US singer Tom Petty has died at the age of 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.”
Tony Dimitriades, manager of Tom Petty And the Heartbreakers, added in the statement that he died peacefully surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.
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.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland was among the stars to pay tribute.
He said on Twitter: “Today America lost one of its musical giants. Thanks you Tom Petty for all the music. To me you will live forever.”
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.”
TRIBUTES
Sir Paul McCartney has sent his love to the family of Tom Petty as he led tributes following the news of the singer’s death.
The US rock legend, best known for hits such as Free Fallin’ and I Won’t Back Down, died following a cardiac arrest at the age of 66, his manager said.
In the hours following the news of his passing, Sir Paul Tweeted: “Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.”
Sir Paul’s former Beatles bandmate, Ringo Starr, shared a nostalgic photo of himself in conversation with Petty and posted: “God bless Tom Petty peace and love to his family I’m sure going to miss you Tom.”
Bob Dylan told Rolling Stone magazine told of his “shock” upon hearing the news that his close friend and former Traveling Wilburys bandmate had died.
The 76-year-old said: “It’s shocking, crushing news. I thought the world of Tom. He was a great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
Meanwhile, singer John Mayer posted: “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“.”
Among other stars to pay their respects to the Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers bandleader, singer Sheryl Crow said Petty’s death signalled that the “music has died”.
In a post which also referred to the tragedy in Las Vegas, the All I Wanna Do singer said: “I feel like today, the music truly died. Can’t go see/hear music and be safe and one of the greats just passed.”
She also posted: “This is unbearable. Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, @tompetty. We will miss you. £RIPTomPetty.”
Brian May, formerly of Queen fame, added: “Shocked and so sad at the passing of Tom Petty. RIP. Bri.”
Tony Dimitriades, manager of Tom Petty And the Heartbreakers, wrote in a statement that Petty died peacefully surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.
It read: “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.
“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.”
Following a day that was filled with the news of the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas, It author Stephen King commented: “Tom Petty gone? That’s just so wrong. What a bad day this has been, in so many ways.”
Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp added in a simple post: “RIP Tom Petty …. Thank You.”
Presenter Fearne Cotton promised: “Today I shall be listening to Tom Petty on repeat.”
Petty was married to second wife, Dana York and had two daughters, Adria and Kimberly. He sold more than 80 million albums during a career that spanned over five decades.
Tom Petty’s top 10 greatest hits
US rock legend Tom Petty amassed a long list of musical creations during a career that spanned over five decades and saw him perform with both the Traveling Wilburys and The Heartbreakers.
Following the news of his death at the age off 66 this week, here are some of his finest hits as compiled by US charts list, the Billboard Hot 100.
1. Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, by Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers.
Peaked at number three in September 1981.
2. Free Fallin’, by Tom Petty
Peaked at number seven in January 1990.
3. Don’t Do Me Like That, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Peaked at number 10 in February 1980.
4. I Won’t Back Down, by Tom Petty
Peaked at number 12 in July 1989.
5. Don’t Come Around Here No More, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Peaked at number 13 in May 1985.
6. You Don’t Know How It Feels, by Tom Petty
Peaked at number 13 in February 1995.
7. You Got Lucky, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Peaked at number 20 in January 1983.
8. Refugee, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Peaked at number 15 in March 1980.
9. Mary Jane’s Last Dance, by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Peaked at number 14 in March 1994.
10. Runnin’ Down a Dream, by Tom Petty
Peaked at number 23 in September 1989.