Musicians and celebrities pay tribute to Tom Petty's 'legendary career'
Petty died Monday night at age 66
Tom Petty was recognized by fellow musicians and other celebrities as "part of our musical history" and a "true rock 'n' roll purist" following his death Monday night at age 66.
Here's a roundup of some of their comments. (Some were sent Monday afternoon after premature reports of Petty's death).
"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." — Bob Dylan in a statement to Rolling Stone
"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 in a statement.
"Tom was a tender southern gent in life, a poet and a music master on stage. He had a rocking chair wisdom that brought everything back down to earth." — Olivia and Dhani Harrison, for the estate of George Harrison, on Twitter.
Tom was a tender southern gent in life, a poet and a music master on stage. He had a rocking chair wisdom that brought everything back...
—@GeorgeHarrison(2/2) down to earth. We will love and miss him for the rest of our days. Our thoughts are with his family and all the💔 s. Olivia and Dhani
—@GeorgeHarrisonThis is unbearable. Vegas and now a great music hero has passed. You brought us so much joy, <a href="https://twitter.com/tompetty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tompetty</a>. We will miss you. ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPTomPetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPTomPetty</a>
—@SherylCrow"Devastating news about #TomPetty A profound loss. Sad sad day today. RIP" — rocker Slash on Instagram.
'The best American rock band'
"Through his work with the Heartbreakers and The Traveling Wilburys he's left us with an incredible legacy to enjoy forever, it's such a shame he has left us way before his time." — Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott on Twitter.
Rest In Peace Tom. <a href="https://t.co/gltuVWVNVj">pic.twitter.com/gltuVWVNVj</a>
—@DefLeppard"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 on Facebook.
I loved Tom Petty and I covered his songs because I wanted know what it felt like to fly. <br>“you belong somewhere you feel free.”<br>💔
—@JohnMayer"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." — Recording Academy president and CEO Neil Portnow in a statement.
Damn ....Tom Petty I remember standing backstage w him & he tells me 'Go Get Em at a. Presentation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rockAnointed?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rockAnointed</a>
—@MrChuckDSafe passages to the summerlands, brother. You couldn't have left more dreams here for us. Thank you.<br>RIP <a href="https://t.co/EhiuyHRINQ">pic.twitter.com/EhiuyHRINQ</a>
—@TheRyanAdamsTom Petty was a stud. Very few super cool dudes from the old school left. Actual talent. Rough to hear the news
—@DavidSpadeI’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
—@BrianWilsonLiveRIP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomPetty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomPetty</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dhw7bFLXeC">pic.twitter.com/Dhw7bFLXeC</a>
—@RealAliceCooperAlways felt good to know Tom Petty was out there in the world making up beautiful words and music. Sad today but grateful forever. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rip?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rip</a>
—@richardmarxRIP <a href="https://twitter.com/tompetty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tompetty</a> you will be missed. A music legend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoneButNeverForgotten?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoneButNeverForgotten</a>
—@joeykramerWith files from CBC News