Happy Birthday to Tom Petty's right-hand man, Heartbreakers co-founder and lead guitarist — Mike Campbell, who turns 71 today (February 1st). Campbell was part of Mudcrutch with Petty prior to the pair founding the Heartbreakers in 1975, and along with Petty reunited with the band for their 2007 self-titled album. Throughout the years, Campbell co-wrote many of Petty and the Heartbreakers'' most beloved songs, including, “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “A Woman In Love,” “Love Is A Long Road,” and “You Wreck Me,” along with “Jammin' Me” — which they co-wrote with Bob Dylan, and “Runnin' Down A Dream” which the pair co-wrote with Jeff Lynne.
Last November, Campbell finally released his first solo album with his band the Dirty Knobs, titled, Wreckless Abandon, to critical acclaim. Campbell has postponed the band's upcoming tour in support of the album until the fall.
Mike Campbell is now an official member of Fleetwood Mac. In 2018, he and Crowded House leader Neil Finn were enlisted by Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood, respectively, to replace the band's ousted driving force, Lindsey Buckingham.