Heartbreakers plan for UF homecoming
By Kelsie Wilson
The Independent Florida Alligator - Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Legendary rock band will return to Gainesville roots.
Gainesville rock band Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers will perform at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Sept. 21, according to a press release posted on the band's Web site.

The group will be stopping in its hometown as part of the Highway Companion Tour, a concert series commemorating the band's 30th anniversary.

However, an official at the O'Connell Center said the show has not yet been confirmed.

"We're still in negotiations, but we're optimistic about it," said Lionel Dubay, the O'Connell Center's facility director.

If the band does make it to Gainesville this fall, alternative rock band The Strokes will open for them.

The groups are set to hit the road for the third leg of the Highway Companion Tour this September in Chicago.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers have not performed in Gainesville since 1993, when they played at the O'Connell Center.

UF senior Juliann Giese said she expects the upcoming show to revive excitement about the group.

"At least 85 percent of the student body will want to go," Giese said. "Tom Petty is the epitome of Gainesville rock 'n' roll, and people respect him."