Wicked Mind

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Wicked Mind" by Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs from their album External Combustion! This blistering garage-rock track, released in January 2022, is a perfect kickoff to the album, delivering pure rock 'n' roll energy with snappy electric guitars and a catchy melody that’s sure to get you bopping. In the song’s music video, directed by George Mays, Mike Campbell rises from the grave to perform, adding a playful, rebellious vibe to the tune. Campbell described the band’s creative process for the album as a “spontaneous type of combustion,” noting that the longer they played together, the more intuitive their sound became. This track, with its jangly acoustic undertones and driving beat, has been praised as an earworm that captures the essence of classic rock while feeling fresh and modern.

Some cool trivia about "Wicked Mind" comes from its reception and Campbell’s own reflections. Fans and critics alike have called it a crowd favorite, with one reviewer noting it “scratches that rock ‘n’ roll-loving part of my brain in the best way.” The song was a strategic choice to open External Combustion, serving as a rock mission statement for the band. Campbell shared in a Forbes interview that he sees his music as a way to take listeners’ minds off the world’s troubles, inviting them into a space of “bliss and joy” through rock 'n’ roll. The track’s release was celebrated on social media, with a post from the band’s X account on January 25, 2022, hyping the video and the album’s pre-order. The song’s raw energy reflects the band’s live chemistry, honed over years of playing together, and it’s no surprise it’s a staple in their electrifying live sets.

Mike Campbell, the mastermind behind The Dirty Knobs, has a legendary career that started in Gainesville, Florida, where he was born on February 1, 1950. His journey began in the early 1970s when he joined the band Mudcrutch, which included a young Tom Petty. This group laid the groundwork for what would become Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, where Campbell served as lead guitarist and co-writer for hits like “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” His songwriting and guitar work helped define the Heartbreakers’ sound, blending rock, blues, and jangle-pop. After decades with the Heartbreakers and the tragic passing of Petty in 2017, Campbell found a new outlet with The Dirty Knobs, a band he formed around 2000 as a side project. The Knobs allowed him to explore a rougher, less polished sound influenced by 1960s bands like The Kinks and The Animals, giving him a chance to step into the spotlight as a frontman.

The Dirty Knobs came together when Campbell met guitarist Jason Sinay at a session and loved how their guitars meshed. They later added bassist Lance Morrison and drummer Matt Laug, creating a tight unit that played intimate gigs around Los Angeles for years. After Petty’s death and Campbell’s stint with Fleetwood Mac’s 2018–2019 world tour, The Dirty Knobs became his main focus, releasing their debut album Wreckless Abandon in 2020 and External Combustion in 2022. As of 2024, they’ve dropped a third album, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits, and continue to tour with a new lineup featuring guitarist Chris Holt. Campbell’s work has earned him a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of top 100 guitarists, ranked at number 79 in 2011, cementing his status as a rock icon.

For more on Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, check out their official website for tour dates, merch, and updates. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay in the loop on new releases and behind-the-scenes content. Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community can explore the r/tompetty subreddit, where fans of Campbell and Petty share love for their music, including posts about “Wicked Mind.” There’s also a vibrant fan site, The Fat Angel Sings, which dives into The Dirty Knobs’ discography and live shows. So crank up “Wicked Mind,” vibe with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive!