Celebrities React to Tom Petty’s Death

Tom Petty died on Monday at the age of 66, and fans and peers are in mourning.

The Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers frontman suffered a heart attack in his Malibu, California, home. He arrived at the hospital and was taken off of life support.

News broke that he was near death, and tributes began to pour in. His death was later confirmed by his longtime manager.

Numerous friends, celebrities and fellow musicians have already reached out with memories and tributes to the late rock icon.

Scroll through to see some of the reactions.

Stevie Van Zandt

E Street Band member Stevie Van Zandt was one of the first classic rockers to speak out after hearing the news.

The guitarist was in disbelief, but offered his sympathies to Petty’s loved ones.

“Man this cannot be happening,” he wrote. “Not Tom Petty please. Our deepest love and condolences to his family and band. A brother and true believer.”

Cameron Crowe

Director Cameron Crowe was deeply affected by the passing of Petty.

One of the Almost Famous director’s first gigs was directing the Heartbreakers’ video for the 1983 song “Change of Heart.”

They’ve collaborated several times in the years since for Crowe’s feature work. He shared a black-and-white photo of the rockstar with the somber caption, “no words. just thanks.”

John Mayer

John Mayer was also among the first to react to the passing.

Mayer was a enormous admirer of the late singer-songwriter, and he often covered his songs. Mayer’s version of Petty’s solo hit “Free Fallin’” is a favorite among his fans.

“I loved Tom Petty, and I covered his songs because I wanted [to] know what it felt like to fly.”

He also added a lyric from Petty’s song “Wildflowers”: “You belong somewhere you feel free.”

Nikki Sixx

Mötley Crüe bassist and radio personality Nikki Sixx also reached out with his thoughts on Petty.

When the news of Petty’s heart attack broke, he simply tweeted a broken heart emoji. Then his passing was announced, he shared a more thorough thought.

“Tom Petty. One of the greatest songwriters of our generation,” Sixx wrote. “Thank you for ALL the music. Prayers to your family (and) band members.”

Charles Kelley

Petty was beloved to more those just those connected to rock music.

Lady Antebellum member Charles Kelley took to Twitter to share his “shock” at the news, which came the day after a domestic terrorist attack in Las Vegas that killed at over 50 people.

“Between the Vegas shooting and now Tom Petty sad news I’m in a state of shock,” he wrote. “What a sad day.”

Stephen King

Petty’s impact reached further than just the rock ‘n’ roll world.

Author Stephen King shared his disbelief at the passing, coupled with the emotions of the Las Vegas tragedy.

“Tom Petty gone? That’s just so wrong,” he wrote. “What a bad day this has been, in so many ways.”

Cage the Elephant

Rock band Cage the Elephant were huge fans of Petty’s music. 

They’ve paid tribute to him multiple times through the years and occasionally covered his song “Last Dance With Mary Jane” in concert.

They’d also met him several times and shared their reaction to his death on Twitter.

“So saddened to hear of Tom Petty passing,” the wrote. “He was such sweet person to us and a once in a lifetime artist.”

Other

As the news of Petty’s passing spread, more and more tributes came in from peers and other young musicians.

See more reactions to his passing below.

Others (continued)

Photo Credit: Getty / Jerod Harris