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Heartbreaker: A Memoir
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
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 26, 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 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 musicians.
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 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 musicians.
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.
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 24, 2025
Read this in like four days, couldn't put it down
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 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.
March 31, 2025
A solid rock memoir from the guitarist and co-songwriter for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. For fans, the story of the band is well-known but it's interesting to hear it from the perspective of one of the most important people in the story. While Petty by Warren Zanes and Conversations with Tom Petty by Paul Zollo remain the best books on this band – and some of the best rock-'n'-roll books in general – with the Runnin' Down a Dream documentary also an absolute treat, it's fascinating to hear it all from the perspective of Tom's right-hand man.
Mike Campbell co-wrote a lot of those hits, co-produced a lot of those albums and provided some of the finest lead guitar you could ever hope to hear, and in Heartbreaker he talks a fair bit about the challenges of being in Tom's shadow despite these achievements. To the book's credit, Mike does not place Tom on a pedestal, even if he is ringing with gratitude throughout, and there are some anecdotes – Tom's dismissal of what became 'The Boys of Summer', his lukewarm reaction to what became 'You Wreck Me' until Mick Jagger started sniffing around it – which show Tom's less edifying side. Tom could be ruthless and egotistical, particularly on band payments, and his put-down of Mike's 'Dirty Knobs' tapes (pp410-11) just comes across as cruel. How Mike Campbell takes all this in his stride, and continues to support Tom with love, goes a long way to showing how the Heartbreakers managed to stay together for so long. Heartbreaker redresses the balance somewhat in the story, as the titles suggest: no longer is the story Petty but Heartbreaker. Drummer Stan Lynch was right when he pointed out how Tom needed the band, and you would hope that Tom realised that and appreciated them, Mike especially, from time to time.
That's not to say this is a negative book; quite the contrary. In fact, it's because such candid anecdotes are a surprise that I remark on it. Mike Campbell is never fishing for sympathy and he is aware that he has lived a rich and exceptional life. Warmth and goodwill flows throughout the book, even if Mike's habitual avoidance of confrontation means he doesn't often challenge or reflect critically on events – not least Tom's somewhat avoidable death.
It's because it is such an exceptional life that all Mike has to do is stand out of his own way and let it be told. The book is simply written and this suits it perfectly. The Heartbreakers years are told with less depth than I would've hoped (one moment it seems like it's the late 70s and they're still trying to make it, and the next it's Wildflowers in the 90s) but with that ever-present warmth. The lasting impression of Heartbreaker is in its early chapters, as Mike talks with great rawness and honesty about the poverty in which he grew up, and the quiet desperation which held his family and would've sunk him too if rock-'n'-roll hadn't provided an escape. When you hear this story, and then everything wonderful that happened in the following decades, particularly told with such warmth and gratitude, you don't begrudge him a minute of it.
Mike Campbell co-wrote a lot of those hits, co-produced a lot of those albums and provided some of the finest lead guitar you could ever hope to hear, and in Heartbreaker he talks a fair bit about the challenges of being in Tom's shadow despite these achievements. To the book's credit, Mike does not place Tom on a pedestal, even if he is ringing with gratitude throughout, and there are some anecdotes – Tom's dismissal of what became 'The Boys of Summer', his lukewarm reaction to what became 'You Wreck Me' until Mick Jagger started sniffing around it – which show Tom's less edifying side. Tom could be ruthless and egotistical, particularly on band payments, and his put-down of Mike's 'Dirty Knobs' tapes (pp410-11) just comes across as cruel. How Mike Campbell takes all this in his stride, and continues to support Tom with love, goes a long way to showing how the Heartbreakers managed to stay together for so long. Heartbreaker redresses the balance somewhat in the story, as the titles suggest: no longer is the story Petty but Heartbreaker. Drummer Stan Lynch was right when he pointed out how Tom needed the band, and you would hope that Tom realised that and appreciated them, Mike especially, from time to time.
That's not to say this is a negative book; quite the contrary. In fact, it's because such candid anecdotes are a surprise that I remark on it. Mike Campbell is never fishing for sympathy and he is aware that he has lived a rich and exceptional life. Warmth and goodwill flows throughout the book, even if Mike's habitual avoidance of confrontation means he doesn't often challenge or reflect critically on events – not least Tom's somewhat avoidable death.
