Tom Petty is being mourned by his fellow musicians, each of whom was touched by the humanity expressed in his songwriting. From his bandmates to his peers, Petty’s passing is marked by an outpouring of love and respect. The home page of his website is filled with tributes from fans.
What follows is a selection of quotes from his Heartbreakers bandmates Benmont Tench and Steve Ferrone, Traveling Wilburys bandmates Bob Dylan (“I thought the world of Tom”) and Jeff Lynne (“Tom Petty was the coolest guy I ever knew”)–to Alice Cooper (“It is so rare to find someone who commands such universal respect in this business”)–to Peter Gabriel (“He was a kind and generous man”), and many more.
Dylan’s complete a statement: “It’s shocking, crushing news. I thought the world of Tom. He was great performer, full of the light, a friend, and I’ll never forget him.”
Tom Petty was the coolest guy I ever knew. – Jeff Lynne
— Jeff Lynne’s ELO (@JeffLynnesELO) October 3, 2017
Heartbreakers drummer Steve Ferrone, via his Facebook page
Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench tweeted on Oct. 5
I just want to thank everybody for everything they’ve written. For all the love for Tom, his family, and all of us. It counts. A lot. Xxo
— benmont tench III (@benchten) October 5, 2017
The widow and musician son of fellow Wilbury George Harrison, tweeted their love. From Olivia and Dhani Harrison…
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…
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October 3, 2017
(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
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) October 3, 2017
Bruce Springsteen, via his Facebook page: “Down here on E Street, we’re devastated and heartbroken over the death of Tom Petty. Our hearts go out to his family and bandmates. I’ve always felt a deep kinship with his music. A great songwriter and performer, whenever we saw each other, it was like running into a long lost brother. Our world will be a sadder place without him.”
Related: The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn says farewell to his friend
From the Byrds’ Chris Hillman, whose 2017 Bidin’ My Time album was produced by Petty: “I loved Tom so much. He was such a blessing in my life. Tom touched everyone with his beautiful music. I am praying for his family, bandmates and friends.”
Chris Hillman
(Nashville, October 3, 2017)
“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart, produces good”
(Luke: 6)
Tom’s music means the world to me and my wife, Julie. He is her favorite artist.. We are just devastated to hear of our friend’s passing. pic.twitter.com/13UnJMMff2
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) October 3, 2017
Steve Winwood, via his Facebook page: “Tom Petty was a gentleman. I had the pleasure and privilege of doing two tours with him. During that time, I got to see what a brilliant songwriter and musician he is, and how much he is loved by millions around the world. My prayers are with Tom’s family and loved ones. He will be missed by so many of us who have been touched by his music.”
A sampling of fan tweets that’s streaming on Petty’s website…
SAD SAD. day. I just heard Tom passed.
One of the great ones.
Thank you for all the great music T- Rest in peace.— Joe Walsh (@JoeWalsh) October 3, 2017
Peter Gabriel, via his Facebook page: “Very sad to say goodbye to Tom Petty, he was a kind and generous man, an excellent musician and writer and we had daughters who have grown up together since their friendship at Sarah Lawrence College.”
RIP #TomPetty pic.twitter.com/Dhw7bFLXeC
— Alice Cooper (@RealAliceCooper) October 3, 2017
Elton John, via his Facebook page: “Tom Petty’s music and songs are timeless. They sound as relevant now as ever. He was a wonderful writer, musician and singer. Irreplaceable and unique. This is such a sad, sad day.
Sending all my love to his loved ones. #RIPTomPetty”
Goodbye to the legendary Tom Petty. Your music and your generosity will be missed. https://t.co/JCvAZNpEaB
— Farm Aid (@FarmAid) October 3, 2017
God bless Tom Petty peace and love to his family I’m sure going to miss you Tom 😎✌️🌟💖🎶🎵🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/CktFyhBdxT
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) October 2, 2017
RIP Tom Petty. Memorable day recording this video, thank you. #TomPetty #SeanPenn #SamuelBayer https://t.co/eVASsc7fzC pic.twitter.com/7tfgKUnizU
— Anthony Hopkins (@AnthonyHopkins) October 3, 2017
Dear Tom, so sad to hear of his passing. What a lovely, intelligent and talented man he was. Love to his family. pic.twitter.com/9zZaQUMtBs
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 3, 2017
Neil Young, via his Facebook page: “Rest In Peace Tom. Tom, I’m sure you heard how great your last show was. Everyone was talking about your happiness and the band’s happiness to be with you on that stage. Those chords are still ringing around the world. You have been such a great force, a tremendous contribution to music and the feelings people will hold in their hearts forever when the hear you everywhere. Peace Brother”
Best Classic Bands will continue to update these tributes.
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1 Comment
a brilliant and talented man..saw him many many times in concert and last saw him 5 years ago at the albert hall….rip tom..