. Opening for Chris Stapleton and the Who.
At the end of the book, you can see how grateful Campbell is for the life he has lived doing what he loves the best.
There were a lot of lean years. Campbell subsisted for a time eating only oatmeal each day. Touring. Record deals. Writing music. Performing. There is so much here.
The story continues after Petty’s death. Touring as a member of the band with Fleetwood Mac. Dirty Knobs. Opening for Chris Stapleton and the Who.
At the end of the book, you can see how grateful Campbell is for the life he has lived doing what he loves the best.
April 14, 2025
An enjoyable read with rich details and fascinating insight into the dynamic of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Everything from the early days of Mudcrutch to the wild successes of the band are explored in an interesting and well-balanced way. What a great ride Mike Campbell has had playing with lifelong friends and growing so much as a musician. The respect and gratitude for his band mates is evident, and his unwavering admiration for Tom shines. Still, he’s fairly humble considering the vital contributions he made to the band’s success. I admit, I’m drawn to rock & roll memoirs and musician profiles, and in my opinion, this is right up there with the best ones I have read. (Flea, Keith Richards, Graham Nash). Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fans will be thoroughly engaged with intriguing stories of how some of the band’s classic songs materialized.
March 28, 2025
I’ve read quite a few music bios and memoirs, and this is one of the best. Mike Campbell is a born story teller, and his honesty and sincerity shine through. The writing is as amazing as the story, and you get a real sense of Mike Campbell as a person… if you love music, for love great stories, if you love honest writing, get this book and read it as soon as you can!
March 21, 2025
Good guy finishes first
Inspiring tale of humble rock career propelled to the top.mike you are quite A friend. Without you the collective tom petty experience would have exploded. Your steadfast commitment to tom kept the wheels turning.
Inspiring tale of humble rock career propelled to the top.mike you are quite A friend. Without you the collective tom petty experience would have exploded. Your steadfast commitment to tom kept the wheels turning.
March 24, 2025
Read this in like four days, couldn't put it down
May 25, 2025
It was a great account of Campbell’s time at the side of Tom Petty for over 40 years, as well as what he’s done since. I especially enjoyed his detailed description of how Full Moon Fever was recorded.
It’s a fantastic look at what it is to create music with others, and what concessions you make to collaboration. It has me listening to a lot of the music, which truth be told, is 100% the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been a fan of Campbell’s since before I knew his name some 46 years ago. This was moving, illuminating, and inspiring. I finished reading the book and immediately reached for a guitar to play.
It’s a fantastic look at what it is to create music with others, and what concessions you make to collaboration. It has me listening to a lot of the music, which truth be told, is 100% the soundtrack of my life. I’ve been a fan of Campbell’s since before I knew his name some 46 years ago. This was moving, illuminating, and inspiring. I finished reading the book and immediately reached for a guitar to play.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews