New to the sub, and maybe it’s been mentioned, but I came to say that Mike Campbell is a GOAT. 

Sure, he’s listed as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time on many respectable lists, but to look at his contributions to so many genres in addition to his genius work in the Heartbreakers…well, it’s mind blowing!

If you’re at all curious, scroll down to the discography and check the sideman section.  Again, the difference in genres is outstanding.  His guitar is identifiable in almost every cut here.

I met him once.  Tom and the Boys played the Bridge School Benefit Concert in 2000 and I was lucky enough to see both nights.

Side note: here’s the band list -

Bridge XIV October 28 & October 29, 2000

Performers included: 

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 

Beck

Dave Matthews Band

Robin Williams

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Foo Fighters

Tegan and Sara

After the second night, I was flying back from San Francisco to Los Angeles (undergrad in LA at the time) and my dad worked for American Airlines, so I was blessed to get first class on stand-by.

While my girlfriend and I were passing out waiting for the last flight out (musta been midnight or just after), she elbows me and tells me to look at who’s coming: Tom Petty is walking towards the gate, looking like TP did at the time…not one to talk to.

I jumped up and shook his hand anyways, he said thanks, then we went our ways.

Fast forward to the flight, and in first class is TP, Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills!!!

Well, TP passed out, but the other four rock gods sat with my girlfriend sat talking about college, music and its future and best shows we’d all been to.

The flight was only an hour, but hot damn, that was an incredible hour!!

Mike (and the rest) was so interested in what I (20 years old) was doing, studying, thought of music and the world…it was amazing…

Anyways, thanks Mike.

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