Tremendous sadness today as we learn that Tom Petty has died of a heart attack. (His alias on the first Traveling Wilburys album was Charlie T. Wilbury Jr., hence the title of this article.) Petty suffered the heart attack last night. He was taken off life support today. And the rock world is hit with another shattering blow.
I first heard Tom and the Heartbreakers when they released “Don’t Come Around Here No More” as a video. His career with the Heartbreakers was the stuff of legend, but the music that always touched me most were the Wilburys and his solo album, Full Moon Fever. Each one is virtually its own “greatest hits”.
Tom Petty gave us one of the most enduring anthems, “I Won’t Back Down” among his dozens of hits. He defined an entire style of music. When people talk of a song being “Tom Petty-ish”, you know what it’s going to sound like. Chances are, there are some chiming electric guitars and some southern accents.
Rest in Peace Tom Petty. We hope you’re jamming with your old friends Lefty and Nelson Wilbury in heaven now.
mikeladano.com 
Only 2 Wilburys left.
:(
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God damn.
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I know a few folks who will be feeling this one.
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Me too. On the radio station I listen to, they have a contest that runs from 3 to 4. Today they just ditched the contest halfway through. Nobody was into it after the bad news. So they just started playing a bunch of Petty.
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Wow. I didn’t know that one.
Now some reports are not 100% sure of his death.
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You’re kidding…
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This news actually has me more depressed than I was this morning when I heard about the Vegas shootings. Tough day! I am glad they got to finish their 40th Anniversary tour just last week if I am not mistaken.
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Now they’re saying he is still alive but not in good shape. Nice tribute regardless.
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I’ve been reading all the recent confusion. No idea what’s actually going on. Perhaps I should put this into “draft” mode until we get some clarity.
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I had the post ready to go stating he was near death.
Then Rolling Stone posted he died.
Tom’s daughter is claiming he is alive and is pissed at Rolling Stone.
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His daughter posted on facebook that he is still alive, so I don’t know what is happening. Maybe just update it to a tribute for now? What ever his happening he is either gone or in rough shape.
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Nice call on his distinctive Tom Petty sound – and nice tribute as well Mike
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Thanks Geoff!
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This one was just completely out of nowhere RIP TP!!!
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No kidding eh. Just after finishing his big 40th anniversary tour. Another brutal year.
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