Mike Campbell, the former guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, recently talked about Tom Petty’s decision to keep performing on his last tour, even though he had health problems. In an interview with Guitar Player, Campbell shared his thoughts on Petty’s strong desire to finish the tour.
“Tom made his own choices, even up until the last tour,” Campbell said. “It was completely his decision—he wanted to be on stage. No one could stop him or change his mind. We suggested taking a break or delaying the tour, but he refused. He said, ‘Nope, I’m doing this.’”
Campbell made it clear that he never pressured Petty to continue. “I don’t feel guilty about it,” he added. “Tom knew that I understood him. He knew I wasn’t forcing him to perform or pushing him in any way. It was always his choice, and we respected that.”
These comments give insight into the band’s final days with Petty, who passed away on October 2, 2017, just a week after finishing the tour. Petty was dealing with serious health problems, including a broken hip, but he was determined to complete the Heartbreakers’ 40th-anniversary tour.
Campbell’s words show how dedicated Petty was to his music and fans. Even though he was in pain, he refused to stop performing. He wanted to give his best until the very end.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Tom Petty’s last concert was on September 25, 2017, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was a special night, marking 40 years of music with the Heartbreakers. Fans at the show had no idea it would be Petty’s final performance, but he gave it his all.
Since Petty’s passing, Campbell and the other band members have worked to keep his memory alive. Through tributes, special performances, and interviews like this one, they continue to honor Petty’s incredible legacy in rock music.
