Phil Mitchell

Phil Mitchell

,Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Phil Mitchell III has been a drummer nearly his entire life. Picking up sticks at the age of three, he began formal lessons with Floyd Kennedy by five, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to rhythm and groove. His early years were shaped by his influential role at Paradise Baptist Church, where he played from 1978 to 2003, as well as his time in the Sacramento Youth Band, where he became a section leader and earned multiple Director’s Awards. A scholarship from the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society further solidified his path as a serious musician.

Phil’s performance resume is as impressive as his drumming chops. He’s played internationally, including at the 1986 World’s Fair in Vancouver, Canada, as well as at major venues across the U.S. like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, and Magic Mountain. As section leader at Luther Burbank High School from 1987 to 1990, he honed his leadership skills before going on to perform with The Midnight Players, sharing stages with legends like The Bar-Kays and Karen White.

A true gear enthusiast, Phil is an unsigned DW artist and proudly owns three DW drum sets, including a prized Collector’s Series kit. With Petty and Friends, he brings his wealth of experience, dynamic playing, and rock-solid groove to every performance, driving the band forward with energy and precision. While his bandmates may joke that he’s the best-looking member of the group, it’s his undeniable talent and rhythmic finesse that truly make him stand out.