Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Announce New Album 'Mission of Mercy'

The album features guest appearances by The B-52s' Kate Pierson and Morgane Stapleton.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittery guitar strings bathed in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the luxurious, high-energy glamour of rock music.The glittering textures and dramatic lighting of Mike Campbell's new album art evoke the vibrant energy of his latest musical venture with The Dirty Knobs.Minneapolis Today

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell has announced that his band The Dirty Knobs will release their fourth studio album, 'Mission of Mercy', on June 12. The 12-track record will include the lead single 'I Remember' and guest appearances from Kate Pierson of The B-52s and Morgane Stapleton. Following the album's release, Campbell and The Dirty Knobs will hit the road for a summer tour and make a special appearance in Atlanta to perform Petty and the Heartbreakers hits with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Why it matters

Mike Campbell is a legendary guitarist best known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and his new album with The Dirty Knobs will give fans a chance to hear his signature sound in a different context. The album's high-profile guest features and upcoming tour dates also signal that Campbell is still an influential figure in the music industry.

The details

The 12-track 'Mission of Mercy' album is available for pre-order now and will be released on June 12. The lead single 'I Remember' has already been released to digital outlets. Following the album's release, Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs will embark on a summer tour starting on July 7 in Minneapolis. Campbell will also perform a special concert on September 12 in Atlanta where he'll play Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers hits backed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, The Dirty Knobs will open for Chris Stapleton on October 2 in Bristow, Virginia.

  • The 'Mission of Mercy' album will be released on June 12, 2026.
  • The Dirty Knobs' summer tour will launch on July 7, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • Campbell will perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on September 12, 2026.
  • The Dirty Knobs will open for Chris Stapleton on October 2, 2026 in Bristow, Virginia.

The players

Mike Campbell

The guitarist best known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who is now leading his own band The Dirty Knobs.

The Dirty Knobs

Mike Campbell's band, which includes guitarist/keyboardist Chris Holt, bassist Lance Morrison, and drummer Steve Ferrone.

Kate Pierson

A member of the iconic new wave band The B-52s, who is featured on the Dirty Knobs' new album.

Morgane Stapleton

A singer-songwriter who is featured on the Dirty Knobs' new album.

Chris Stapleton

A country music star that the Dirty Knobs will be opening for on October 2, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“'I Remember' is a song written on the piano instead of the guitar. The Dirty Knobs turned my demo into a great rock track that has an ethereal, jam-like quality to it, which I really like. I can see it being a great song to play live.”

— Mike Campbell

What’s next

Following the release of 'Mission of Mercy', Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs will embark on a summer tour starting on July 7 in Minneapolis. Campbell will also perform a special concert on September 12 in Atlanta where he'll play Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers hits backed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, The Dirty Knobs will open for Chris Stapleton on October 2 in Bristow, Virginia.

The takeaway

Mike Campbell's new album with The Dirty Knobs showcases his enduring talent and influence in the music industry, even decades after his work with the iconic Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The album's high-profile collaborations and upcoming tour dates indicate that Campbell still has plenty of creative energy to share with fans.