Mike Campbell Reflects on Grief for Tom Petty
Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell has spoken openly about his ongoing process of grieving for his longtime bandmate and collaborator, Tom Petty. Petty passed away on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, following an accidental overdose linked to pain management for a fractured hip.
A Lasting Musical Bond
In a recent interview with The Sun, Campbell described the loss of Petty as being akin to “losing your right arm.” Having first met in 1970 and formed the band Mudcrutch together, the two shared a bond that Campbell characterized as a “musical and spiritual connection” as strong as any he has experienced. While noting they did not necessarily spend all their time hanging out, their professional and creative relationship was cemented by a shared admiration for the British Invasion, including the music of The Beatles, The Kinks, The Animals, and The Rolling Stones.
Reflecting on Petty’s early days, Campbell recalled him as a “hippie dude” who, like himself, was focused on being a professional musician rather than seeking rock stardom. “Tom was instantly unforgettable,” Campbell said. “He had this vibe around him of knowing where he was going – and he was smarter than anybody else in the room.”
Finding Solace in Performance
Years since the band’s final concert at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2017, Campbell admitted that while he is still grieving, he has learned to cope with the loss. He finds that performing Heartbreakers songs provides a way to honor Petty’s memory. “I like to perform Heartbreakers songs to keep them alive – to remember and revisit my time with Tom,” he explained. “It is bittersweet, but there are moments when I feel his spirit. He’s right behind me, saying, ‘Go man, go!’”
The guitarist’s reflections come as interest in the group’s early years has been renewed. On November 6, the box set Origins 1971-1978 was released, chronicling the band’s history before their commercial breakthrough with 1979’s Damn the Torpedoes. Additionally, surviving Heartbreakers members Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch, and Ron Blair reunited in September at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. They were joined by Chris Stapleton for a performance at the Americana Music Awards.
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