SANTA MONICA – Music fans around the world were devastated on Monday by the death of music legend Tom Petty. Petty, a singer, songwriter, and musician, has been an icon in the rock and roll community since the late 70’s. According to Reuters, Petty’s Manager, Tony Dimitriades, said the 66 year-old was found at his Malibu home unconscious and in cardiac arrest on Monday morning . He was soon rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. He passed away that evening.
“We are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty,” Dimitriades said on behalf of the family, according to Reuters.
Petty’s career began to really gain traction when Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was formed in 1976. Together they released songs that defined the very genre of rock and roll. The band sold millions of albums and produced well-known hits such as “Refugee,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” “Free Fallin’ ” and “Into the Great Wide Open.” In 2002, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Petty and his band recently finished their 40th anniversary national tour on Sept. 25 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Since his passing, fans have gathered in Hollywood to pay tribute to Petty. They have placed candles, flowers, and handwritten notes to the popular musician on his band’s Hollywood star on Hollywood Boulevard.
Some content/photos courtesy of Reuters
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