In a recent interview, Mike Campbell candidly shared his thoughts on the tragic passing of Tom Petty in 2017, emphasizing that he believes he couldn’t have altered the course of events leading to Petty’s untimely death. Campbell expressed that his conscience is clear regarding the matter, reflecting a deep understanding of the boundaries within their friendship.

Tom Petty, who was only 66 years old at the time of his death, succumbed to an accidental overdose, a consequence of his struggle with pain management due to a fractured hip and the emotional toll from his marital challenges. These struggles had a significant impact on the Heartbreakers’ final tour, highlighting the complexities of balancing personal and professional life.

During his conversation with Guitar Player, Campbell recalled the delicate balance of respecting Petty’s autonomy. He stated, “With Tom, it was like, ‘Your private life is yours, and mine is mine. I can see what you’re doing, but out of respect for you, I’ll trust you’ll do the right thing. If you need me, call me.” This sentiment underscores the profound respect he had for Petty as an individual and artist.

READ MORE: Mike Campbell Announces New Memoir, ‘Heartbreaker’

Continuing the discussion, Campbell recalled moments where he could have intervened, saying, “I could have said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to cut this out,’ … [Y]ou could say that and he would just look at you like, ‘But I’m Tom Petty. I’m going to do whatever I fucking want. Get out of my face.’” This illustrates the strong-willed nature of Petty and his determination to live life on his own terms.

Campbell reflected on Petty’s choices, particularly regarding the last tour, stating, “Tom made his own decisions about what he wanted, even to the last tour. That was his decision – he wanted to go on tour. Nobody was going to tell him ‘no’ for any reason.” Despite suggestions to postpone the tour for Petty’s well-being, he firmly insisted, “Nope, I’m doing this.” This determination highlights the passion and commitment Petty had towards his craft.

When asked about the role of the touring schedule in Petty’s demise, Campbell remarked, “I don’t torture myself. My conscious is clear because Tom knew that I knew, and Tom knew that I wasn’t forcing him and getting in his face about it.” This reveals Campbell’s understanding of personal responsibility and the limits of influence within their friendship.

In their final conversation, Campbell recounted asking Petty if he was ready for the tour, to which Petty confidently replied, “I’m not staying home. I’m going out. I want to do it. If I have to be in a wheelchair, I’m going to do it.” This determination exemplifies Petty’s unwavering spirit and dedication to his music. Campbell concluded, “So I have no second thoughts about it. I don’t beat myself up like that.…I did all I could.”

Reflecting on the Heartbreakers’ Last Performance of “American Girl”

Campbell reminisced about the significance of “American Girl,” the iconic track that he believes encapsulated the essence of the Heartbreakers. He noted that this song was actually the final piece they performed together, which adds a layer of bittersweet irony to its legacy.

“Yeah. Irony,” he acknowledged. “But I don’t ever think of ‘American Girl’ as the last song we ever played together, unless somebody brings it up. It’s like one of the first songs we ever played together. I don’t have a sad attachment to it – it’s too much of an optimistic burst of joy.” This perspective speaks to the enduring spirit of the song and its ability to evoke positive memories.

“But I am glad we played that song together at the Hollywood Bowl,” he continued. “Every time we played it, the hair on the back of my neck would stand up. There’s something about it that’s just inspired and poetic and exuberant. It’s the Heartbreakers, that tonality we found that day between the keyboards and the guitar harmonics and the energy and the riffs.” Campbell’s excitement reflects the profound connection they shared through their music.

“That was the sound of our band. That’s what we sounded like when we were at our best. And that’s what we tried to do after that. That’s the sound we worked for.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the Heartbreakers’ identity and their relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

Watch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Final Performance