Jeff Beck, one of rock’s most innovative guitar heroes and a veteran of the Yardbirds and Jeff Beck Group, has passed away aged 78. His representative confirmed the news on Wednesday in a statement.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” the representative said via social media. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
Beck was an eight-time Grammy winner and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as both a solo artist and member of the Yardbirds.
One of Beck’s most recent projects was last year’s “18,” a collaborative album with Johnny Depp that featured original songs written by Depp and covers of various classic artists.
Beck’s output in the 1970s was largely instrumental, but his 1985 album “Flash,” featured many vocal-led pop tracks. “People Get Ready,” a collaboration with Rod Stewart, was a hit single in the U.S. and around the globe.
Rolling Stone called him “one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock,” and he recently was featured on two tracks from Ozzy Osbourne’s 2022 album, the title track “Patient Number 9” and “A Thousand Shades.”
“WOW. What awful news,” tweeted KISS guitarist Paul Stanley. “Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever.”
KISS bassist Gene Simmons also posted a tribute: “Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. No one played guitar like Jeff. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP.”
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi tweeted: “I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player – there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed. RIP Jeff -Tony”
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