It's because it is such an exceptional life that all Mike has to do is stand out of his own way and let it be told. The book is simply written and this suits it perfectly. The Heartbreakers years are told with less depth than I would've hoped (one moment it seems like it's the late 70s and they're still trying to make it, and the next it's Wildflowers in the 90s) but with that ever-present warmth. The lasting impression of Heartbreaker is in its early chapters, as Mike talks with great rawness and honesty about the poverty in which he grew up, and the quiet desperation which held his family and would've sunk him too if rock-'n'-roll hadn't provided an escape. When you hear this story, and then everything wonderful that happened in the following decades, particularly told with such warmth and gratitude, you don't begrudge him a minute of it.
February 14, 2025
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There are many very flawed rocker autobiographies out there: some with an axe to grind, some desperate for attention again after flame fled, some with an agenda, and others just to name check everyone they have ever worked with in the past. This is not one of those. Campbell writes an engaging, heartfelt, honest, and very poignant memoir of both his own history and that with the four decades spent playing/writing with Tom Petty. This is definitely an autobiography that deserves to be read.The book is chronological, told with a pathos and quiet humility throughout. At its crux, it is yet another story of how a bandmate gets screwed in the music industry: always by the label and their lawyers but in this case, by his own bandmate as well. Yet despite all the ways that Tom Petty managed to take from his bandmates and treat them poorly, there is always a thread of gratitude and recognition that they would have none of what they do today without Petty. There isn't any harsh criticism of Petty despite that; rather, Campbell tells what happened with good clarity. You can tell that that is his nature rather than a false humility.
Along with the story of how a lot of the songs/albums were created as the lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, we also get an understanding of the band's original incarnation as mudcrutch and how/why it turned into a Tom Petty project. There are also great stories of the people Campbell's met and played with - from Bob Dylanm Stevie Knicks, Jeff Lynne, Carl Wilson, to George Harrison. Throughout it all, he marvels that he could meet those luminaries who inspired him and taught him throughout his career.
Also important is that he gives honest views of the bandmates and how they handled Petty's control issues. It is clear that Campbell has had nothing but respect for his bandmates and always played the quiet appeaser when interpersonal issues arose. Especially when Petty decided to change the split of royalties and proceeds in favor of himself. Campbell stood by throughout along with fellow bandmates Stan and Benmont, all due to their respect for Petty's creativity and presence.
In all, this really is a beautiful read. One of the best autobiographies for its candor, self reflection, honest assessments, and humility. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
March 19, 2025
I am very happy that I purchased this book on audible because when it dropped on Audible bright and early yesterday morning, and I couldn't start listening fast enough. This book was read by Mike Campbell which makes the audible version even more special because it was read by the author. This book is a heart felt memoire filled with the stories that are funny, happy, thought provoking, and some very sad memories. Mike writes about his life as a heartbreaker and about his amazing relationship with Tom Petty. Tom was the captain, and Mike was his co-captain. They didn't always agree, but they stuck together through good times and challenging timets. Mike also describes his life with the love of his life and soul mate, Marcie. They have been to hell and back together, but they have been together 50-plus years and have three children and grandchildren. Mike has had an amazing life, and his story is definitely not finished. This book is a must read for people who are Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fans and for rock n' roll fans alike. This is a book that will be very hard to put down once reading starts, so you better be prepared to go off the grid for long periods of time, or in my case, 16 hours in one day. This is a book that I will read again and again. Thank you Mike Campbell for telling your story and putting it out in the world.
March 22, 2025
I saw this book as a new release, and although I was halfway interested in it, I scrolled past it and moved on. Then, a few weeks later, Mike Campbell was one of the musicians featured on the FireAid concert in L.A where the proceeds helped the victims of the wildfires. So, that is when I put this book in my To Be Read list.
I enjoyed reading his story of how he became a guitar player (self-taught), and how he got to be a Heartbreaker. There were stories of how songs came to be as well, stories from being a traveling musician, and a lot of insight to the mind of Tom Petty.
I do like several of there hits. When the album, Full Moon Fever came out in 1989, I remember a lot of my fellow campers at the camp I attended that summer had the album, and it was played constantly.
I didn't know that Tom Petty and Heartbreakers played with Bob Dylan.
I didn't know that Campbell was in the sessions with The Traveling Wilbury's. Even that story was told; Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.
I didn't know Campbell co-wrote some songs for Don Henley.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I am glad, though, this book didn't drag on forever like some musician members I have read.
I enjoyed reading his story of how he became a guitar player (self-taught), and how he got to be a Heartbreaker. There were stories of how songs came to be as well, stories from being a traveling musician, and a lot of insight to the mind of Tom Petty.
I do like several of there hits. When the album, Full Moon Fever came out in 1989, I remember a lot of my fellow campers at the camp I attended that summer had the album, and it was played constantly.
