At the age of 78, Jeff Beck, the renowned guitarist and founder of the Jeff Beck Group, passed away suddenly.
In a message sent on the musician’s social media profile, his family confirmed the news and informed followers: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing.”
They disclosed that he passed away “peacefully” on January 11 after “suddenly getting bacterial meningitis,” an infection that, according to the NHS, can result in life-threatening blood poisoning and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Family and friends have asked for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.
A guitar virtuoso who also led the band Beck, Bogert & Appice, Beck was renowned as the guitar player’s guitar player for pushing the boundaries of blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. His work has influenced generations.
After taking Eric Clapton’s place in the Yardbirds in 1965, he first became famous there before founding the Jeff Beck Group.
The Jeff Beck Group released the albums Truth in 1968, Beck-Ola in 1969, Rough and Ready in 1971, and The Jeff Beck Group in 1972 after going through a number of lineup changes.
The guitarist developed his solo career while simultaneously playing for other performers, such as Ozzy Osbourne, over the course of his illustrious career. His eleventh album, Emotion & Commotion, which he published in 2010, achieved his highest charting performance in 35 years.
In addition, Beck, an eight-time Grammy winner, came in at number five on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 best guitarists.
Additionally, he was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once in 1992 while a member of the Yardbirds and again in 2009 when performing as a soloist.
In recent years, Johnny Depp and Beck have worked together and performed together frequently, most notably following a Virginia court’s decision in favour of the 59-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star in his libel case against the 36-year-old Amber Heard.
After they jointly released the album 18 on July 15, the two’s working relationship improved. The musician gave an explanation of the meaning of the project’s name in a statement posted at the time on his official website.
“When Johnny and I started playing together, it really ignited our youthful spirit and creativity,” he wrote. “We would joke about how we felt 18 again so that just became the album title too.”
Following the news of his death, tributes from Beck’s famous colleagues poured in including Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of Rolling Stones, who wrote on his Instagram.
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne also paid tribute to the late musician on his Instagram.
Rod Stewart, who sang in the same band with Beck, also shared his grief and penned: “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.”
Rod Stewart, who sang in the same band with Beck, also shared his grief and penned: “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.”
Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra Beck. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra Beck. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
