GoneGator Mailing List - I was thinking of starting a mailing list to notify users of any new additions to the site (Pictures, Tour Dates, News, etc.). We could also use it for ticket swapping "when the time comes."

Today I added a "Current Visitors" line to the bottom of all the pages. You can see how many people are using the site at any given moment.

Heartbreakers History - I noticed that the official site has added "Notable Dates In Heartbreakers History." I think that's a great idea, but I noticed that they left out one (or more) of the more historic Heartbreakers moments. Of course, this is in my opinion, but I think a couple of you may feel the same way.

On February 26, 1999, The April 13th release of Echo was announced as well as another run of 7 shows at the Fillmore. As Joel Selvin observed in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1997: "What it will mean in the long run to Petty and the band, only time will tell. In the meantime, what is happening at the Fillmore is nothing less than rock `n' roll at its best. And nothing less than the making of a significant piece of rock `n' roll history."

In March of 1999 the New York Irvine Plaza shows were announced.

This May "Mini-Tour", I think, is planned in the same spirit as the Fillmore shows. It sounds like the band just wants to PLAY!

Tour Rumours Confirmed - For those who don't use the official BBS, the May "Mini Tour" has been confirmed by Tom Petty's girlfriend, Dana. My friend Pochahontas has also told me that Howie has confirmed the tour as well. Unfortunately, from what I've heard, this tour will only take place on the west coast.

Dana also mentioned that Tom has been working in the studio almost every day and that the band will be in the studio after the "Mini Tour". So, I'm hoping for a new release this summer or fall. Hopefully, followed by a full scale tour.

Pochahontas told me that she would let me know of specific venues and dates as soon as she finds out.

Mike Campbell/Tour Rumors - Thanks to Surfnburn (Visit Wild Blue Gator!) for letting me know that Mike was born in Panama City and raised in Jacksonville. Surfnburn recently posted this message from the Tom Petty newsgroup (alt.music.tom-petty):

"A very reliable source confirms as of today that Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will indeed be on Tour this summer beginning in May --- at least that is the plan as of this minute --- several venues have already been either booked or are in the process of being booked!!"

I'm trying to confirm the rumor through my sources (I kind of sound important, huh? haha). I will let y'all know as soon as I find out.

Tom Petty Motivates Nicks - (from Billboard 2/17) - Stevie Nicks is diving into what she describes as the "happy madness" of promoting "Trouble In Shangri-La" (Reprise, May 1), her first solo collection since 1994's "Street Angel."

Despite a diverse roster of producers-including Sheryl Crow, John Shanks, and Pierre Marchand-"Trouble In Shangri-La" boasts cohesion in style and structure as it strikes a balance between Nicks' signature rock poetry and concise, radio-conscious pop hooks. The artist credits a renewed confidence in her songwriting as the driving force in the album's direction.

"I remember asking my dear friend Tom Petty to work with me on some songs," Nicks says. "I wasn't feeling my best; I was unsure about a lot of things. He said, "No. You're a premier songwriter. You don't need anyone to help you with your songs. Do it yourself.' It was the jolt I needed."

Read the whole article (click here)

Neal Coty Covers The Heartbreakers - (from Billboard 2/10) - "Legacy," Coty's second set for Mercury Records in Nashville, is due March 6. Coty co-wrote seven of "Legacy's" 11 tracks, including the beautifully sentimental title song, which is the album's first single. That song's hook, "Loving you will always be my legacy," was inspired by a line in an episode of TV's "Ally McBeal." The album also includes inspired covers of Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky" and Bruce Springsteen's "Sad Eyes." Coty describes Petty as "the greatest undiscovered country writer in the world."

Happy Birthday Mike Campbell!!! - Happy Birthday to the greatest guitarist in Rock 'N Roll! The Associated Press is reporting that Mike is 47, but their wrong, Mike turns 51 today. The official site says that he was born in Gainesville, but I have also heard Jacksonville. I don't care how old he is or where he was born, I just know I'd be embarassed to look at a guitar, yet alone pick one up, if I was in the same room as Mike.

How much do you like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers? Are you a fan, fanatic or do we need to send the men with the white coats to pick you up?