Geoffrey Arnold Beck, aka Jeff Beck, one of the most influential and respected guitarists in Rock history, dies at age 78. The Yardbirds and Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice musician sadly passed away on Tuesday in a hospital near his home at Riverhall, in southern England.
Melissa Dragich, his publicist, released a statement, explaining the cause of death, “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.”
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Friends and fellow musicians shared their condolences, mourning Beck’s unexpected death. “No one played guitar like Jeff,” said Gene Simmons via Twitter.
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
Paul Young also posted a sincere message that said, “Devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. He was loved by everyone in the know; the guitarists guitarist! My condolences to his family & friends. RIP.”
KISS band member, Paul Stanley, wrote, “WOW. What awful news. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. From the Yard Birds to The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever. @jeffbeckmusic.”
The music world on Twitter from Joe Satriani to Guns N’ Roses all posted tribute messages remembering Jeff Beck. Click here to read their heartfelt words.