Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs and Shannon McNally - Winnipeg, MB

For the first time in his storied career, Mike Campbell brought his latest band The Dirty Knobs to Winnipeg, treating an entirely packed Park Theatre to a night of rock 'n' roll storytelling, sharp guitar work, and a heartfelt celebration of both his solo material and his legendary tenure with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Shannon McNally. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

Opening the evening was acclaimed singer-songwriter Shannon McNally, whose warm blend of Americana, blues, and country soul made for the perfect lead-in. With a seasoned voice and sharp lyricism, McNally held the crowd’s attention with ease, mixing original songs with tasteful covers, setting a mellow yet magnetic tone for the night ahead. When Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs took the stage, the mood shifted to pure rock energy. Campbell—long known as one of rock’s greatest guitarists—seemed genuinely pleased to finally be performing in Winnipeg. “It’s about time, Winnipeg,” he told the crowd with a grin, and from the first notes of “Wreckless Abandon,” it was clear the audience agreed. The setlist was a seamless mix of Dirty Knobs originals and deep cuts from the Heartbreakers’ catalog, alongside a few well-chosen surprises. Songs like “Innocent Man” and “So Alive” highlighted Campbell’s knack for crafting gritty, melodic rock tunes with a timeless quality. The crowd roared with familiarity when the band launched into “Even the Losers” and “Love Is A Long Road,” two tracks that reminded everyone of Campbell’s role as a key architect of the Heartbreakers’ sound.

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs. Photos by Samuel Stevens.

A notable highlight was “Dirty Job,” a swaggering, bluesy romp that showcased the chemistry of the current Dirty Knobs lineup. Notably, filling in on drums on the Canadian tour was none other than Steve Ferrone—another Heartbreakers alumnus—whose powerful, precision drumming added weight to the night’s performance and gave the show a familial vibe for longtime fans.

Deeper cuts like “The Wild One, Forever” and “Fault Lines” offered emotional depth, while “Fuck That Guy” brought humor and irreverence, much to the crowd’s delight. The inclusion of “Don’t Fade on Me” from Tom Petty’s Wildflowers added a reflective, intimate moment that resonated deeply with many in attendance.

The encore was a full-circle celebration. Starting with “Shake These Blues,” the band led into an electric rendition of “You Got Lucky,” and surprised the audience with a cover of Tommy Roe’s “Everybody,” before closing the night with “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” bringing the Winnipeg crowd to its feet one last time.

For many, it was not just a concert—it was a rare opportunity to see one of rock music’s unsung heroes up close and personal in a smaller-sized theatre, playing the songs that shaped generations while forging ahead with his own creative voice. Winnipeg waited a long time for the return of Mike Campbell, but The Dirty Knobs made sure it was worth every second. It was a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll craftsmanship. Winnipeg hopes it won’t be another lifetime before The Dirty Knobs return.