Electric Gypsy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Electric Gypsy" by Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs from their blistering album External Combustion. This track, a raw and twangy closer to the 11-song record, came to life in a flash of inspiration. Mike Campbell himself shared on Facebook that the song hit him just before a studio session, and the band nailed it in one take—guitar solo and all. That spontaneous energy pulses through the track, capturing the band’s live-wire chemistry. Campbell called it one of his favorite songs on the album, and it’s no wonder why: its desert-road vibe and gritty riffs feel like a rock ‘n’ roll caravan under a starry sky.

The music video for "Electric Gypsy," directed by George Mays, brings that nomadic spirit to life. Picture the band cruising in a motor home with friends, pulling over to jam around a fire pit in the desert. It’s a visual love letter to the open road, a theme Campbell connects to deeply after decades touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In a 2022 interview with Forbes, Campbell explained how the song’s travel imagery ties to his life on tour, feeding off the crowd’s energy night after night. The single, released on February 14, 2022, as announced on X, set the stage for the album’s March 4 drop, hyping fans with its infectious, one-take magic.

Mike Campbell, the mastermind behind The Dirty Knobs, kicked off his musical journey in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was born on February 1, 1950. His love for the guitar sparked at 16 when his mother bought him a Harmony acoustic from a pawnshop—though he later called it “unplayable.” A friend’s Gibson SG changed everything, igniting a passion that led him to co-found Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in the 1970s. As the band’s lead guitarist, Campbell co-wrote hits like “Refugee” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. His work extended beyond the Heartbreakers, with session gigs for Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, crafting classics like “The Boys of Summer.” After Petty’s passing in 2017, Campbell poured his heart into The Dirty Knobs, a band he’d formed around 2000 as a side project for raw, unpolished rock.

The Dirty Knobs, named after the gritty sound of a busted amp dial, started as a loose outlet for Campbell to explore a rougher edge—think Kinks, Zeppelin, and Animals vibes. With guitarist Jason Sinay, bassist Lance Morrison, and drummer Matt Laug, they played small LA clubs for years, honing their sound. After Petty’s death and Campbell’s stint with Fleetwood Mac in 2018-2019, the band went full throttle, releasing their debut Wreckless Abandon in 2020. By 2022, when External Combustion hit, they’d evolved into a tight, intuitive unit, with new guitarist Chris Holt adding fresh fire. As of 2024, they’ve dropped three albums, with Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits earning praise for its dynamic range.

For more on Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Stay in the loop with their Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes vibes. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans can join the Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Fan Group on Facebook, a hub for sharing love for the band’s gritty rock. You can also dive into fan discussions on the r/tompetty subreddit, where Knobs posts, like one praising “Electric Gypsy” in 2022, keep the spirit alive. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!