Tom Petty Confirmed Dead, Fellow Musicians Mourn and Pay Tribute
Tom Petty has died, his manager confirmed.
After conflicting reports about his status yesterday, Tony Dimitriades, the longtime manager of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, released a statement via news outlets and social media:
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/FGCVI5yIaa
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 3, 2017
Petty was found Sunday in full cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu and rushed to the hospital. After doctors found no sign of brain activity, he was taken off life support.
"It's shocking, crushing news," friend and former bandmate 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."
Other musicians took to Twitter to pay tribute and mourn:
Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017
Tom Petty's music and songs are timeless. He was a wonderful writer, musician and singer. Irreplaceable and unique. #RIPTomPettypic.twitter.com/SuIvDPOtIb
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) October 3, 2017
Tom was a tender southern gent in life, a poet and a music master on stage. He had a rocking chair wisdom that brought everything back...
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October 3, 2017
(2/2) down to earth. We will love and miss him for the rest of our days. Our thoughts are with his family and all the???? s. Olivia and Dhani
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October 3, 2017
Following the minute of silence, Peter Buck joined the band for this wonderful rendition of Freefalling by Tom Petty.
R42 pic.twitter.com/KzRMHYGKwS— Coldplay (@coldplay) October 3, 2017
So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 3, 2017
And of course, let's never forget this amazing performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by Petty, Prince, and others:
