Packed Florida Gators' Stadium Sings Tom Petty Song In Tribute To Late Singer

Earlier this week the music industry, and countless fans, went into mourning following the death of Tom Petty.

Petty died aged 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Malibu home, according to a statement released by Tony Dimitriades, the manager of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

Yesterday, American football fans from Petty's hometown came together to sing a tribute.

At the end of the third quarter during the game between the Florida Gators and the LSU Tigers, the packed 90,000 capacity stadium burst into an impromptu and stirring rendition of 'Won't Back Down'.

The Gator's official Twitter account shared the clip with the caption 'this one's for you Tom Petty'.

Credit: Twitter/Florida Gators

Petty was born in Gainesville, Florida, and spent a short time working as a member of the grounds crew at the University of Florida, before hitting mega-stardom.

Tiger Rag editor Cody Worsham told The Hollywood Reporter: "Clearly every fan in the building knew every word."

This isn't the only touching tribute to the late rocker. Following his unexpected death there was a huge outpouring of grief from celebrities and fellow-musicians who rushed to social media to express their shock and upset over his passing.

Former Beatle, Paul McCartney tweeted to say: "Dear Tom, so sad to hear of his passing. What a lovely, intelligent and talented man he was. Love to his family."

Tom Petty died earlier this week, aged 66. Credit: PA

Rocker Bob Dylan, who co-founded the rock supergroup Traveling Wilburys along with Petty, former Beatle George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison, told Rolling Stone: "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."

Bryan Adams posted: "RIP Tom Petty. Thanks for all the great rockin' music, hard to believe you're gone."

The 'Free Fallin' singer, who had been a star since the 1970s, had recently wrapped up a world tour, which included 53 shows in the US, Canada and the UK. He had two shows left to complete in November in New York.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter; Twitter

Featured Image Credit: Twitter

Topics: Florida

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19