The last thing the music community, and the world at large, needs as it recovers from the tragic mass shooting at the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas is more bad news. The world isn’t always fair, though, so more bad news is what we have.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/FGCVI5yIaa
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 3, 2017
After being found unconscious and in full cardiac arrest, it was prematurely reported that music legend Tom Petty died today, although he was not expected to live through the day. Now, it’s been confirmed via Petty’s longtime manager that he died at 66 tonight at 8:40 PM PST.
Petty’s iconic work was influential to millions of fans and musicians, so the reactions to his passing have been quick and compassionate. Fellow legend Bob Dylan, who was Petty’s bandmate in Traveling Wilburys and his friend, told Rolling Stone, “It’s shocking, crushing news. I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
As the news of Petty’s ailing health spread, everybody from Carole King to Cypress Hill to The Chainsmokers took to Twitter and expressed their dismay. Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig called Petty’s “Free Fallin'” “truly one of the greatest pieces of American art,” while Sharon Van Etten thanked Petty for “all the family singalong road trips” and Ryan Adams rightfully declared, “Your music has changed this world for the better.”
Check out some of the tributes below.
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
https://twitter.com/thirdmanrecords/status/914951642574999552
Tom Petty was one of the biggest inspirations for me as a musician. This one will hurt for a long time. Truly one of the sweetest people on earth. Rest In Peace brother.
— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) October 2, 2017
It’s going to be hard to take the stage tonight with such a heavy heart. Luckily music is what I use to get through tough times like these. Love one another.
— nathan followill (@doctorfollowill) 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
I can't think of an important moment in my life without an accompanying Tom Petty song. Every night we walk off stage to his music. So sad.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) October 2, 2017
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
https://twitter.com/jackantonoff/status/914944748565098497
My first CD was 'Full Moon Fever'… my first live performances were strumming a tennis racket while singing along. Tom Petty forever.
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/babyhaim/status/914943545785638913
RIP Tom Petty. Thanks for all the great rockin' music, hard to believe you're gone.
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 2, 2017
So saddened to hear of @tompetty passing. He's was such sweet person to us and a once in a lifetime artist.
— Cage The Elephant (@CageTheElephant) October 2, 2017
Wow. Another legend departs. You belong among the wildflowers Tom. Thank you for the music.
— Aaron Dessner (@aaron_dessner) October 2, 2017
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
What a horrid day for our country, music fans and music itself. RIP Tom Petty. His songs are always good medicine. Love to his family.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) October 2, 2017
We are heartbroken beyond words. Shattered. Tom Petty’s music has been a huge part of our lives. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/Kfz6WJyv3v
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 2, 2017
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 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
Tom Petty died twice in one day because he's fucking Tom Petty
— Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) October 3, 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
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, drift off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free
~Tom Petty— bob saget (@bobsaget) October 3, 2017
Sitting in the dark listening to music. The muttered "watch her walk" on the bridge of "Here Comes My Girl" just broke me. RIP Tom Petty.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) October 3, 2017
You hang in there, Tom Petty. At least long enough to make it past this horrible day. You deserve a better sunset.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) October 3, 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
All of our honest songwriters are leaving us… #TomPettyRIP
— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) October 3, 2017
Bless his powerful spirit. #TomPetty pic.twitter.com/Ib19WjlHbq
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) October 3, 2017
Always felt good to know Tom Petty was out there in the world making up beautiful words and music. Sad today but grateful forever. #rip
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) October 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/915077023919251456
Just when I thought I couldn’t be any sadder #TomPetty Influenced my writing and music so much #Heartbreakers #heartbroken #TomPettyRIP pic.twitter.com/PkljaM8O9P
— MeredithBrooks (@MeredithBrooks) 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
#TomPetty's daughter has a message for his fans. https://t.co/dyTFrRUStQ
— Charles Adler (@charlesadler) October 3, 2017
Devastating news about #TomPetty A profound loss. Sad sad day today. RIP https://t.co/Hr4JeQEyag
— Slash (@Slash) October 3, 2017
RIP #TomPetty. His great jams are interwoven with the past four decades. He was a great rock n roller.
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) October 2, 2017
Hoping for the best. #TomPetty forever 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Fy4mdDE6h0
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) October 3, 2017
There goes your freedom of choice, there goes the last human voice, there goes the last DJ #TomPetty pic.twitter.com/bhnvZlPkhG
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) October 3, 2017
RIP Tom Petty. You captured the free spirit in us all through your vibrant songwriting and musicianship. You will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/cDV2H783ad
— Guitar Center (@guitarcenter) October 3, 2017
Sending love to Tom Petty's family, including my dear friend, his daughter Adria, at this heartbreaking time. #TomPetty #TomPettyRIP
— Anoushka Shankar (@ShankarAnoushka) October 3, 2017
This link of Tom Petty talking with Garry Shandling is pretty special. On a sad sad day it was nice to see two friends who love each other. https://t.co/lcmiV80xWz
— Judd Apatow 🇺🇦 (@JuddApatow) October 3, 2017
Rest In Peace Tom. pic.twitter.com/gltuVWVNVj
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) October 3, 2017
