The music world has lost a legend.
I can’t help but feel like 2022 was a devastating year in the music world, losing the like of music icons like Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Anita Pointer, Olivia Newton-John, Naomi Judd, Coolio, Taylor Hawkins, Meat Loaf, and many others.
And unfortunately, 2023 is picking up where 2022 left off.
English guitar player and music legend Jeff Beck has passed away yesterday… at the age of 78.
His family revealed that he passed away suddenly after 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.”
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
Regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jeff was prominently known for his work in the Yardbirds, a band that also featured guitar gods Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.
Beck joined the band after Clapton’s departure, at the suggestion of Jimmy Page, who would later go on to be a founding member of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy briefly played bass alongside Beck, however, following Beck’s own departure from the band, he ended up taking lead guitar duties as well.
Beck would later go on to front the Jeff Beck Group as well as Beck, Bogert & Appice.
He was an eight-time Grammy winner, and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Yardbirds.
Playing everything from rock to blues, hard rock, jazz fusion, electronica, and more, Beck was as versatile as they come, a true pioneer of the guitar world.
RIP.
A number of fellow musicians took to Twitter to share their condolences:
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
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/0mn2gtTj5Z
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 11, 2023
Oh, My Heart…RIP, Jeff…I miss you already…💔💔💔💔💔
Jeff Beck, Guitar Virtuoso and Blues-Rock Innovator, Dead at 78 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/oJ2O1vqbDk
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) January 11, 2023
Rest in Peace Jeff Beck
— 🥜 (@pnut) January 11, 2023
Is this true about Jeff Beck is this really happining I’m in fucking shock I can’t believe it
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) 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