I didn't know that Tom Petty and Heartbreakers played with Bob Dylan.
I didn't know that Campbell was in the sessions with The Traveling Wilbury's. Even that story was told; Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty.
I didn't know Campbell co-wrote some songs for Don Henley.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I am glad, though, this book didn't drag on forever like some musician members I have read.
March 22, 2025
Very enjoyable read. Campbell does a good job of telling the story of his life and, by definition, the story of Tom Petty, whom he played with for close to 50 years. Campbell had the foresight to hitch his wagon to TP well before they were known - and wise enough to accept that being TP’s right hand man musically was his destiny. No dueling egos on the part of Campbell.
While detailed and full of interesting stories for this fan of both Campbell and Petty, Campbell does seem to hold back on some things, perhaps continuing his commitment to “Just. Support. Tom.”. For instance, almost nothing on what went on during tours - salacious or not. Don Felder’s autobiography brought forward a lot of that, just how challenging it was for himself and the Eagles, and how temptation won out more than once. With several Heartbreakers married, including himself and TP, perhaps he is holding back a little there.
But overall this was well worth the time to read. It is amazing to read some of these band origin stories, about how they were impoverished for years and yet had the courage to ride it out to success.
While detailed and full of interesting stories for this fan of both Campbell and Petty, Campbell does seem to hold back on some things, perhaps continuing his commitment to “Just. Support. Tom.”. For instance, almost nothing on what went on during tours - salacious or not. Don Felder’s autobiography brought forward a lot of that, just how challenging it was for himself and the Eagles, and how temptation won out more than once. With several Heartbreakers married, including himself and TP, perhaps he is holding back a little there.
But overall this was well worth the time to read. It is amazing to read some of these band origin stories, about how they were impoverished for years and yet had the courage to ride it out to success.
April 4, 2025
I love Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Incredibly moving and deeply touching exposure of the American rock scene, and in particular, of the greatest and most memorable and unique rock and roll band that ever emerged. You don't have to be a fan of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to enjoy this Memoir. The writing is frequently poetic, always engaging and evoking both tears and laughter. There are twists and turns to navigate, lessons to learn and friends lost and found. Campbell is circumspect and gracious about dishing on other people's troubles--such as addictions and departures from the band. There is no axe grinding or cattiness here. Campbell is transparent about the joys and challenges of being the loyal right-hand-man to Tom Petty, and about his personal and financial and creative struggles along the way. I liked that Campbell's nerdiness is allowed to shine through as he effuses about beloved guitars he obtained along the way. Highly recommend.
March 16, 2025
I am a huge Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers fan, so I am probably predisposed to love this book. However, it was everything I wanted and a memoir from Mike Campbell. I love that he is honest and tells what really happened and how difficult Tom Petty could be. I love that he goes into all of the details of his early life and recording. I liked all of the background information that I already did didn’t know I’m all different song processes ever like. I thought this book was very thoughtful and I’m so happy that Mike decided to release it. It made me miss Tom Petty so much, but I’m so thankful that Mike is still here.
If you like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers or rock history, you would probably enjoy this book. Mike knows everyone including various members of Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Eagles, etc..
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for a copy of this ARC.
If you like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers or rock history, you would probably enjoy this book. Mike knows everyone including various members of Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Eagles, etc..
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for a copy of this ARC.
March 24, 2025
This is the best book I’ve ever read about not only the development of a world class band but all the musicians and others who provided their unique talents to the band over their lifetime.
Anyone who is a fan Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers knows how much Mike Campbell was the brilliant guitarist & writing collaborator to the heart of the band.
It was inspiring to hear about Mike Campbell’s perspective of the history of their music. After reading this Mike Campbell is not only a talented musician, writer and producer but is an exceptionally humble, loyal family man, hardworking human. I’m grateful he wrote the book and grateful we have the music of Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs. The music is refreshing and inspiring with a hint of history.
Anyone who is a fan Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers knows how much Mike Campbell was the brilliant guitarist & writing collaborator to the heart of the band.
It was inspiring to hear about Mike Campbell’s perspective of the history of their music. After reading this Mike Campbell is not only a talented musician, writer and producer but is an exceptionally humble, loyal family man, hardworking human. I’m grateful he wrote the book and grateful we have the music of Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs. The music is refreshing and inspiring with a hint of history.
