Happy Birthday to Tom Petty's right-hand man, Heartbreakers co-founder and lead guitarist — Mike Campbell, who turns 72 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.
Coming on March 4th is External Combustion, Mike Campbell's second album with his band the Dirty Knobs. On March 9th, the band kicks off a 35-date tour in Tampa, Florida at The Orpheum, and will play both solo club dates and larger venues throughout the spring as the opening act for country star Chris Stapleton.
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.