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Gainesville, UF honor Tom Petty

The star and his band didn't feel like Refugees when they visited old haunts in the city.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published September 22, 2006

GAINESVILLE - Rock icon Tom Petty came home Thursday.

"Every corner you turn is some kind of memory," said Petty, who grew up in Gainesville and hadn't played here in 13 years.

But he and his Heartbreakers were playing to a soldout crowd Thursday night at the O'Connell Center on the University of Florida campus. The concert sold out in 10 minutes.

Guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench were born and raised in and around Gainesville, and bassist Ron Blair lived in the area for many years.

Chris Machen, the University of Florida's first lady, presented Petty with the University of Florida's Distinguished Achievement Award, which is given to individuals for exceptional achievements in a chosen profession, for demonstrated leadership, and for other exemplary accomplishments.

She also made each of the band members honorary Gators.

Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan presented each band member with a key to the city and proclaimed Sept. 21 Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Day.

"It's a lot nicer than the one we got in Chicago," Petty quipped, holding his key.

Although Petty never attended the University of Florida, he once worked as grounds crew and planted a tree, which is now called the Tom Petty tree.

The band is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold more than 50 million albums.

[Last modified September 22, 2006, 01:12:56]