# Mike Campbell on Tom Petty's Lasting Presence

> Mike Campbell says Tom Petty's spirit guides him nine years after his death.
- Title: Mike Campbell on Tom Petty's Lasting Presence | Shortify
- Summary: Mike Campbell says Tom Petty's spirit guides him nine years after his death. Mike Campbell still feels Tom Petty's presence nine years after his death, using…
- Keywords: mike campbell, tom petty, heartbreakers, grief, music, rock music, tom petty and the heartbreakers, American Songwriter
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/nine-years-after-tom-pettys-death-mike-campbell-reveals-why-he-still-feels-his-late-bandmate-beside-him
- Author: Chris Piner
- Published: 2026-11-12T21:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike campbell, tom petty, heartbreakers, grief, music, rock music, tom petty and the heartbreakers, culture
## Tom Petty's death
Mike Campbell says Tom Petty died on October 2, 2017, at 66 after a fractured hip.
## Campbell's career after Petty
Campbell performed with Fleetwood Mac and his band the Dirty Knobs after Petty's death.
## Petty's influence on Campbell
Campbell recalls Petty as a 'hippie dude' with a swagger who inspired their music dreams.

> Tom was instantly unforgettable. Of course, he had the long blond hair, but he also had a swagger.
## Campbell's lasting connection
Campbell feels Petty's spirit beside him, using Heartbreakers songs to cope with grief.

> I can’t believe it’s nine years. But as time goes on I’ve dealt with the grief better.
## Key takeaway

Mike Campbell still feels Tom Petty's presence nine years after his death, using Heartbreakers songs to cope with grief.