Tom Petty's Homecoming

Sept. 21st 2006, Highlights from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' pre-show press conference at the University of Florida's Stephen C. O'connell Center
(Video by David C. Houder/The Gainesville Sun)

[@AustinD88]

Tom's music is amazing. No matter how old he is his music and presence is timeless

[@mathmusic1490]

TOM IS MY MAN: I live 10 minutes from his boyhood home in Gainesville! He was a genius and his spirit is everywhere.

[@lissalehman1535]

Rest in Peace Mr. Petty - thank you for the many years of great music!!

[@balerjohnson3099]

I was 15 in '78 when I first heard Tom on the midnight special ..39 years or so later now and I have all the music Tom and the guys ever recorded . Never a bad song and heart as big as Dallas . Toms passing is a personal loss to millions .

[@VirginiaLynn1984]

I AGREE with you ALL the way!
I was just first row at his show, and I made eye contact with him...He made my heart melt all over the place! He is absolutely STILL VERY attractive!

[@VirginiaLynn1984]

yah, he may be getting old....But, if I got my hands on him, I would not be able to help myself! I love Tom!!!!
I went to the Gainesville show! It was the best time ever! I miss you Tom, Come back Home!!!!

[@lockleaze]

Tom Petty is still gorgeous.

[@dennis2931]

Im 37 and my mom took me to my first Tom Petty Concert whan I was 5 in Allentown,Pa in 1980. The concert sold out at the door so we sat and listened to the entire concert from the parking lot. Great memory! Thank you Tom Petty and thanks again mom you both rock!

[@TopJimmyWinn]

I live here in in Gainesville Fl, Were so proud of you Tom! :)

[@patentg8r]

RIP Dr. Petty… you are as much g’ville as UF. Tom and the boys are the best… thank you for everything . You are truly missed …

[@carolfidler5505]

Absolutely lovely. His smile is so special. 🎩✨💕

[@chariqlo]

he looks much older here than in his very last years. he's exhausted and apparently got to recover later. love this human.

[@oiaiofoster4775]

I First found out about Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at Age 13. Such A Remarkable Man & Group!!!!!!! He will be Truly Missed!!!!!!!! R.I.P. Tom Petty!!!!!!!!!

[@launaloehr9732]

I grew up with Tom Petty and his music.My best times were in those days. I had everyone of his cassettes. Now 57 I am so sad that he is gone, He is in my soul forever. Im glad you had your last Horra. You are Learning to Fly now. You have your wings!!

[@lowell5561]

launa loehr me too.

[@karenkaback]

The very first concert i took my kids to was T.P. and the H's.My sons were 6 , and are musicians. At 6, my son started drums and idolized this band. Front row seats!

[@catalinasimmons6314]

Me too!!! Rocknroll heaven. Next stop!!! Will miss you dearest Tom. You broke all the modes. We love you, Gainesvilles son.

[@nolefanocala4885]

I loved hearing Benmont say "y'all". His family has deep roots in Gainesville and they helped build a lot of it. There is a Benmont Tench Building in historic downtown named after his father. I was glad to hear he appreciates the town.

[@MicheleJane]

Wow, just now seeing this video. Really tugged on my heart when he mentioned the wall on SW34th St. I used to live in the apartments across the street from there in the 70's. Sure miss ya Tom.

[@motorcycleman3470]

Rest in peace Tom

[@chriswright8464]

RIP Tom, Love your music.

[@JakesWorldToo]

was there 80-81... he always will be a home boy!!! Petty Rocks!

[@marialane1805]

This is the sweetest thing!

[@carolfidler5505]

He’s Tom Petty! Respect. 💕💕

[@heydoode]

WOO!! HAPPY TOM PETTY DAY!! :)

[@FreedomRider1982]

RIP🙏

[@Tea-tc7pn]

R.I.p. Sweet baby blue

[@badellA86]

I think he looks too cute... :D

[@evelynbaron4428]

I'm used to making an ass of myself but sometimes it's not so bad when fools rush in. You thought he looked too cute????????? I know it was 9 years ago when you wrote. But this guy was the pinnacle of rock 'n' roll and one of the most generous people in the world. Glad he found Dana in time and eternally grateful for his music. Cheers. RIP Tom Petty

[@evelynbaron4428]

See below. His father thought he looked too cute and he got the shit beaten out of him from the age of four. So fuck off,

[@batshitcrazy4507]

Since the first time I heard Here comes my girl ...Billie Hyll Petty (me) Then he remarried and then he hurt his hip. The rest is history

[@shango02005]

Gainesville is a great town. I live in Ocala, just 20-25 minutes away and it's total shit compared to Gainesville. lol

[@kathylefrancis3154]

picture of health,as always

[@shawnmichaelduncan5951]

He looked terrible.

[@caroledge3054]

Rest in peace sweet young man, my daughter is still crazy for you.❤

[@tpathrules9928]

7 people are upset that they weren't there

[@estrozamochos]

Tom doesn't look bad for his age, but damn, Benmont and Steve look VERY young O.o

[@mikeb2546]

Bad lighting.

[@AustinD88]

a lot of makeup though. love him!

[@ritahall6628]

I do not recognize Tom here

[@alexkx8599]

Wow. They look horrible, don't they?

[@grgoldner]

Cigarettes turned him in to a prune.

[@carolfidler5505]

Rubbish comment

[@viktoriyagereluk8463]

And I wonder how you look like.

[@virginiapreston4735]

Pitifully druged!!!

[@carolfidler5505]

Rubbish comment

[@viktoriyagereluk8463]

And you think that saying that would of helped anyone?