Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper and more pay tribute to Tom Petty
Stars from across the music world have been paying tribute to Tom Petty who died yesterday (2nd October) aged 66.
The music iconoclast was found unconscious and in full cardiac arrest at his Malibu home in the early hours of Monday morning. He was taken to hospital where he could not be revived and passed away at 8.40pm local time (4.40am BST).
According to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ manager Tom Dimitrades, he died “surrounded by his family, his bandmates, and friends."
Testament to his towering genius, musicians and kindred spirits from across the rock world have been paying tribute to Tom. You can read a selection below.
Planet Rock will be paying tribute to Tom by playing his album ‘Full Moon Fever’, in full from 10pm tonight (Tuesday 3rd October 2017). Listen here.
Tom’s Traveling Wilburys bandmate Bob Dylan in a statement to 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.”
Eric Clapton in a statement: "I'm shocked and saddened by the news of Tom's passing, he's such a huge part of our musical history, there'll never be another like him."
Def Leppard and Planet Rock’s Joe Elliott: “I can’t say I knew Tom, although I did meet him twice, once to get his autograph backstage after I saw him open for Nils Lofgren at Sheffield City Hall in 1978, and in a bowling alley of all places in 1983 when Def Leppard & Tom happened to be in the same town on the same night, but I’m incredibly saddened by the news of Tom Petty’s passing.
“I love that first album (that’s what he signed for me!), always have, always will, but I have to add that Full Moon Fever was played on an almost daily basis when Leppard were writing and recording the Adrenalize album.
“Through his work with the Heartbreakers and The Traveling Wilburys he’s left us with an incredibly legacy to enjoy forever, it’s such a shame he has left us way before his time. RIP Tom, safe travels into the Great Wide Open…”
Peter Gabriel: “Very sad to say goodbye to Tom Petty, he was a kind and generous man, an excellent musician and writer and we had daughters who have grown up together since their friendship at Sarah Lawrence College.”
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy: “We are extremely saddened by the passing of three-time GRAMMY® Award winner Tom Petty. Tom was a true rock and roll purist, both in his music and his defiant spirit. With the Heartbreakers, his infectious riffs, rebellious personality, and inventive songwriting brought a new urgency to rock traditions and fuelled a now legendary career and some of the most memorable music of the last four decades.
“In retrospect, we were so fortunate and privileged to pay tribute to Tom as the Recording Academy’s 2017 MusiCares® Person of the Year, and honour his significant creative achievements, philanthropic efforts, and passion for defending musicians’ rights. Tom will be remembered as much for his humanity as his music. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues as they look to find comfort during this difficult time.”
> Tom Petty was the coolest guy I ever knew. - Jeff Lynne > > — Jeff Lynne's ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) October 3, 2017
> RIP #TomPetty pic.twitter.com/Dhw7bFLXeC > > — Alice Cooper (@RealAliceCooper) October 3, 2017
> So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family. > > — Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 3, 2017
> Down here on E Street, we’re devastated and heartbroken over the death of Tom Petty. Our hearts go out to his family and bandmates. > > — Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) October 3, 2017
> Tom Petty left this world much too soon. Our condolences to his family, friends, & fans. RIP, Tom. Thank you for Runnin’ down your dream. pic.twitter.com/0lRa5TRRyu > > — The Doobie Brothers (@TheDoobieBros) October 3, 2017
> RIP @tompetty you will be missed. A music legend #GoneButNeverForgotten > > — Joey Kramer (@joeykramer) October 3, 2017
> Another great man gone too soon. #TomPetty you were an exceptional talent. Your legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/GsmySCTNfU > > — Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) 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
> Shocked and so sad at the passing of Tom Petty. RIP. Bri > > — Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) October 3, 2017
> I'm sad to hear about Tom Petty's death. He was a talented soul and will be greatly missed. > > — Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) October 3, 2017
> RIP Tom Petty. Thanks for all the great rockin' music, hard to believe you're gone. > > — Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 2, 2017
> GOD BLESS TOM PETTY • 195O - 2O17 tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/RUmOTRzccR > > — Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) October 3, 2017
> No! We have lost Tom Petty. From our opening act in the seventies to becoming a brilliant songwriter and performer I have loved his music. pic.twitter.com/yhyPCfm2l6 > > — Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 2, 2017
> RIP Brother Tom ...??
> Devastated pic.twitter.com/Xgpg21wycu
>
> — Glenn Hughes (@glenn_hughes) October 2, 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
> God Bless Tom Petty ....the music lives on https://t.co/u4KTExW1ct > > — matt sorum (@mattsorum) October 3, 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
> RIP Charlie T Wilbury Jr ? Say Hello to Nelson & Lefty... Thank you for all of the great music...Today we're all heartbroken ? #RIPTomPetty pic.twitter.com/hU7HUA21Z0 > > — Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) October 2, 2017
> Love me some Tom Petty #RIPTOM pic.twitter.com/pmXrIRLHgN > > — Chad Smith (@RHCPchad) October 2, 2017
> Whaaat? Tom Petty is gone?!! I can't believe it. One of my absolute favorites and one of the greatest... https://t.co/CQSVkF985i > > — Michael Monroe (@michaelmonroe) October 2, 2017
> So sad to hear of Tom’s demise…such a wonderful talent & super guy…RIP…:( pic.twitter.com/oVxOpLrAMl > > — David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) October 2, 2017
> RIP Tom Petty ? > > — Derek Sherinian (@DerekSherinian) October 2, 2017
> R.I.P. Tom Petty! Wow! Just, wow!!! > > — Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) October 2, 2017
> Way too young...Rest In Peace Tom.... You'll always be remembered as a Giant pic.twitter.com/OBDdtdKBgk > > — DOUG ALDRICH (@Douglas_Aldrich) October 2, 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
> I once got pulled over driving a bunch of us kids to a club gig right when Tom Petty’s first album came out.The officer asked me for my ID and I said I lost it.He asked me my name and I lied and said Tom Petty.He gave a warning and I drove off feeling proud of myself.Crazy the memories that’s come up when we lose people so important to us. > > A post shared by Nikki Sixx (@nikkisixxpixx) on Oct 2, 2017 at 9:17pm PDT
> Devastating news about #TomPetty A profound loss. Sad sad day today. RIP > > A post shared by Slash (@slash) on Oct 2, 2017 at 7:56pm PDT
> My heart is broken. We lost another legend today. Tom Petty was a rock n Roll rebel, unapologetic and always true to himself. He trusted his rock n Roll compass, and no one was better at putting honest words into music. Every time I listen to Wildflowers, I immediately need to sit down and write a song. Tom, thank you for your music, your attitude, and for never listening to anyone who said you can't! You will continue to inspire me and be a keystone in my musical journey. > > A post shared by LZZY HALE (@officiallzzyhale) on Oct 2, 2017 at 12:51pm PDT
> Nothing left to say > > A post shared by Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen) on Oct 2, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT
> “Tom Petty was a gentleman. I had the pleasure and privilege of doing two tours with him. During that time, I got to see what a brilliant songwriter and musician he is, and how much he is loved by millions around the world. My prayers are with Tom’s family and loved ones. He will be missed by so many of us who have been touched by his music.” - Steve Winwood > > A post shared by stevewinwood (@stevewinwood) on Oct 3, 2017 at 7:42am PDT