City Honors Heartbreakers
Gainesville Sun - October 3, 1985

It was recognition from a former musician to a present musician on Wednesday night when Gainesville Mayor-Commissioner Gary Gordon declared October as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers month.

Gordon, who played in several local bands before turning his attention to politics, presented a proclamation to drummer Stan Lynch, the only one of the Heartbreakers still living in the Gainesville area.

The recognition came for the band's contributions to Live Aid and Farm Aid, two benefit concerts.

"(I) ask all out citizens to recognize the hard work, dedication, time and energy contributed by these musicians to the worthy efforts of the Live Aid and Farm Aid concerts, organizations, and goals," Gordon's proclamation said.

"I would have never imagined 15 years ago that two musicians would end up doing anything so honorable," Lynch said after accepting the proclamation for the group. He also recieved a key to the city from Gordon.

Lynch said he was deeply honored by the proclamation, saying, "I'm real proud of Gainesville. I always have been."

Band members Tom Petty, Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell are also Gainesville natives, who, along with bass player Howie Epstein, live in Los Angeles.