The music industry has lost another legendary icon with the sudden passing of Tom Petty who died from heart attack on Monday. In an official statement released by Tony Dimitriades on behalf of the family, the manager confirmed the unfortunate news that stunned celebrities and music fans all over the world.
Rock icon dies from heart attack at the age 66
He said the rock artist was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center after he suffered from cardiac arrest on the morning of October 2.
But despite the medical attention, Tom Petty did not survive and died peacefully on the same day he was taken to the hospital.
The lead singer of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers was surrounded by his family, friends, and bandmates when he took his last breath. He was 66 years old.
It was in the 1970s when the rock icon pursued his music aspiration and formed a band he named Epics with Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. The group eventually split up which paved a new path for the members to form Heartbreakers which became an instant hit among American and British fans.
Tom Petty also joined George Harrison's band the Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne in 1988.
The rock icon eventually returned to his original band, the Heartbreakers, and had released several hit singles with since 1991.
Some of their greatest hits include "I Won't Back Down," "Runnin' Down A Dream," "Refugee," "Learning to Fly" and much more. Many artists mourn the sudden passing of Tom Petty, including ColdPlay's Chris Martin, who paid tribute to the rock icon during their concert in Portland, Oregon.
Music industry mourns death of the Heartbreakers lead vocalist
The British band opened their show with a moment of silence to honor the late artist for his legacy. Coldplay also performed their own rendition of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin" with R.E.M. lead guitarist Pete Buck.
“When words fail, sometimes quiet is the most eloquent,” the group wrote, along with a photo of the crowd.
Several other artists also remembered Tom Petty for his music and inspiration to the younger generation of musicians. Paul McCartney, on the other hand, sent his thoughts to the bereaved kin of the late rock singer.
Peter Gabriel, the lead singer and flautist of Genesis, remembered Tom Petty for his kindness, generosity, and excellence as an artist.
His death also saddened Kid Rock, who expressed his gratitude to the late artist for his influence.