Jeff Beck, regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, died Tuesday at age 78.
According to Beck’s official Twitter account, he died after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis.”
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
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. … His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss,” the tweet noted.
Beck rose to fame with The Yardbirds in the 1960s, with the group producing hits such as “For Your Love.” He went on to a successful solo career, winning eight Grammy Awards. Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as both a member of The Yardbirds and as a solo artist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 5 on its list of “100 Greatest Guitarists.”
Tributes from the music world poured in following news of Beck’s death.
Rolling Stones founder Mick Jagger tweeted, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/u8DYQrLNB7
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) January 11, 2023
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi wrote, “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”
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 pic.twitter.com/i6BGdqTUKU
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 11, 2023
Kiss founder Gene Simmons tweeted, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/3qnPOCyhUj
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2023
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour wrote, “I am devastated to hear the news of the death of my friend and hero Jeff Beck, whose music has thrilled and inspired me and countless others for so many years.”
I am devastated to hear the news of the death of my friend and hero Jeff Beck, whose music has thrilled and inspired me and countless others for so many years.
Polly‘s and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra.
He will be forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/369rHU7BCX— David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) January 11, 2023
Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop tweeted, “My condolences to Jeff Beck’s family, friends and fans. He was a phenomenal guitar player.”
My condolences to Jeff Beck’s family, friends and fans. He was a phenomenal guitar player 💙🎶🎸
— Stephen Bishop (@BishSongs) January 11, 2023
Guitarist Rick Springfield wrote, “The great Jeff Beck has taken his genius and gone home. My guitar idol since age 15.”
The great Jeff Beck has taken his genius and gone home. My guitar idol since age 15. For the uninitiated, check out his amazing work on (where do I begin) Roger Waters ‘Amused to Death’. His gift was impossible to copy and won’t be repeated. Thankful for huge legacy. God speed JB pic.twitter.com/oXiw04jfKu
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) January 11, 2023
[Photo credit: Jeff Beck Music]