Bob Dylan pays emotional tribute to friend Tom Petty after ‘shocking' death

The iconic folk singer said he was "crushed" by news of Petty's death at the age of 66
Jennifer Ruby3 October 2017
The Weekender

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Bob Dylan has expressed his shock and sadness following the death of his friend Tom Petty in an emotional tribute.

The iconic folk singer said that news of the singer’s death at the age of 66 was “crushing” as he “thought the world” of him.

“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,” he told Rolling Stone magazine.

A host of stars from the world of entertainment expressed their sorrow after it was revealed that the singer had suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu on Monday night.

Meat Loaf wrote on Facebook: “More sad news today with Passing another great Rocker Tom Petty, Great Writer with classic songs that marked a time in many peoples lives , loving fans who he also loved (sic).

“The world lost a great one today. He still lives with us in his music. As his daughter said earlier today a normal guy who loved what he did. Our prayers go out to Tom and his family.”

Billy Idol said that he was “shocked and upset” while Sheryl Crow described the news as “unbearable”.

“Tom Petty was one of the biggest inspirations for me as a musician. This one will hurt for a long time. Truly one of the sweetest people on earth. Rest In Peace brother,” wrote Kings of Leon star Nathan Followill.

“It’s going to be hard to take the stage tonight with such a heavy heart. Luckily music is what I use to get through tough times like these. Love one another.”

Tribute: Fans lay flowers on Tom Petty's star on the Walk of Fame
AFP/Getty Images

Sir Paul McCartney wrote on Twitter: “Sending love to Tom Petty and his family at this difficult time.”

Tom Petty - In pictures

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Petty died in hospital after being found unconscious at his home on Monday. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital but could not be saved, his manager Tony Dimitriades said.

In a statement Dimitriades said: "On behalf of the Tom Petty family, we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend Tom Petty.

“He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Center but could not be revived.

"He died peacefully at 8.40pm PT (4.30am, Tuesday, UK time) surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.”

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