Rest in Peace, Guitar Legend Jeff Beck: 1944-2023

Share:

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck has passed away at the age of 78.

A statement from Beck’s representatives was issued on Wednesday:

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.

Beck had been out on the road recently with musical colleague and friend Johnny Depp, supporting their collaborative studio album, 18, which was released in July. One of the most innovative and influential guitarists to ever take up the craft, he leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled excellence. He will be missed.

Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp @ Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 6, 2022 (© Jerome Brunet)

PHOTOS: Jeff Beck & Johnny Depp Bring Tour to the Orpheum Theatre in LA; New Album ’18’ Out Now

Musically, we were breaking all the rules, it was fantastic, groundbreaking rock ’n’ roll! Listen to the incredible track ‘Plynth’ in his honour. Jeff, I will always love you. God bless 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/adJA4FTvVL

— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) January 11, 2023

I’m just so sorry and bewildered rest in peace i love you my friend Jeff Beck i feel bad I’m devastated I nearly didn’t go to the gig pic.twitter.com/0zAMgqMHm4

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 11, 2023

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

WOW. What awful news. 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. @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/8LVeq47wxx

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) January 11, 2023

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

Over the years, Rock Cellar contributors interviewed Jeff Beck a handful of times. Here’s a passage from Jeff Slate’s 2018 interview with Beck, a conversation that found him candidly discussing why he isn’t a fan of guitar tapping:

Jeff Beck: The best, most reliable thing to do is see what the guitar is telling you. Do you find a harmonic? Double harmonic? Make a note of where that is, and then use that as the bar. That’s what I do. I guess you could say for somebody who can’t really play guitar it’s a way of getting out of trouble. I mean, it’s a joke, obviously, but I think there’s some substance in the joke. Whereas most people immediately swing over to the idea of tapping, and swing over to that, to me that’s a circus rather than a musical performance.

Those guys just try to outdo each other. I’ve noticed on YouTube, looking for young talent to maybe join me, everything in that realm has already been done. Eddie Van Halen has already done it. So leave it to him. I mean, don’t come near me with tapping.

May Jeff Beck rest in peace.

Beck with Rod Stewart at the Hollywood Bowl, 2019 (Photo: Lauri J. Reimer)

Previous Article

January 2023 Issue

Published on 2023/01/11

Click the links below to enjoy our new January 2023 features. Mike Love on ‘Sail On Sailor — 1972′ Era […]

Read More

Next Article

Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood Remember Jeff Beck: “You Were the Greatest, My Man.”

Published on 2023/01/11

On Wednesday, the sad news came through that revered guitar legend Jeff Beck had passed away at the age of […]

Read More