March 22, 2025
I got this as a gift and intended to read just a few pages so I could mention things to the future recipient. Instead I spent the afternoon reading the whole thing. I liked Tom Petty but am not familiar with the whole catalog so some of the songs discussed I didn't know, but that didn't affect my enjoyment. It's not a down and dirty tale, but it is simply and honestly told. Campbell seems like a humble guy who never let celebrity go to his head. It isn't a hatchet job on anyone. What comes through most strongly is a love of music.
March 26, 2025
This book is as brilliant as Mike is on the guitar. What a lovely memoir- he might be the kindest, most grateful person around. His perspective on life and music and being in the Tom Petty Band are lessons we should all embrace. He is a wordsmith just like he is a music maker. Some of the passages in this were so compelling - I would laugh out loud or just be in awe and have to come in and read passages to my husband or send screen shots to a friend. Truly - not a book to be missed. What a gift it must be to be his friend.
March 24, 2025
for the fan in all of us
I have been a huge fan of Mike and Tom for a while and this is a special book.
I was lucky enough to see The Heartbreakers on that last tour when they came to Nashville, it will be one of the concerts I remember till last day. I have since become a huge fan of Mike and Knobs.
When I was reading this I could hear Mike’s voice just telling the story of how the Heartbreakers became one of the best bands in history. Thank you Mike
I have been a huge fan of Mike and Tom for a while and this is a special book.
I was lucky enough to see The Heartbreakers on that last tour when they came to Nashville, it will be one of the concerts I remember till last day. I have since become a huge fan of Mike and Knobs.
When I was reading this I could hear Mike’s voice just telling the story of how the Heartbreakers became one of the best bands in history. Thank you Mike
March 27, 2025
I haven't enjoyed a book this much in so long. The Audible version where Mike reads it is just outstanding. I've always liked Mike and respected his talent, but he's a quiet guy, and I did not know much about him personally. He seems like a kind, decent man, and he does a great job telling the history of his career with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Very enjoyable, and I can't recommend the book enough.
March 30, 2025
If you are a rock music fan or a Heartbreakers fan, you will love this book. Mike takes you behind the scenes to find out what the music biz is really like. I loved the way that he added details as to how he learned guitar solos and how he wrote songs. It really spoke to me as a musician. He came a long way from a rough childhood, through many personnel changes, and has become a rock star in his own right, though he gives Tom Petty most of the credit for that.
April 2, 2025
Outstanding!
This is a well told story about one of the most influential Rock bands in history. It is nice hearing it told from Mike's perspective. He does a great job of helping you understand the inner workings and the pressures of being in a band from the early days to the successful days and how each has its own challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account and will now go back and read Tom's again.
This is a well told story about one of the most influential Rock bands in history. It is nice hearing it told from Mike's perspective. He does a great job of helping you understand the inner workings and the pressures of being in a band from the early days to the successful days and how each has its own challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account and will now go back and read Tom's again.
April 4, 2025
Fantastic Book
I couldn’t put it down and I am annoyed that I got through it in 3 days . I’ve read every book about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers I could get my hands on and seeing the whole story beginning to end through the eyes of the now Legendary Mike Campbell was amazing, Mike truly belongs among the all time great Guitar gods and I am so glad he decided to tell his story. Thank you Mike Campbell for all you did for the Heartbreakers and beyond.
I couldn’t put it down and I am annoyed that I got through it in 3 days . I’ve read every book about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers I could get my hands on and seeing the whole story beginning to end through the eyes of the now Legendary Mike Campbell was amazing, Mike truly belongs among the all time great Guitar gods and I am so glad he decided to tell his story. Thank you Mike Campbell for all you did for the Heartbreakers and beyond.
April 3, 2025
As a long-time Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers fan, I LOVED this book! It was captivating, honest, unique, and fascinating. I’m super grateful that Mike Campbell wrote this book and shared his stories with the world 🙏 Anyone who likes rock music and grew up in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s will appreciate the many mentions of other rock stars and the various interactions and collaborations that Mike has had in his life and career.
March 3, 2025
very well written memoir about someone who's played a role in a lot of interesting musical events, mainly as the long-time guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and then later briefly in Fleetwood Mac and solo. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
March 24, 2025
I listened in one stretch on a long drive. Campbell is one of those guys who most people are unaware of, but who is a real rock star. And a nice guy. He willingly stood in Tom Petty’s shadow for over 40 years. It wasn’t easy. He tells his tale with candor and honesty. Recommended.
March 29, 2025
Highly recommend the audiobook if you want to read this. It was so interesting seeing the “behind the scenes” of so many famous songs, but it was the emotion Mike spoke with that really sold this book for me.
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