Jeff Beck, legendary guitarist, music innovator and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, died Tuesday, January 10, at the age of 78.
Beck’s family issued a statement Wednesday and confirmed the musician’s passing.
“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.”
Beck’s career started in the 60’s during the blues rock boom as a member of the Yardbirds. Even back then, he was already considered as one of the best rock guitarists around considering that he was in the same band and scene as his peers Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. After his stint with the Yardbirds, he went on to forge a solo career with his own Jeff Beck Group.
As a musician and recording artist, Beck was an eight-time Grammy award winner and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee for his work with the Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group.
But it was his innovative work as a guitarist that he really made his mark in the world of Rock and Roll. Here he was considered a giant and one of the most influential. He was an instrumental figure who went on to shape and define the rock fusion style in the mid 70's with his albums "Blow By Blow" and "Wired."
Rock and Roll greats—his peers—and fellow legendary musicians paid tribute to the late guitarist on social media as news of his passing spread last Wednesday.
Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Beck’s bandmate at the Yardbirds who inducted him into the Rock Hall back 2009 wrote: “The six stringed Warrior is no longer here for us to admire the spell he could weave around our mortal emotions. Jeff could channel music from the ethereal. His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.”
Mick Jagger also wrote: “With the death of Jeff Beck, we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much.”
Rod Stewart wrote: “Jeff, you were the greatest, my man – thank you everything. R.I.P.”
Those whom Beck influenced underscored the effect he had on their own music career and gave their reverence for the guitarist’s contribution to the instrument and for the music he created.
Acoustic guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel posted on his social media: “Jeff Beck was an original, an artist of the highest order, the finest guitar player that could not be copied, only enjoyed and appreciated!! Thank you for all your dedication, love of good songs and totally adventurous spirit!! Big big big respect! Tommy cgp.”
Guitarist-singer Warren Haynes of Govt Mule and the Allman Brothers Band wrote that Beck “was ferocious—not just inventive but totally unique,” also adding that, “every time he released something new we all waited with anticipation to hear what new direction or directions he would take. It was uncanny. He seemed to not want to define himself with what he had already done so each new venture just added to an already broad scope..No matter what direction he chose he approached it in a way that only he could.”
Jack White also wrote his tribute, saying “Jeff Beck, guitar innovator has moved to the next realm, adding, “he was amazingly kind and instructional to me over the years. Many shows that I’ve played began moments after listening to his song “Led Boots” backstage. God Bless you Jeff, you must already be chatting with Cliff Gallup somewhere.”
Guitarist and composer Andy Timmons summed up Beck’s contributions and impact when the former posted: “He just kept improving…he could have stopped after ‘Shapes Of Things’ and already have been on the guitarist Mount Rushmore. ‘Emotion and Commotion’ is the pinnacle of emotive guitar playing. Bless you Jeff…I’ll be in tears for a long while.”
Beck’s storied career spanned six decades and he was working until the end.