Wicked Mind

The Zoo Crew is spinning Wicked Mind by Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, a blistering rock track that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing. This song, the lead single from the band’s 2022 album External Combustion, is a raw slice of classic rock with jangly guitars and a driving beat. In a press release, Campbell described the recording process as a “spontaneous type of combustion,” noting that the longer the band played together, the more intuitive their chemistry became. The music video, directed by George Mays, adds a quirky twist, showing Campbell rising from a grave to perform—a nod to the song’s rebellious, almost supernatural vibe. Fans on Reddit raved about a live performance of the song in March 2022, with one attendee calling it a “fantastic show” worth a two-year wait, highlighting its crowd-pleasing energy.

Another layer to Wicked Mind comes from Campbell’s own reflections on his career. In an interview with Rock and Blog, he shared that he never pursued a solo career during his four decades with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers because he saw himself as Petty’s partner, not a frontman. However, the death of Petty in 2017 pushed him to step into the spotlight with The Dirty Knobs. Campbell noted that Wicked Mind and the External Combustion album marked a new chapter where he embraced singing and leading the band, channeling years of pent-up creative energy. The song’s catchy, earworm quality—described by BANDED as scratching “that rock ‘n’ roll-loving part of my brain”—makes it a standout, with fans already calling it a live favorite.

Mike Campbell’s journey to Wicked Mind and The Dirty Knobs began in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was born on February 1, 1950. His early years were steeped in music, influenced by the British Invasion and Southern rock sounds. As a teenager, he played in local bands, honing his guitar skills, but his big break came when he joined Mudcrutch, a precursor to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, in the early 1970s. Campbell’s chemistry with Petty led to a lifelong collaboration, co-writing iconic hits like Refugee and Runnin’ Down a Dream. His role as a guitarist extended beyond the Heartbreakers, with session work for artists like Don Henley and Stevie Nicks, and even a stint with Fleetwood Mac in 2018–2019. The Dirty Knobs, formed in 2000 as a side project, gave Campbell a looser, rougher-edged outlet, drawing on influences like The Kinks and Led Zeppelin. After Petty’s passing, Campbell fully committed to the band, releasing their debut album Wreckless Abandon in 2020.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. The band is active on social media, sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fans wanting to dive deeper, the Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot for discussions and updates. While there aren’t many dedicated fan websites, the r/tompetty subreddit often buzzes with Dirty Knobs chatter, reflecting Campbell’s enduring legacy. So, crank up Wicked Mind and keep rocking with the Zoo Crew!