Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers lead guitarist Mike Campbell recounts his life story in a new memoir titled Heartbreaker, which will be published on March 18, 2025. The book follows the lauded musician from his impoverished childhood in Jacksonville, Florida, to his hugely successful career as Tom Petty’s bandmate, righthand man, and frequent songwriting partner.
Videos by American Songwriter
Campbell co-wrote Heartbreaker with novelist and editor Ari Surdoval. An official description of the memoir calls it a “fast-paced, tender-hearted rock ‘n’ roll memoir for the ages.”
[Buy Life Is a Carnival The Last Waltz Tour ’24 Tickets]
Campbell posted a note on his social media pages announcing Heartbreaker. The 74-yar-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer wrote, “It’s the story of a poor kid from Jacksonville, Florida, who realized a dream through music. It’s a long journey through hard work, dedication, and luck.”
He added, “Playing guitar and writing songs has been my inspiration and purpose. It’s a story of hope, redemption, and gratitude, a testimonial that dreams can come true if you believe in yourself and follow your truth. It took two years to write, and it’s a labor of love. I hope you enjoy the ride!”
More About the Book and Campbell
As explained in the book description, Heartbreaker will include a look at Campbell’s early years, as well as delving into the many highlights of his adventure-filled music career through the untimely death of Petty in 2017.
Campbell grew up poor as the only child of a single mother. Mike’s life would soon change after his mom bought him an acoustic guitar for $15 at a pawnshop. A few years later, he enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
While in Gainesville, Campbell met Petty and began playing in Tom’s band. The two would become inseparable for the rest of Petty’s life.
As a member of Petty’s early group Mudcrutch, Campbell followed Petty to Los Angeles. After that band broke up, Mike became a member of a new group Tom formed, The Heartbreakers. The rest is, as they say, history.
Campbell’s guitar-playing would help define The Heartbreakers’ sound. He also co-wrote many of the band’s memorable songs with Petty, including “Here Comes My Girl,” “Refugee,” “You Got Lucky,” and “Jammin’ Me.” In addition, Mike co-wrote such noteworthy Petty solo tunes as “Runnin’ Down a Dream” and “You Wreck Me.”
Campbell also found success as a songwriter for other artists, including co-writing the Don Henley hits “The Boys of Summer” and “The Heart of the Matter.”
The book description notes that in Heartbreaker, Campbell “reveal[s] 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.”
Heartbreaker will be available in hardcover, as an ebook, and as a downloadable audiobook.
Campbell’s Upcoming Performance Plans
In September, Campbell wrapped up a tour with his current band The Dirty Kobs. The trek was in support of the group’s third studio album, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits, which was released in June.
Mike currently is taking part in the Life Is a Carnival Last Waltz Tour ’24, which got underway on October 19 in San Francisco. The trek celebrates The Band’s historic and star-studded 1976 farewell concert, “The Last Waltz.” It’s scheduled through a November 16 show in Toronto.
Other musicians participating in the tour includes Campbell’s Heartbreakers bandmate Benmont Tench, Jamey Johnson, Ryan Bingham, and more.
Tickets for the Life Is a Carnival Last Waltz Tour ’24 are available now via various outlets, including StubHub.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.