Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs with Shannon McNally at The Concert Hall

If it wasn’t hot enough on Saturday, Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs kept things sizzling into the evening with their performance last night at Toronto’s Concert Hall. The former Heartbreaker and his band delivered a show that was less about nostalgia and more about continuing their love of live music at intimate venues where “we can see the whites of each other’s eyes”.

Shannon McNally got the crowd warmed up with her stage banter and engaging stories. Mesmerizing the audience with her silky voice as she swayed side to side. Her flowing white dress added to the allure of her ethereal set of music. The first nod of the evening to Canadiana content was her beautiful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Cactus Tree.

The venue was humming with anticipation as the headliner took the stage. Cheers arose as the familiar sight of Mike’s black brimmed hat and dark sunglasses appeared from stage left. The band consisted of longtime Heartbreaker’s drummer Steve Ferrone accompanied by bassist Lance Morrison and guitarist Chris Holt who have both been part of The Eagles touring band. Kicking off the set with So Alive left no doubt that the rock’n’roll show was in town.

Having 3 albums out already and another in the can, this band has plenty of material for a heavy hitting night of music. Playing some of my favourites including Innocent Man, Dirty Job and the cheeky Fuck That Guy. Mike sprinkled in some Tom Petty tunes as well. Deep tracks like Hometown Blues, All Or Nothin’ and Don’t Fade On Me. Even the Losers had the crowd charged up, a poignant song championing the underdogs. Showcasing the new song Heart Of The Heartland, it’s clear Mike still has plenty of great stories to tell. The set closed out with the rocker Shake These Blues.

As the opening riffs of You Wreck Me cut through the air, we were all treated to another great Tom petty fan favourite. Shannon McNally and Holly B helped out with the encores. To the delight of everyone, the Knobs paid tribute to one of Canada’s most revered song writers, Gordon Lightfoot by doing the classic Sundown.

Mike Campbell seems to really be enjoying this period in his career. Happy to be creating brilliant new songs all the while keeping the memory of his friend and collaborator close to his heart. I’m sure it must be a cathartic feeling after a surprising and abrupt end to the Heartbreakers. For a consummate performer with a rock’n’roll heart, the road goes on forever.

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Be sure to check out MRG Live to see all the great shows they’ll be bringing to Toronto this year.