The news of Tom Petty’s death had music lovers and those that make music reeling yesterday and today. Petty’s move from his Malibu home to a hospital was first reported by TMZ earlier, then as 3pm approached in the Midwest yesterday, CBS went with a story of Petty’s death from full cardiac arrest. Then around 4:30pm CST, in a shocking development, RETRACTED the story, tweeting an LAPD tweet saying they had inadvertently given some new outlets the impression he was dead. Shortly after, our sources in Los Angeles were saying that Petty was still alive, but unconscious, as the family has a Do Not Resuscitate order. Then later last night, a full statement was issued on the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Facebook page, confirming that he, indeed had held on until about 6:40 CST;
Petty had often related the story of how seeing the beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show inspired him to take up a music career.
Petty’s friend and Traveling Wilburys bandmate Bob Dylan tells Rolling Stone in a statement;
“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.”
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
Tom Petty gone? That’s just so wrong. What a bad day this has been, in so many ways.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 2, 2017
I’m heartbroken to hear about Tom Petty. Tom was a hell of a songwriter and record-maker. He will be missed by everyone who loves music. L&M
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 2, 2017
My heart is broken. We lost another legend today. Tom Petty was a rock n Roll rebel,… https://t.co/4AdJZFv1bR
— Lzzy Hale (@LZZYHALE) October 2, 2017
Name dropping Mr Tom Petty in this @PublicEnemyFTP 2007 song and video a Long And Whining Road .. pic.twitter.com/OnQGn3trDc
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) October 2, 2017
Tom Petty. One of the greatest songwriters of our generation.Thank you for ALL the music.Prayers to your family & band members.#RIPTomPetty
— Nikki Sixx (@NikkiSixx) October 2, 2017
4/4 for comfort and peace for the family, friends and fans of Tom Petty. Godspeed to all.
— Kenny Wayne Shepherd (@KWShepherd) October 2, 2017
