You know that feeling when a legendary guitarist finally stops being the guy "next to the guy" and just owns the stage? That’s Mike Campbell right now. If you grew up on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, you already know Campbell’s DNA is woven into every riff of American Girl and Refugee. But honestly, seeing him with his own band, The Dirty Knobs, is a totally different beast. It’s looser. It’s grittier. It’s the kind of rock and roll that feels like it’s happening in a garage with a million-dollar sound system.
The buzz is all about The Dirty Knobs upcoming events, and 2026 is shaping up to be a weird, wild, and loud year for the band. We aren't just talking about a couple of club dates. They are hitting major amphitheaters as part of one of the biggest tours of the decade, and the ticket frenzy is already starting.
The Big One: Opening for Chris Stapleton
Basically, if you want to catch the Knobs this year, your best bet is the All-American Road Show. Mike Campbell and the crew have officially booked an opening spot for country titan Chris Stapleton.
It makes sense. Stapleton actually appeared on The Dirty Knobs’ 2024 album, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits, specifically on the track "Don’t Wait Up." They have this mutual respect thing going on that translates incredibly well to a live setting. Here is the standout date you need to circle in red ink:
- October 2, 2026: Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
Tickets for this specific show go on sale to the general public on January 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. local time. If you’re a fan, you probably already know that presales started on January 15. Don't wait. These Stapleton shows sell out in minutes, and while people are there for the beard and the country soul, the rock fans are there for the Knobs.
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Benefit Shows and One-Offs
Outside of the massive stadium and amphitheater dates, Campbell keeps things interesting with smaller, more intimate appearances. On February 21, 2026, there is a massive event called A Night To Honor Taj Mahal at The Masonic in San Francisco.
This isn't just a random gig. It’s a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and the lineup is actually insane. You’ve got Campbell sharing the bill with the likes of Van Morrison and Taj Mahal himself. It’s one of those "only in San Francisco" nights where the jam sessions usually go late and the setlists are anyone's guess.
Why 2026 Feels Different for the Band
The Dirty Knobs have been a "side project" for roughly fifteen years, mostly playing tiny clubs in L.A. whenever Mike had a break from the Heartbreakers. But since 2020, they’ve dropped three albums: Wreckless Abandon, External Combustion, and the latest, Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits.
They aren't a side project anymore.
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When you go to The Dirty Knobs upcoming events, you're seeing a band that has finally found its own identity. They play the hits—yeah, you'll hear Runnin' Down a Dream or You Wreck Me—but the crowd is starting to sing along to the Knobs’ originals just as loud. Tracks like "Fuck That Guy" (a fan favorite for obvious reasons) and "Wicked Mind" have become staples that stand on their own.
What the Setlists Look Like
Based on their recent "Acoustic Evening" at Sound City Studios in late 2025 and their Florida runs, the band is mixing things up. You get:
- The Heartbreaker Classics: They usually sprinkle in about 4-5 Tom Petty covers.
- The Deep Cuts: Campbell likes to dig into things he wrote but rarely played, like "Southern Boy."
- The New Stuff: Expect heavy rotation from the 2024/2025 releases, including the wistful new single "Heart of the Heartland" which dropped in June 2025.
Honestly, the chemistry is what sells it. Having Steve Ferrone (Heartbreakers drummer) behind the kit for many of these shows adds a level of power that most "new" rock bands just can't touch.
How to Actually Get Tickets
Look, Ticketmaster is a mess. We all know it. If you want to see The Dirty Knobs upcoming events without losing your mind, here is the strategy:
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Check the official Dirty Knobs website first. They often have "Seated" links that give you a better shot at presale codes than just refreshing a generic search page. Also, follow Mike Campbell on Instagram. He’s surprisingly active and often posts about "pop-up" shows or last-minute additions that don't make the big press releases.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're serious about catching them this year, do this:
- Set a Calendar Alert: For the Bristow, VA show, be online by 9:55 AM on January 16.
- Check Local Listings: The band often adds "off-night" shows in smaller venues near the big Stapleton tour stops. If they are in Virginia on October 2, keep an eye on D.C. or Richmond clubs for October 1 or 3.
- Listen to the New Single: Get familiar with "Heart of the Heartland." It’s been the centerpiece of their recent encore sets.
The window to see Mike Campbell in smaller venues is closing as the band gets more popular. 2026 might be the last time you can see this level of guitar mastery without needing binoculars.