Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell Preps ‘Heartbreaker’ Memoir

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers lead guitarist and co-songwriter Mike Campbell announced a memoir, Heartbreaker. The book co-written with Ari Surdoval arrives on March 18, 2025 via Grand Central Publishing.

Mike Campbell helped found Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in 1976 and was also with Tom in the proto-Heartbreaker band Mudcrutch. Campbell’s guitar playing in the Heartbreakers cannot be overstated. A riff master and precise soloist, his iconic melodies are inextricably entwined with the Tom Petty catalog and are at the forefront of songs like “The Waiting,” “Breakdown,” “American Girl,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”

Perhaps less celebrated but no less important is Campbell’s immense skill as a songwriter. While often not included in the pantheon of songwriting tandems, Petty and Campbell are on par with Lennon/McCartney, Jagger/Richards, John/Taupin and Hunter/Garcia. Campbell and Petty wrote massive hits together such as “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” “You Got Lucky,” “Runnin’ Down a Dream” and more. Mike also co-wrote hits for other artists including Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” and with Petty for Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”

Additionally, Heartbreaker gives a glimpse into Campbell’s “less-than-glamorous background,” as per a press release.

“This is my book,” Campbell stated. “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. 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!”

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs are set to perform at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey on November 4. Find ticket info for the show below.