During a wildly successful cancer research benefit concert in Gainesville on March 7, original Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch joined Sister Hazel and Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik to close the show with the Heartbreakers classic “American Girl.”
Part of Sister Hazel’s Lyrics For Life concert, Lynch’s surprise appearance brought the thunderous crowd to its feet and prompted the performers to circle Lynch in a half‑moon of applause and respect.
It was a fitting — and emotional — nod to Gainesville’s rich rock ’n’ roll history, as Gainesville‑bred Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lynch and Gainesville‑bred, platinum‑selling Sister Hazel performed a song that, depending on who you talk to, references Gainesville.
But it was also a celebration of community and philanthropy, as Lyrics For Life raised more than $800,000 for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and STOP! Children’s Cancer. To date, the concert series has raised more than $6 million for cancer research and patient care, including more than $3.5 million generated through its annual events in Gainesville alone, according to the nonprofit organization.
“We’re in a room full of love tonight,” Rzeznik told the crowd. “You came out to a show, you got dressed up, and you’re here for something bigger than all of us.”
Presented by Rich and Carissa Blaser, the evening began with an acoustic storytelling performance by Sister Hazel’s Ken Block and Drew Copeland, along with special guest John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. The trio performed stripped‑down versions of some of their most beloved songs while sharing personal stories with the audience.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when pediatric cancer patient Haley Williams took the stage to perform “You Don’t Know Me,” a song written by Paul Privette that reflects the realities of a cancer journey and the hope made possible through the support of others. Her performance brought the audience to tears and inspired an immediate giving moment that raised more than $80,000 during the song alone.
Sister Hazel’s Lyrics For Life was founded by lead singer Ken Block in honor of his late brother, Jeffrey Block, who died of cancer as a teenager.
A major beneficiary of the organization has been STOP! Children’s Cancer, which has received more than $1.2 million from Lyrics For Life to support pediatric oncology programs at UF Health. That support has helped researchers achieve a cure rate exceeding 92% for the type of cancer Jeffrey Block faced — a milestone that highlights the organization’s real‑world impact.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Stan Lynch surprise caps emotional Lyrics For Life benefit concert
Reporting by Special to The Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
