At the beginning of 1979, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers found themselves at a critical juncture. Despite being a struggling band, they were on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. In rapid succession, they secured a new record contract, began crafting promising new material, and enlisted the help of a powerful new manager, Elliot Roberts. Roberts, known for his work with luminaries like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, was expected to guide the band toward success. This meeting with Roberts was highly anticipated, but the atmosphere quickly shifted when Roberts proclaimed, “There’s gonna be a few changes.”
The most notable change was in the distribution of income. Previously, profits from live performances were evenly split among the five band members. However, Roberts announced that half of the profits would now go to Petty, with the remaining portion divided among the other four members. To make matters worse, Petty himself was absent from this pivotal meeting. Guitarist Mike Campbell, now 75, reflected on this moment during a recent phone interview from his home in Los Angeles. “After so many years of being ‘all-for-one-and-one-for-all,’ we realised, ‘Oh, we’re at this stage now,” he recounted.
Campbell expressed his anger and frustration over the decision, revealing that their irreplaceable keyboardist, Benmont Tench, was “furious,” while drummer Stan Lynch was “positively apoplectic.” Lynch’s reaction was particularly memorable; he remarked, “Petty doesn’t even have the balls to show up to the meeting. There is no way I’m taking this deal.” Had Lynch’s sentiments prevailed, the band might have disbanded right then and there.
Fortunately, Campbell managed to quell the rising tensions. He recognized the unique chemistry that existed within the band, stating, “There was a magic in our music that never would have happened without the five of us together.” This delicate balancing act allowed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to remain intact for over 40 years, until Petty’s untimely death in 2017 from an accidental overdose. Their perseverance led to the sale of tens of millions of albums, including a Greatest Hits compilation that alone sold over 12 million copies.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Campbell’s memoir, titled Heartbreaker, delves into the painful compromises and decisions necessary to maintain the band’s unity. As the self-appointed peacekeeper, Campbell navigated the emotional minefield that accompanied being part of a band with a superstar at its helm.
In his book, Campbell offers an insightful glimpse into the complex dynamics that underpin any great band supporting a superstar. He acknowledges the inherent challenges, stating that he likely would have made the same decision Petty did regarding income distribution. “Tom could have said, ‘Put these guys on salary,’” Campbell noted. “But he made us partners instead.” This decision was particularly significant considering the band’s humble beginnings in Florida, where they faced a long struggle to achieve success.
Campbell devotes nearly 200 pages to their early years of hardship, emphasizing the reality of their experiences—from sleeping on worn mattresses to driving in freezing conditions while playing small venues. “People don’t realize how much sleeping on ratty mattresses and driving in vans in the snow and playing dumpy little gigs goes on,” he explained.
Initially known as Mudcrutch, the band faced an uphill battle for recognition. When they finally secured a record deal, Petty insisted that his name be prominent, reflecting his firm belief in his leadership role. The label initially wanted Petty to record with session musicians, but they soon discovered that the Heartbreakers had a unique sound that Petty alone could not replicate. “There’s a chemistry when guys are in a group,” Campbell said, emphasizing Petty’s desire for a cohesive band rather than hired hands.
Despite their initial struggles, their first album in 1976 and its 1978 follow-up garnered increasing radio play with hits like “American Girl” and “I Need to Know.” However, commercial success eluded them, making the stakes for their third album, titled Damn the Torpedoes, incredibly high. With the help of acclaimed producer Jimmy Iovine, who had recently achieved success with Patti Smith, the band focused on creating hit records. Iovine’s no-nonsense approach and demand for perfection ultimately paid off, leading to the album’s multi-platinum success.
Despite the album’s triumph, tensions within the band persisted. Campbell recalls how Iovine’s intense focus on the band’s sound pushed Lynch to the brink of quitting. Campbell included these struggles in his book to illustrate the emotional and spiritual toll that creating great music can impose. “It’s not like you waltz in and here it is,” he remarked. The band’s inner dynamics remained complicated, particularly as Petty and Lynch experienced ongoing conflicts regarding the latter’s role in the group.
By 1994, Lynch left the band, but not before achieving success through collaborations with Don Henley. Meanwhile, Campbell’s musical connection to Henley led to the smash hit “The Boys of Summer,” which became a lifeline for him during challenging financial times. Despite the Heartbreakers’ growing success, Campbell faced significant financial struggles, illustrating the myth of instant wealth in the music industry.
Throughout their career, Campbell and Petty experienced various ego clashes and communication issues, particularly when Petty began collaborating with other musicians without consulting Campbell. Their relationship became strained further when Petty’s struggles with addiction came to light. Campbell was hesitant to address these issues directly, knowing the conversation would not have been well-received.
As Campbell recounts in his book, the emotional turmoil reached a peak when Petty expressed a desire to disband in 1987, only to backtrack the next day. These moments highlight the delicate balance of being in a band reliant on a singular vision. Campbell candidly discusses Petty’s temper and need for control, which were characteristics that ultimately contributed to his struggles. Despite these challenges, Campbell’s diplomatic nature played a crucial role in maintaining the band’s unity.
Tragically, Petty’s story came to a close a week after the Heartbreakers’ final show, when he was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support. Campbell’s heart-wrenching recollection of their last moments together is a poignant reminder of the deep bonds formed through their shared experiences. “I placed my hand on his shoulder. I finally told him: ‘I love you, brother,’” Campbell shared, reflecting on the lasting impact of their relationship.
Today, Campbell continues to honor Petty’s legacy while pursuing his own musical endeavors with his band, The Dirty Knobs. He looks back on his journey with no regrets, despite the emotional challenges he faced. Writing his memoir was a profound experience, allowing him to relive moments from a life filled with both triumphs and tribulations. “It’s a deep experience writing about your whole f*ing life!” Campbell expressed, emphasizing the cathartic nature of reflecting on his past.
