Tom Petty has died at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Malibu.
The singer-songwriter was rushed to UCLA Santa Monica hospital and put on life support after being found unconscious and not breathing.
"He died peacefully at 20.40 Pacific time surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends," said his long-time manager Tony Dimitriades.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played the final night of a three-show residency at the Hollywood Bowl on September 25. Their recent tour marked the band’s 40th anniversary and Petty had said the jaunt would likely be “the last big one”.
The band earned UK Top 40 hits with Anything That’s Rock ’n’ Roll, American Girl, I Won’t Back Down and Too Good To Be True. Their Top 10 albums include Full Moon Fever (1989), Into The Great Wide Open (1991), 1993’s Greatest Hits and their most recent release, 2014’s Hypnotic Eye (Reprise).
Petty was also a founding member of The Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison.
"It’s shocking, crushing news," Bob Dylan said in a statement. "I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him."
There were widespread tributes even before his death was officially confirmed, including tweets from Neko Case, Ryan Adams, Cameron Crowe, Sheryl Crow and Brian Wilson.
I hope Tom Petty is not actually dead and makes a full recovery to see all the kind, sweet things you are are saying about him. What a life. ??
— Neko Case (@NekoCase) October 2, 2017
RIP Tom Petty
— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) October 2, 2017
Thank you for giving so much, a lifetime of inspiration and love. Your music has changed this world for the better. pic.twitter.com/jZsjIN5Xu3
no words. just thanks. @tompetty pic.twitter.com/224gn9GNbo
— Cameron Crowe (@CameronCrowe) 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’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
So sad to hear of the passing of Tom Petty. Such an incredible, inspiring artist. I'll treasure fond memories of our time spent together this past summer ? pic.twitter.com/HvSgARxzm3
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) October 2, 2017
So sad about Tom Petty, he made some great music. Thoughts are with his family.
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) 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
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
Today just keeps getting more sad. Our dear friend Tom Petty has just passed away. #TomPetty #HeavensGain
— Roy Orbison Jr (@Royorbisonjr) October 2, 2017
I can't believe we have lost Tom Petty on this already horrible day. My love to his wife & children and the entire Heartbreaker family.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) 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
Today Just gets worse . The very talented musician , writer Tom Petty has just passed away . Another great has... https://t.co/7L6gdlMD3E
— Meat Loaf (@RealMeatLoaf) October 2, 2017
Petty played the BST Festival in London’s Hyde Park this summer where he was joined by Stevie Nicks for a version of their 1981 song Stop Draggin' My Heart Around.
In February, Petty was honoured as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year, in recognition of his “significant creative accomplishments, his career-long interest in defending artists’ rights, and the charitable work he has undertaken throughout his career”.
In January 2015, an agreement was reached whereby Petty and Jeff Lynne were granted co-writing credits on Sam Smith's song Stay with Me because of similarities with the 1988 song I Won’t Break Down. There was no suggestion of plagiarism.
There was initially confusion about Petty’s condition after CBS News reported he had died, based on Los Angeles Police Department sources. Following widespread coverage and social media tributes, the LAPD later tweeted that “the LAPD has no information about the passing of singer Tom Petty. Initial information was inadvertently provided to some media sources. However, the LAPD has no investigative role in this matter. We apologize for any inconvenience in this reporting”.
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