Petty drew a tremendous crowd at the 2017 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
According to a CBS news story Tom Petty, 66, is « clinging to life, » despite an earlier report announcing that the singer-songwriter had died. In a tweet, the network explained that « The LAPD says it cannot confirm earlier reports of singer Tom Petty’s death. TMZ reports that the singer is still clinging to life. »
The LAPD says it cannot confirm earlier reports of singer Tom Petty’s death. TMZ reports that the singer is still clinging to life. pic.twitter.com/Xv4UtVdY4Z
The network attributes the mistaken announcement of Petty’s death to an errant Los Angeles Police Department report.
« An earlier LAPD report which confirmed the singer’s death, and which CBS reported, has since been clarified, » CBS wrote in the unattributed story.
This follows this afternoon’s report on the TMZ website that Petty was found unconscious in cardiac arrest at his Malibu home Sunday (Oct. 1).
With glinting golden hair, an authentic drawl, and spare guitar style, Petty broke onto the roots-rock scene in the early 1970s, soon achieving star status. By the late 1980s his stature was such that he was the youngest member of the Traveling Wilburys supergroup, beside Bob Dylan and George Harrison.
According to a setlist.fm, Petty played the Warehouse nightclub in New Orleans on August 3rd 1978, though he may have appeared earlier. He drew a tremendous crowd at his last New Orleans appearance, the 2017 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
During his 2017 Jazz Fest appearance, Petty proudly announced that he and his group The Heartbreakers, which he described as « one absolute honest to God traveling rock n’ roll band, » were celebrating forty years in the business.
According to a report at the time, « he and the Heartbreakers gave fans all they could have asked for, playing for two-plus hours and touching on songs from all eras, including: ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance,’ ‘You Don’t Know How It Feels,’ ‘You Got Lucky,’ ‘I Won’t Back Down,’ ‘Learning to Fly,’ ‘Refugee,’ and, finally ‘American Girl.' »
Just days ago, Petty’s Twitter account thanked fans for their support over the last 40 years.
His 2017 tour took him to Los Angeles and San Diego in September, and in November, he was headed to gigs in New York.
Thanks to everyone for supporting us for the last 40 years! Without YOU, there’d be no US! #TPHB40 https://t.co/MrJg4dVJJp
New Orleans fans have begun expressing their regrets at Petty’s passing on social media.
RIP Tom Petty. Heard him at this year’s Jazzfest, can’t believe it was the last time. https://t.co/l2Sz70ob00 pic.twitter.com/aZnnNQaFox
Tom Petty at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2017.
photo by Tim Mosenfelder pic.twitter.com/cxmjoFgNpS
i love tom petty’s music… sending love to his family and friends… RIP
