Jeff Beck, one of the most famous rock guitarists of the 20th century, died at the age of 78.
The British guitarist became famous while being a part of the 1960s rock band Yardbirds, after replacing Eric Clapton. He later formed the Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart.
Born on 24th June 1944 the guitarist’s style was instrumental and innovative sound. His unique tone and energetic presence redefined guitar music in the 1960s and made him one of the most influential musicians as he impacted heavily on musical movements like heavy metal, jazz-rock, blues rock, hard rock, jazz fusion, and even punk.
His official Twitter handle confirmed Jeff Beck’s death.
The statement on the Twitter handle read, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing.”
“After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss,” it added.
It is reported that he “suddenly contracted bacterial meningitis”
Talking about when he was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time in 2009, Beck said, “I play the way I do because it allows me to come up with the sickest sounds possible. That’s the point now, isn’t it? I don’t care about the rules.”
“In fact, if I don’t break the rules at least 10 times in every song, then I’m not doing my job properly,” said the “guitarist’s guitarist” confidently.
The music industry had been mourning Beck’s death as singer Sir Rod Stewart defined him as “the greatest”. He posted a series of tweets with his picture with Jeff and captioned it “Jeff Beck was on another planet. He took me and Ronnie Wood and to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since.
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Jeff Beck was on another planet . He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group
and we haven’t looked back since . pic.twitter.com/uS7bbWsHgW— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) January 11, 2023
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He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond .
Jeff, you were the greatest, my man . Thank you for everything . RIP— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) January 11, 2023
US rock band Hollywood Vampires, consisting of Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, and Tommy Henriksen, also saluted “the passing of our dear friend and guitar legend”.
“Jeff’s incredible musicianship and passion for guitar has been an inspiration to us all,” the band wrote. “He was a true innovator and his legacy will live on through his music. Rest in peace, Jeff.”
Rock singer and guitarist Eric Clapton simply tweeted: “‘Always and ever’…….. Ec”.
On November 12, 2022, Jeff Beck mounted the stage in Reno, Nevada for what would turn up being his legendary career’s final performance.
It was the legendary guitarist’s final concert with rocker-turned-actor Johnny Depp. In 2016, the two men grew close and later started working together. Beck called the actor a “kindred spirit,” saying, “When Johnny and I started playing together, it truly fired our youthful enthusiasm and inventiveness.”
