The world mourned the sudden passing of Jeff Beck – a legendary British guitar virtuoso who achieved stardom with The Yardbirds. He was 78 years old.
“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 posted on Twitter.
“His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss,” the statement ended.
On June 24, 1944, the world welcomed a legendary rock star – Jeff Beck – into Surrey, England. Considered one of music’s greatest guitarists and innovators for over half a century, he is an eight-time Grammy winner and two-time inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
In March 1965, Jeff Beck stepped in for Eric Clapton and embarked on an exhilarating 20-month journey as a member of The Yardbirds.
Even though he only had one album with the band, “Over Under Sideways Down,” many of their most popular songs such as “Heart Full of Soul,” “Evil Hearted You,” and a cover of Bo Diddley’s classic tune “I’m A Man” were all recorded when he was still part of the group.
During a US tour, Beck was dismissed from the group due to lack of attendance and his perfectionism coupled with an impassioned temper.
In January 1967, Jeff Beck established the acclaimed Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart handling vocals, Ronnie Wood playing bass guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Aynsley Dunbar as the drummer. Although this lineup changed several times over time, these four remained part of its core throughout its formation.
Beck’s decision to dissolve the group the night before Woodstock 1969 was one he would regret for years to come.
In 1970, the group made a comeback with Alex Ligertwood as their vocalist, Max Middleton on keyboards, Cozy Powell on drums, and Clive Chaman playing bass.
Beck was honored to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Yardbirds in 1992, then again as a solo artist seven years later. Additionally, he has been credited for six Best Rock Instrumental Performance Grammys, one Best Pop Instrumental Performance award, plus another Grammy for his collaboration on a pop song featuring vocals.
Beck and Johnny Depp recently concluded their highly successful journey promoting the 2022 album “18.”
Beck was celebrated as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists in 2015 by Rolling Stone, with an impressive placement at No. 5.
“I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing,” Ozzy Osbourne wrote on Twitter. “What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9. Long live #JeffBeck.”
I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9.
Long live #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/hG6O9tzfij— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023
“Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed,” KISS singer/bassist Gene Simmons posted on Twitter. “No one played guitar like Jeff. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP.”
“Devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. He was loved by everyone in the know; the guitarists guitarist! My condolences to his family & friends RIP,” British musician Paul Young said.
“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,” Tony Iommi, founding member and guitarist for Black Sabbath, tweeted.
“There will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed. RIP Jeff.”