Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Mike Campbell Announces Memoir: 'A Testimonial That Dreams Can Come True'

Mar. 15, 2025

Mike Campbell playing guitar; the cover of ‘Heartbreaker,’ Mike Campbell’s upcoming memoir.Photo:Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Grand Central Publishing

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Grand Central Publishing

Legendary guitarist, songwriter and producer Mike Campbell, best known for his decades inTom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is ready to tell his life story.The band’s lead guitarist from its inception untilPetty’s deathin 2017, the 74-year-old rocker not only played on classics like “American Girl” and “Breakdown” — he also co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs, including “Refugee” and “Here Comes My Girl.”Campbell also wrote the music for hits like Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” and perhaps Petty’s most iconic duet, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” featuringStevie Nicks— and they later toured together in 2018 and 2019 when he served asFleetwood Mac’s lead guitarist.Mike Campbell performing with Tom Petty in 1977.Ian Dickson/RedfernsNow, he is heading from the stage to the page with his memoir,Heartbreaker, set to hit bookshelves on March 18, 2025.Whether they realize it or not, many people know the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s music, but “few know of the less-than-glamorous background from which Campbell emerged, and the sacrifices required,” according to a press release fromHeartbreakerpublisher Grand Central Publishing.“His rise was an at-times grueling dream come true that took him from the very bottom to the absolute top, where Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would remain for decades, creating an astonishing body of work,” the release states.‘Heartbreaker,’ Mike Campbell’s memoir.Grand Central Publishing“This is my book,” Campbell stated in a press release. “It’s the story of a poor kid from Jacksonville, Fla., who realized a dream through music. It’s a long journey through hard work, dedication and luck. 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,” he added. It took two years to write, and it’s a labor of love. I hope you enjoy the ride!”Reflecting on his career earlier this year, Campbell — who has been working as the singer and frontman of his band, The Dirty Knobs, since Petty’s death — told PEOPLEhe’s “gone through a bit of a metamorphosis.”Mike Campbell in 1977.Ian Dickson/Redferns“[With] The Heartbreakers, I had the easiest job in the world and I didn’t realize it,” he explained. “Tom did all the work. He was up there directing the circus, and I just sat there, ‘la-di-da, play guitar here, play guitar there.’ Now [with the Dirty Knobs,] I’ve got to remember lyrics, sing on pitch, lead the band.”“But I’m embracing it,” he added, “and I’m getting a lot of confidence doing it.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Heartbreakercomes out on March 18, 2025, and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

Legendary guitarist, songwriter and producer Mike Campbell, best known for his decades inTom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is ready to tell his life story.

The band’s lead guitarist from its inception untilPetty’s deathin 2017, the 74-year-old rocker not only played on classics like “American Girl” and “Breakdown” — he also co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs, including “Refugee” and “Here Comes My Girl.”

Campbell also wrote the music for hits like Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” and perhaps Petty’s most iconic duet, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” featuringStevie Nicks— and they later toured together in 2018 and 2019 when he served asFleetwood Mac’s lead guitarist.

Mike Campbell performing with Tom Petty in 1977.Ian Dickson/Redferns

Ian Dickson/Redferns

Now, he is heading from the stage to the page with his memoir,Heartbreaker, set to hit bookshelves on March 18, 2025.

Whether they realize it or not, many people know the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s music, but “few know of the less-than-glamorous background from which Campbell emerged, and the sacrifices required,” according to a press release fromHeartbreakerpublisher Grand Central Publishing.

“His rise was an at-times grueling dream come true that took him from the very bottom to the absolute top, where Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would remain for decades, creating an astonishing body of work,” the release states.

‘Heartbreaker,’ Mike Campbell’s memoir.Grand Central Publishing

Grand Central Publishing

“This is my book,” Campbell stated in a press release. “It’s the story of a poor kid from Jacksonville, Fla., who realized a dream through music. It’s a long journey through hard work, dedication and luck. 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,” he added. It took two years to write, and it’s a labor of love. I hope you enjoy the ride!”

Reflecting on his career earlier this year, Campbell — who has been working as the singer and frontman of his band, The Dirty Knobs, since Petty’s death — told PEOPLEhe’s “gone through a bit of a metamorphosis.”

Mike Campbell in 1977.Ian Dickson/Redferns

“[With] The Heartbreakers, I had the easiest job in the world and I didn’t realize it,” he explained. “Tom did all the work. He was up there directing the circus, and I just sat there, ‘la-di-da, play guitar here, play guitar there.’ Now [with the Dirty Knobs,] I’ve got to remember lyrics, sing on pitch, lead the band.”

“But I’m embracing it,” he added, “and I’m getting a lot of confidence doing it.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Heartbreakercomes out on March 18, 2025, and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com