Eric Clapton and Slash were two of many rock icons and living legends who honored the late Tom Petty following the singer’s death on Monday.
Fellow music icons paid tribute to Tom Petty following the singer’s death on Monday.
Petty passed away Monday at 66 after suffering from cardiac arrest and a brief time on life support .
“I’m shocked and saddened by the news of Tom’s passing, he’s such a huge part of our musical history, there’ll never be another like him,” Eric Clapton told the Associated Press in a statement.
Guns n’ Roses guitarist Slash wrote on Instagram, “Devastating news about #TomPetty A profound loss. Sad sad day today. RIP.”
“RIP @tompetty you will be missed. A music legend #GoneButNeverForgotten,” Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer tweeted.
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott wrote on Twitter, “Through his work with the Heartbreakers and The Traveling Wilburys he’s left us with an incredibly legacy to enjoy forever, it’s such a shame he has left us way before his time.”
“It is so rare to find someone who commands such universal respect in the business,” Alice Cooper tweeted. “He was a rock n roll lifer with music in his blood. This man delivered a wealth of great songs to his fans and to the world and that is something to celebrate.”
“I feel Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is the best American rock band, ever. He is both a peer and an inspiration to me. I am heartbroken at his passing, and my deep sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones,” REO Speedwagon’s Keith Cronin wrote on Facebook.
“Just when I thought today could not get any worse,” Kid Rock tweeted . “R. I. P. Tom Petty. Thank you for your beautiful music and inspiration.”
Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement, “Tom was a true rock and roll purist, both in his music and his defiant spirit. With the Heartbreakers, his infectious riffs, rebellious personality, and inventive songwriting brought a new urgency to rock traditions and fueled a now legendary career and some of the most memorable music of the last four decades.”
“This is unbearable,” Sheryl Crow tweeted . “Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, @tompetty. We will miss you. #RIPTomPetty.”
John Mayer, whose own 2008 live cover of Petty’s “Free Fallin’” previously went viral, tweeted, “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.’”
Kesha, who performed her own “Free Fallin’” cover at Petty-themed Pettyfest in 2014, tweeted that she was “heartbroken.”
Other stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Cameron Crowe and Ringo Starr posted photo tributes of the late Heartbreaker.
With Post wires
