British rock guitarist Jeff Beck died on Tuesday at the age of 78. His family says that the musician had meningitis and passed away ‘peacefully’ on Tuesday. Beck was known as one of the best guitarists of his generation.
Beck became known in the 1960s for the band the Yardbirds, the group that also started the musical career of Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. He then went on to form The Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice before continuing on his own in a solo career that spanned hard rock, jazz, funky blues and even opera. He was known for his improvisation, love of overtones and the so-called whammy bar (tremolo poker) on his favorite guitar, the Fender Stratocaster.
“Jeff Beck is the best guitarist in the world,” Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry told The New York Times in 2010 . “He is head, hands and feet above the rest of us, with the kind of talent that only appears once every generation or two.”
Beck released a total of eighteen studio albums, solo and with bands. The guitarist released his latest with actor Johnny Depp. The two also toured together last year.
Although Beck had less commercial success than other guitar heroes of his generation, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix, he is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists. Leading music magazine Rolling Stone ranked Beck fifth in its top 100 greatest guitarists. The guitarist has won eight Grammy Awards and was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Commenting on Beck’s passing, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger says the world has lost “a great man and one of the greatest guitarists in the world.” Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was shocked to hear that Beck had died, he says. “Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic genius guitarist – there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special and strikingly brilliant!” According to Led Zeppelin guitarist and former Yardbirds member Jimmy Page, Beck’s technique was unique and limitless.
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 ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/4dvt5aGzlv
— Jeff Beck (@jeffbeckmusic) January 11, 2023