Dirty Job (featuring Ian Hunter)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some gritty rock 'n' roll as we spin "Dirty Job (featuring Ian Hunter)" by Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs from their album External Combustion. This track is a raw, hard-hitting gem with a story behind it. Mike Campbell, a lifelong fan of Ian Hunter and his band Mott The Hoople, never imagined he’d get to collaborate with the glam-rock legend. In an interview with Noise11, Campbell shared that the connection started when Hunter’s team reached out for some guitar overdubs on Hunter’s own record. Campbell jumped at the chance, and in return, he boldly asked Hunter to sing on "Dirty Job." To his surprise, Hunter agreed, delivering a standout second verse and harmonies that give the song its gritty edge. Campbell described the thrill of working with one of his idols, noting Hunter’s distinctive glam-Dylan bite that perfectly suited the track’s Crazy Horse-style pummel, as highlighted in a review by Ultimate Classic Rock.

The song itself, with its tale of betrayal and tough choices, feels like a sonic punch, blending Campbell’s lead vocals with Hunter’s weathered charisma. In a Forbes interview, Campbell explained that he recorded the track first, then sent it to Hunter, who added his parts remotely, including some piano flourishes. The result is a seamless collaboration that feels like a live jam, capturing the spontaneous energy The Dirty Knobs are known for. Fans on The Dirty Knobs’ Facebook page have praised "Dirty Job" for its raw power, with some calling it a highlight of the band’s live shows during their 2022 tour. The track’s placement on External Combustion, as noted by BANDED, makes it a perfect fit for the album’s no-skips rock vibe, with its borderline grungy edge standing out.

Mike Campbell’s journey to fronting The Dirty Knobs is a story of passion and perseverance. Born on February 1, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida, Campbell picked up the guitar as a teenager, inspired by the 1962 surf-rock instrumental "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris, as he shared in a 2022 Consequence interview. His early years were shaped by the 1960s rock scene, drawing from bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. While studying at the University of Florida, he played in local bands, including Dead Or Alive, which included future Heartbreaker Benmont Tench. His big break came when he met Tom Petty in Gainesville, sparking a lifelong collaboration. They formed Mudcrutch in 1970, a band that eventually evolved into Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers in 1976. Campbell’s role as lead guitarist and co-writer produced hits like "Refugee" and "Runnin’ Down a Dream," cementing his legacy, as detailed on his Wikipedia page.

After decades with The Heartbreakers and session work for artists like Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, Campbell formed The Dirty Knobs around 2000 as a side project to explore a rougher, less polished sound. As he told American Songwriter, the band gave him a space to write and perform with a looser, garage-rock vibe influenced by 1960s bands like The Animals. Following Petty’s passing in 2017, Campbell made The Dirty Knobs his main focus, releasing their debut album Wreckless Abandon in 2020 and External Combustion in 2022. His official website, thedirtyknobs.com, offers tour dates and merch, while their social media—Facebook, Instagram, and X—keeps fans updated with tour photos and album news. Fans also connect on the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group, where Campbell’s work with both The Heartbreakers and The Dirty Knobs is celebrated, and on fan sites like tompetty.com, which honors his Heartbreakers legacy.