It's hard to find an artist who was more universally admired than Tom Petty.
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Though some may have sold more records than him, or won more GrammysIt's hard to find an artist who was more universally admired than Tom Petty.
Though some may have sold more records than him, or won more Grammys perhaps, his pitch-perfect songwriting, tireless work ethic and fearlessness in standing up to the music industry on behalf of both listeners and artists made him a uniquely beloved figure.
His death[1] on Monday night at the age of 66—after suffering cardiac arrest in his Malibu home on Sunday night—brought forth a remarkable wave of tributes from guitarists and musicians across the musicial spectrum.
Below, you can read some of the many tributes to Petty, without question one of the greatest American songwriters of all time.
Bob Dylan—Petty's bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys, and an artist for whom Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers opened for in the mid-Eighties—shared a statement[2] with Rolling Stone, saying “It’s shocking, crushing news.” “I thought the world of Tom," Dylan continued. "He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
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[3]
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 2, 2017[4]
God bless Tom Petty peace and love to his family I'm sure going to miss you Tom pic.twitter.com/CktFyhBdxT[5]
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 2, 2017[6]
Devastating news about #TomPetty A profound loss. Sad sad day today. RIP https://t.co/Hr4JeQEyag[7][8]
— Slash (@Slash) October 3, 2017[9]
Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 2, 2017[10]
Shocked and so sad at the passing of Tom Petty. RIP.