UPDATED: Musicians mourned the loss of rock icon Tom Petty with an outpouring of tributes on social media.
The Gainesville, Fla., native suffered a heart attack Sunday at his home in Malibu, Calif. He was transferred to UCLA Medical Center-Santa Monica, where he was on life support until he died Monday evening at age 66.
Although Petty’s actual time of death was 8:40 p.m. PT on Monday, several media outlets reported that Petty had died earlier in the day, leading to a premature wave of statements and tributes. At his time of death, Petty was “surrounded by family, his bandmates, and friends,” according to Tony Dimitriades, the longtime manager of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
“It’s shocking, crushing news,” Bob Dylan said in a statement. “I thought the world of Tom. He was a great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
Longtime friend and collaborator Jeff Lynne said simply: “Tom Petty was the coolest guy I ever knew.”
“This is unbearable,” Sheryl Crow wrote on Twitter. “Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, [Tom Petty]. We will miss you.”
This is unbearable. Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, @tompetty. We will miss you. ❤️ #RIPTomPetty
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) October 2, 2017
“I loved Tom Petty and I covered his songs because I wanted to know what it felt like to fly,” John Mayer wrote.
I loved Tom Petty and I covered his songs because I wanted know what it felt like to fly.
“you belong somewhere you feel free.”
💔— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) October 2, 2017
“Thank you, Tom Petty, for all of the light you brought to the world,” Ed Helms said.
Thank you, Tom Petty, for all of the light you brought to the world.
— Ed Helms (@edhelms) October 2, 2017
A number of musicians thanked Petty for his influence on their work. “Tom Petty changed my life,” Jack Antonoff wrote. “There is a reference to him in everything I’ve ever written. I love his work and life.”
https://twitter.com/jackantonoff/status/914944748565098497
Chuck D tweeted, “Damn ….Tom Petty I remember standing backstage w him & he tells me ‘Go Get Em at a. Presentation”
Damn ….Tom Petty I remember standing backstage w him & he tells me 'Go Get Em at a. Presentation #rockAnointed
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) October 2, 2017
Ezra Koenig said, “Damn we love you Tom Petty. Incredible songwriter. ‘Free Fallin'” is truly one of the greatest pieces of American art. So perfect & sad.”
damn we love you Tom Petty. incredible songwriter. "free fallin" is truly one of the greatest pieces of american art. so perfect & sad
— Ezra Koenig (@arzE) October 2, 2017
See more tributes dedicated to Petty below:
Tom Petty's music and songs are timeless. He was a wonderful writer, musician and singer. Irreplaceable and unique. #RIPTomPetty pic.twitter.com/SuIvDPOtIb
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) October 3, 2017
Bless his powerful spirit. #TomPetty pic.twitter.com/Ib19WjlHbq
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) October 3, 2017
So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 3, 2017
I'm crushed…
Praying for all those affected by Vegas last night.
And now the loss of one of my great influences Tom Petty today.
-JBJ pic.twitter.com/inkGqbMvD1— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) October 2, 2017
Rest In Peace Tom. pic.twitter.com/gltuVWVNVj
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) October 3, 2017
Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017
God bless Tom Petty peace and love to his family I'm sure going to miss you Tom 😎✌️🌟💖🎶🎵🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/CktFyhBdxT
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 2, 2017
forever one of my favorite souls
forever in my heart
thank you, tom petty, for everything
❤️— christina perri (@christinaperri) October 2, 2017
My 💔 has many emotions today. Yesterday was a living nightmare. More sad news today losing Tom Petty. Life is short. Live it. Love u all.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
Man, not Tom Petty too :( May he Rest In Peace. A true inspiration. #Legend
— Shawn Hook (@ShawnHook) October 2, 2017
now Tom Petty is dead and today is just really, really difficult.
— Sizzy Rocket (@sizzyrocket) October 2, 2017
no words. just thanks. @tompetty pic.twitter.com/224gn9GNbo
— Cameron Crowe (@CameronCrowe) October 2, 2017
My ❤️ goes out to all the people affected by the horrible shooting in Las Vegas, & to family,friends & fans of Tom Petty, of which I'm one.
— Carole King (@Carole_King) October 2, 2017
Ok so Tom ain’t dead. You never know. Prayers go out for him🌀❤️
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) October 2, 2017
"I wanna write her name in the sky
I'm gonna free fall out into nothing
Gonna leave this world for a while" Rest in peace Tom Petty 💔— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) October 3, 2017
Just when I thought today could not get any worse…
R.I.P. Tom Petty. Thank you for your beautiful music and inspiration.— Kid Rock (@KidRock) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/lorde/status/914987370382020609
RIP Tom Petty. #Legend
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) October 2, 2017
I am so grateful for Tom Petty's music.
Feels selfish to want more, but I always will. Rest in peace. https://t.co/EBOt6J38zx— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) October 2, 2017
Rip to the amazing Tom Petty
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) October 3, 2017
