US musician Tom Petty has died aged 66.
A statement on the singer’s Twitter page said: “On behalf of the Tom Petty family, we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend, Tom Petty.”
It went on: “He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Centre but could not be revived.”
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/FGCVI5yIaa
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) October 3, 2017
He died peacefully at 8:40pm local time (03.40 GMT Tuesday) surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.
Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017
The rock star was known for hits such as Free Fallin’, Refugee and American Girl. His worldwide sales topped 80 million records and the band recently finished a 40th anniversary tour at the Hollywood Bowl.
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
News of the star’s death had been circulating prior to the statement. Confusion arose when CBS published Petty’s obituary after tweeting that the LAPD had confirmed his death.
The LAPD issued a statement saying it had no information on Petty’s condition and that “initial information was inadvertently provided to some media sources”.
But hours later a statement was released confirming his death.
Singer Ryan Adams said: “Safe passage to the summerlands, brother. You couldn’t have left more dreams here for us. Thank you. RIP.”
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
Rest in Peace, Tom Petty. pic.twitter.com/e0QOY6LjA3
— Shazam (@Shazam) 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
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
