Guitar Legend Jeff Beck Dies at 78

One of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, Jeff Beck has died at the age of 78.

Beck’s death was confirmed with a statement on his official Twitter page.

“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” the statement said.

It reads, “after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”

The British musician rose to fame as part of the Yardbirds, where he replaced Eric Clapton, before forming the Jeff Beck group with Rod Stewart.

His tone, presence and, above all, volume redefined guitar music in the 1960s, and influenced movements like heavy metal, jazz-rock and even punk.

Speaking when he was inducted to 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.”

Tributes

Responding to news of his death, singer Sir Rod Stewart called Beck “the greatest”.

Posting a picture of the pair together on Instagram, he wrote, “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.

“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.”

US rock band Hollywood Vampires, comprising Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen, also saluted the passing of the guitar legend.

“Jeff’s incredible musicianship and passion for guitar has been an inspiration to us all.

“He was a true innovator and his legacy will live on through his music. Rest in peace, Jeff,” the band wrote.

Again, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page paid tribute to Beck as the six-stringed warrior and praised his apparently limitless musical imagination which could channel music from the ethereal.

In another rock tribute, Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger shared a video of the pair playing together, saying music had lost “one of the greatest guitar players in the world” and “we will all miss him so much”.

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne said it had been “such an honour” to know and play with Beck, adding: “I can’t express how saddened I am…”

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May said he was lost for words, but called Beck “the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing and a damn fine human being”.

Members of Kiss, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, also expressed their shock.

Simmons called the news heartbreaking, while Stanley said he had “blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever”.

BBC/Confidence