Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs + Shannon McNally @ Rialto Theatre


On a sweltering June night, Parc Avenue was swarming with grey-haired dudes proudly donning an assortment of vintage Tom Petty T-shirts. A massive tour bus was parked right in front of the Rialto Theatre, and the smell of weed permeated through the humid air, right to the entrance, while the flustered box office agent tried to sort out e-ticket mishaps for all the boomers. It was one of the rare times that I wasn’t the oldest person there. (The staff and security at the Rialto were fantastic, and I’m super grateful for my second-row seat. To see a band so close in such an intimate and historic venue is a great privilege that I don’t take lightly.)

I never got to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers live, but a while back “Fuck That Guy” had popped up on my Spotify, and I was hooked. So when I found out that Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs were coming to the Rialto, I couldn’t wait.

Supporting artist Shannon McNally opened the show with a beautiful acoustic set. She greeted us warmly in French and won us all over with her beautiful vocals. Shannon is a masterful storyteller, rich with humour and conviction. Her voice was soft and intense as she skilfully strummed her guitar. My favourite track was “Banshee Moan,” with its poignant lyrics.

When Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs hit the stage, the energy level of the crowd immediately lifted. The average age in the room was at least 60, but at that moment everyone felt like a teenager again. Mike gazed out into the crowd behind his round black sunglasses and, with an impish grin, declared, “We got a set list, but screw it, we got a special request,” and began his set with “Silver Lining.” And then a silver-haired couple in the front row got up and started dancing up a storm.

They played three songs from their latest album Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits (which I love). Mike’s enthusiasm was infectious, as his lanky frame bobbed across the stage beneath his large floppy hat, like a young buck, switching guitars and playing like a pro at the height of his career. Smiling and nodding to his bandmates, like he couldn’t believe he was on stage—and neither could I. Mike is 75 years old and has lost more than his fair share of beloved musicians and friends over the past few decades. So to hear him sing lyrics full of so much joy and hope was truly inspiring.

And this is what you’ve waited for, there’s no waiting anymore

These are the best of times. This is the good life and all you dare to dream.

Mike is not only a phenomenal guitar player but also a charismatic frontman. His warmth, sincerity, and wicked sense of humour made us all feel connected in a very special way. He got us all to sing along to “Fuck That Guy,” and as our laughter bounced through the theatre, he then pulled a fast one on me.

I had a feeling it was going to be a fun show, but what I didn’t know was how deeply I would be affected by the nostalgia of certain songs. I expected a couple of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classics, but I had no idea which ones, as their set list changes. So when a woman walked across the stage and exclaimed, “It’s just the normal noises in here,” and the crowd went wild, it was like a gut punch. Those first few twangs of the guitar brought me back to 1979. I was 12 years old when Damn the Torpedoes came out, and it was the beginning of my musical awakening. And so many years later, I could still feel exactly as I did when I first heard “Even the Losers.” And looking at the crowd, I knew I wasn’t alone.

When Mike took a moment to introduce and thank his extraordinary bandmates, Chris Holt (guitar/vocals) and Lance Morrison (bass), he called Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame drummer Steve Ferrone to the front of the stage. You could feel the respect and admiration that has endured decades, as well as the brotherly affection that shone through their playful teasing.

There was a beautiful acoustic version of “Don’t Fade on Me.” And then they really kicked it up a notch with “Shake These Blues.” The boys played like they had to prove a point. They wanted to make sure we got the message—that they are the real deal and they can still play hard. As if we needed any convincing.

They really had fun with us during their encore, encouraging everyone to get up and dance. Shannon joined the band, the house lights went up, and Mike shared some more heartfelt thoughts.

You know I’m no spring chicken and I could be at home with the dogs, but I really love playing these songs for y’all. And I love this old theatre. It’s the perfect size to see everyone enjoying the music, where I can establish a rapport and create some rock ‘n’ roll healing.

And if that wasn’t enough to warm our hearts, they closed with Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown.” They could’ve just ended with “You Wreck Me,” but no—they left us with a Canadian classic, written over 50 years ago. Proving that great songs are timeless and great music keeps you young.

Review & photos – Annette Aghazarian

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