Rock legend Jeff Beck dies aged 78 after battle with meningitis

11 January 2023, 22:11 | Updated: 12 January 2023, 10:02

Grammy Award winner and music legend Jeff Beck has died aged 78.

The rock star, known for hits like "Hi Ho Silver Lining", which got into the UK Top 20, died on Tuesday after a battle with meningitis.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing," his Twitter page said.

"After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday.

"His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

Mr Beck, who is considered to be one of the all time guitar greats, formed The Yardbirds along with Jimmy Page - who later found fame with Led Zeppelin - before embarking on a glittering solo career.

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A twice-inducted member of Rock's Hall of Fame, he formed the Jeff Beck Group and performed alongside Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Rolling Stone ranked him at number five on its list of 100 Greatest Guitarists.

Tributes from fellow musicians poured in.

Ronnie Wood said: "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.

"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."

Most recently, he announced a collaboration with Johnny Depp after the Hollywood star was embroiled in a legal battle with Amber Heard.

The album, 18, was released last year.

Depp, who it's claimed was at Beck's beside during his final hours, is quoted as being "totally devastated" by the loss.

Other tributes include close friend and fellow musician Sir Rod Stewart: "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.

"He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond.

"Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. RIP."

Sir Mick Jagger shared a clip of them playing together and 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."

He earned a Grammy for A Day in the Life from Live at Ronnie Scott's in 2009, and he got two more for his 2010 album Emotion and Commotion.

He also scooped the award for best pop collaboration for Imagine with Herbie Hancock.

The Kinks' Dave Davies said: "I'm heartbroken he looked in fine shape to me. Playing great he was in great shape. I'm shocked and bewildered.

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"Deepest sympathy to his wife friends close ones I'm bewildered Jeff Beck it don't make sense I don't get it. He was a good friend and a great guitar player.

"He was a great and innovative guitar player."

Kiss's Gene Simmons said: "Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. No one played guitar like Jeff.

"Please get a hold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP."

Mr Beck, who was born in Wallington, was renowned for his skill on the six-string, allowing him to play a variety of genres.

He married Sandra in 2005 and lived in Wadhurst in East Sussex.