When are Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs touring next? The legendary rock outfit has just dropped some incredible news that’s sending classic rock fans into a frenzy of excitement!
Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs have announced a spectacular run of intimate “semi-acoustic evening” shows for December 2025. This unique tour format promises to showcase the band’s incredible musicianship in a completely new light, combining storytelling with stripped-down versions of their beloved catalog.
Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs Tour Schedule
Where can I see Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs perform live? Here’s the complete lineup of their upcoming West Coast dates:
• December 3 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Arlington Theatre
• December 5 – El Cajon, CA @ The Magnolia
• December 6 – Las Vegas, NV @ Jubilee Theatre at Horseshoe
• December 9 – San Francisco, CA @ Palace of Fine Arts
• December 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The United Theater
These shows are officially titled “A Semi-Acoustic Evening With Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs — Songs and Stories From Heartbreaker,” directly connecting to Campbell’s recently released memoir.
What Makes This Tour Special?
How is Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs’ acoustic format different? This intimate presentation represents a bold new direction for the powerhouse rock band. The semi-acoustic approach allows fans to experience the intricate guitar work and songcraft that has made Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs such a formidable force in today’s classic rock scene.
Campbell’s memoir “Heartbreaker” serves as the foundation for these performances, sharing incredible stories from his four-decade journey with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Expect tales about co-writing timeless classics like “Refugee,” “Here Comes My Girl,” and “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
Meet the Band Members
Who are the musicians in Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs? The current lineup features an absolutely stellar group of players:
• Mike Campbell – lead guitar and vocals
• Steve Ferrone – drums (former Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
• Lance Morrison – bass
• Chris “Sidewinder” Holt – guitar and keyboards
This chemistry between these musicians is absolutely electric. Since Chris Holt joined Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs in 2022, the band’s sound has evolved dramatically, incorporating garage-rock elements alongside their signature heartland rock foundation.
The Story Behind the Music
What inspired Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs’ current direction? Campbell’s memoir “Heartbreaker,” released in March 2025, chronicles his remarkable rise from poverty in Jacksonville, Florida, to becoming one of rock’s most respected guitarists. The book reveals intimate details about his songwriting process and collaborations with legends like Don Henley (“The Boys of Summer”) and Stevie Nicks (“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”).
Campbell describes his journey as “the story of a poor kid from Jacksonville, Florida who realized a dream through music. It’s a long journey through hard work, dedication and luck.”
Recent Musical Evolution
What’s new with Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs’ sound? Their latest album “Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits” showcases the band’s continued evolution. The record demonstrates how Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs have developed their own distinct identity while honoring the classic rock tradition that Campbell helped define.
The addition of Chris Holt has brought fresh energy to their live performances, with his garage-guitar attack complementing Campbell’s masterful lead work perfectly.
Classic Rock Legacy Continues
Why should classic rock fans care about Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs? These performances represent the continuing evolution of classic rock through one of its most important architects. Campbell’s guitar work defined an entire generation’s sound, and now Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs are writing the next chapter of that story.
The semi-acoustic format offers something truly special – the chance to hear these songs reimagined in an intimate setting where every note resonates. It’s classic rock news that has enthusiasts absolutely thrilled about experiencing this legendary musician in a completely new context.
How can I get tickets to see Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs? Tickets are currently available through artist presales, with general public sales following soon. Given the intimate venue sizes and the band’s incredible reputation, these shows are expected to sell out rapidly.
Classic rock artists like Mike Campbell understand the power of connecting directly with their audience, and this tour promises exactly that kind of magical experience. Don’t miss your chance to witness Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs in this rare acoustic setting!
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Sources:
- Ultimate Classic Rock: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/mike-campbell-semi-acoustic-tour-2025/
- King FM: https://kingfm.com/ixp/295/p/mike-campbell-semi-acoustic-tour-2025/
- No Depression: https://nodepression.org/the-reading-room-mike-campbells-heartbreaker-a-memoir/
- American Songwriter: https://americansongwriter.com/tom-petty-the-heartbreakers-guitarist-mike-campbell-releasing-memoir-heartbreaker-in-2025-its-a-labor-of-love/
- Hachette Book Group: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-campbell/heartbreaker/9781668648964/
- Mike Campbell Memoir: https://geni.us/heartbreakermchis
