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July 12, 2026

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Mike Campbell, legendary guitarist of The Heartbreakers brought some of that Tom Petty sound to Northfield Park last night.

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Since Petty passed away in 2016, Campbell has released four studio album with The Dirty Knobs, the latest being Mission of Mercy which was just released last month.

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Most of the first set consisted with songs from their latest album that included "Let Me Back In My Dream," "No Regrets" and "My Mama Told Me."  

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After the first song, drummer and former Heartbreaker Steve Ferrone started to play a different song, so Campbell stopped the tune and had them start over leading him to quip, "It's not perfect, it's not supposed to be perfect.  If you want perfect, insert band here."

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Campbell also told the audience that they were on a mission to have people forget about everything going on in the world for a couple of hours.  And indeed, they did that in spades.

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The first Tom Petty song came half way through the set after Ferrone took center stage to talk about the history of The Dirty Knobs and how they formed.  His speech seemed to ramble on for a bit, but the payoff was great as the band launched into "Even The Losers."

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It was more Dirty Knobs songs for a bit that included "Fuck That Guy" and "I Still Love You" from Reckless Abandon.

 

Two Tom Petty deep cuts made the set, Mojo's "Good Enough" and "Don't Fade On Me" from WIldflowers that featured Campbell on acoustic guitar.

 

Campbell switched to a Gibson SG for "Armageddon" then switched back to his Firebird to end the main set with "Runnin' Down A Dream."

 

Then, something amazing happened.

 

Usually, bands leave the stage and come back for an encore and play one or two songs that are already on the setlist.  And maybe, they throw in a surprise song or change a song on the list.

 

Campbell and company did more than that.

 

They came out and did two fantastic covers of "It's All Over Now" and Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie."  Campbell then told the audience that he asked how much time he had and was told as much as he wanted.  That put a smile on his face and said, "Now we're gonna play whatever the fuck we want!"

 

The band then launched into a raucous version of Petty's "I Need To Know."

 

Campbell then asked for a guitar with a vibrato and the tech handed him a beautiful Gibson ES and he and the band tore into "You Got Lucky."

 

Afterwards, Mike said that he normally doesn't do this.  He said "I don't want to be a tribute act. We have our own songs, but I feel like playing these songs tonight.  I helped write 'em!"  He then asked if anyone had a request, and a man at the front of the stage shouted, "Listen To Her Heart."  Campbell then pointed his guitar at the guy, nodded and the band played a fantastic version of that song.

 

The trip down Heartbreaker lane, came to an end with another great tune, "You Wreck Me."

 

Campbell then thanked the audience and said that he will remember this show for a long time.

 

We will too, Mike.  We will too!

 

Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody, opened the show with some original folk songs and a few cover tunes.  Noting that after 60 years on the road, her father decided to retire from touring but she kept his fire burning with a great version of "City of New Orleans."

 

 

Photos and review by Greg Drugan

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