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Benmont Tench honored with key to the city; Buster Lippum recognized for decades of service to Gainesville music
Summary
At the Feb. 18 ceremony at the Thomas Center, the city proclaimed Feb. 18, 2026 as Benmont Tench Day, presented Tench a key to the city and gave a mayoral arts award to longtime local music figure Buster Lippum, accepted by Greg McMillan.
The City of Gainesville presented musician Benmont Tench with a formal proclamation and a ceremonial key to the city during the Feb. 18 State of the City event at the Thomas Center.
Mayor Harvey L. Ward Jr. read a proclamation noting Tench's Gainesville roots, his role as founding keyboardist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and his influence on generations of musicians. The proclamation declared Feb. 18, 2026, as Benmont Tench Day in Gainesville.
Tench accepted the honor and reflected on his upbringing in Gainesville, thanking his family and the community. "I love this city so much," he said, describing early musical memories at local shops and clubs and dedicating the recognition to his parents.
The mayor also honored Buster Lippum for 59 years of service through Lippam Music, which the ceremony credited with helping nurture local and national talent. Greg McMillan accepted the mayor's award for excellence in the arts on Lippum's behalf and thanked the city for the recognition.
Mayor Ward said the recognitions include mementos for the city's Hall of Mayors and other tokens of appreciation; the event included brief remarks from the honorees and applause from attendees.
