The Power Chord Behind Tom
Mike Campbell was Tom Petty's right-hand man, his lead guitarist throughout his recording career. He, along with his co-writer, Ari Surdoval, has written a rare gem: a truly enjoyable rock and roll biography. Unlike many other musician autobiographies, Campbell avoids self-congratulation and doesn't overstate his significance in the music industry.
Tom Petty's backup group, the Heartbreakers, were integral to his signature sound. Mike Campbell, the lead guitarist, was an essential member, notably co-writing hits like "Refugee," "I Won't Back Down," and "You Got Lucky." His distinctive guitar work, as exemplified in the outro solo of "Running Down a Dream," is unforgettable. Campbell's influence extended beyond Petty's work, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, co-writing Henley's iconic songs "Boys of Summer" and "Heart of the Matter," as well as Nicks's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around."
Early in his life, Campbell faced many challenges. Growing up in poverty in Florida, he was forced to sell his blood plasma for $15 a day to buy food before finding success. The book also explores the journey of Petty and Campbell's early band, Mudcrutch, as it evolved into the Heartbreakers, including the difficulties they encountered. The band struggled to find its unique sound while dealing with producers, record companies, and internal conflicts. Resentment grew within the group due to the "Tom Petty and..." label and Petty's eventual dominance over the other members, who were told by management that they were merely "sidemen," and would be compensated as such. Campbell found himself acting as a mediator between Petty and the rest of the band, persuading them to stay together despite the challenges.
Mike Campbell's unassuming nature is part of what makes his book such a good read. He puts making the best music above all else, even if it means deferring to Petty and sometimes being at a disadvantage because of it. While the book includes stories and mentions names like Harrison, Dylan, and the Stones, it never becomes a gossipy tell-all. Although Tom Petty is no longer with us, Mike Campbell continues to make music and, thankfully, has shared the Heartbreaker journey with us.
...somethings are over
Some things go on
And part of me you carry
A part of me is gone -- "Walls" Tom Petty
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mike Campbell was Tom Petty's right-hand man, his lead guitarist throughout his recording career. He, along with his co-writer, Ari Surdoval, has written a rare gem: a truly enjoyable rock and roll biography. Unlike many other musician autobiographies, Campbell avoids self-congratulation and doesn't overstate his significance in the music industry.
Tom Petty's backup group, the Heartbreakers, were integral to his signature sound. Mike Campbell, the lead guitarist, was an essential member, notably co-writing hits like "Refugee," "I Won't Back Down," and "You Got Lucky." His distinctive guitar work, as exemplified in the outro solo of "Running Down a Dream," is unforgettable. Campbell's influence extended beyond Petty's work, collaborating with artists such as Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, co-writing Henley's iconic songs "Boys of Summer" and "Heart of the Matter," as well as Nicks's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around."
Early in his life, Campbell faced many challenges. Growing up in poverty in Florida, he was forced to sell his blood plasma for $15 a day to buy food before finding success. The book also explores the journey of Petty and Campbell's early band, Mudcrutch, as it evolved into the Heartbreakers, including the difficulties they encountered. The band struggled to find its unique sound while dealing with producers, record companies, and internal conflicts. Resentment grew within the group due to the "Tom Petty and..." label and Petty's eventual dominance over the other members, who were told by management that they were merely "sidemen," and would be compensated as such. Campbell found himself acting as a mediator between Petty and the rest of the band, persuading them to stay together despite the challenges.
Mike Campbell's unassuming nature is part of what makes his book such a good read. He puts making the best music above all else, even if it means deferring to Petty and sometimes being at a disadvantage because of it. While the book includes stories and mentions names like Harrison, Dylan, and the Stones, it never becomes a gossipy tell-all. Although Tom Petty is no longer with us, Mike Campbell continues to make music and, thankfully, has shared the Heartbreaker journey with us.
...somethings are over
Some things go on
And part of me you carry
A part of me is gone -- "Walls" Tom Petty
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
