Music World Mourns The Passing Of Legendary Guitarist Jeff Beck

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Jeff Beck plays the guitar.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jeff Beck has passed away at the age of 78 years old. The guitarist’s family posted a message on the sudden news Wednesday evening.

Beck died Tuesday of bacterial meningitis and now many around the industry are posting their both reactions and memories of the legendary musician.

Beck was a blues rock icon. A jazz innovator. A rock and roll god.

He first rose to prominence as a member of the Yardbirds, who famously held affiliation with other guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. He also fronted the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice.

His rise coincided with the rock boom of the late 1960s, and his skills were on par with the likes of Hendrix, Page, Townshend, and Richards. He won eight Grammys and was named the fifth-greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone. Here’s more from that Rolling Stone article.

Jeff Beck has the combination of brilliant technique with personality. It’s like he’s saying, “I’m Jeff Beck. I’m right here. And you can’t ignore me.” Even in the Yardbirds, he had a tone that was melodic but in-your-face – bright, urgent and edgy, but sweet at the same time. You could tell he was a serious player, and he was going for it. He was not holding back.

Beck’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the music world. Many are taking a moment to pay their respects.

Peter Frampton wrote, “I’m in shock after hearing this incredibly sad news. My thoughts are with his wife Sandra and his entire family.” He was just the first of a long line of legendary rockers to issue condolences.

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones said, “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.” 

His Rolling Stones bandmates also posted heartfelt messages.

Others around the industry also commented, with Paul Stanley saying, “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.”

KISS bandmate Gene Simmons said, “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.”

Rod Stewart wrote, “Jeff Beck was on another planet. He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since.”

Ozzy Osbourne wrote, “I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Jeff Beck’s passing.”

The list of legends goes on.

Beck had a major influence on many generations of rock and roll. Here’s Mike McCready of Pearl Jam’s response to the news.

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page wrote, “His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff, I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.”

I think that’s a fitting way to end this. Rest in peace, Jeff.

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