Lifetime rocker Mike Campbell returns with his third album with the Dirty Knobs, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits. Campbell, longtime lead guitarist for Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, continues to do what he does best with an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and country influences, bringing along an impressive roster of guest artists including Lucinda Williams, Graham Nash, Chris Stapleton, and fellow Heartbreaker Benmont Tench. Following the success of Wreckless Abandon in 2020 and External Combustion in 2022, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits is the latest chapter in Campbell's post-Heartbreakers adventure, and is infused with the raw, unfiltered energy that he and the Dirty Knobs have become known for.

The free-spirited ethos and playfulness is palpable throughout the album. Lucinda Williams brings her gritty, soulful vocals to the mix, while Graham Nash's harmonies add layers of depth and a touch of nostalgia. Chris Stapleton's voice and guitar work blend seamlessly with Campbell's, creating a sound that's past, present, and future all at once. And, of course, Benmont Tench's keyboards provide the familiar touch that Heartbreakers fans will instantly recognize and appreciate.

Campbell's career is nothing short of a rock and roll dream come true. From his breakthrough as a Heartbreaker in 1976 until Tom Petty's untimely passing in 2017, his guitar work became the backbone of some of the most beloved rock anthems to burst out of stereo speakers, including “American Girl” and “Don’t Do Me Like That.” Beyond his work with Petty, his playing has graced four Bob Dylan albums, many of Stevie Nicks' solo records, not to mention working with a veritable who's who of music legends like Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, and Mary J. Blige. The genesis of the Dirty Knobs dates back 15 years when Campbell met guitarist Jason Sinay during a session. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon after, bassist Lance Morrison and drummer Matt Laug joined the fold. The Dirty Knobs provide Campbell with a creative playground, a space where he can experiment without the constraints of commercial success or the pressures of fame, all while staying true to his rock roots.