Acclaimed rockstar Jeff Beck dies, age 78

The world has lost “one of the greatest guitar players” following the death of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jeff Beck  at the age of 78.

Announced by his representatives, Beck died on Tuesday, January 11, following a sudden case of “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

Born June 24, 1944, Beck first took an interest in music at the age of 6 after hearing Les Paul play the electric guitar.

As he entered adolescence, Beck began learning to play with a borrowed guitar and even made several attempts to build his own guitar.

His dedication to his craft clearly paid off as he rose to prominence as one of the leading guitarists across the globe in the 1960s, playing with The Yardbirds before taking off on his own solo career.

Beck’s incredible skill on the guitar and venture into distortion and use of the whammy bar made him an influential player in the jazz-rock genre, leading to recognition through eight grammy awards and a double induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Beck’s death has left a hole in the music industry with fellow rock legends now in mourning over the devastating loss.

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

1/2
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 . pic.twitter.com/uS7bbWsHgW

— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) 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

I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9.
Long live #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/hG6O9tzfij

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023

????Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him. I’m sending much sympathy to Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America. pic.twitter.com/UareDAdtZ9

— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) January 11, 2023

Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra Cash.