Tributes pour in for legendary guitarist Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck, the iconic guitarist whose stints in The Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group made him a legend in the British blues rock scene of the 1960s, has died at the age of 78. His family announced the late musician’s death, stating that Beck had died after a short battle with bacterial meningitis. Now, tributes from across the musical spectrum have started pouring for the guitarist.
Beck is rightly considered one of the foundational players of the guitar in modern times. Transferring his skills into blues, soul, funk, as well as rock and roll, Beck became an integral member of the musical revolution of the 1960s. As such, the world of rock and roll has shared its deepest sympathies for the passing of Beck.
Beck’s death has come as a shock to many, with his family confirming he passed following a brief illness: “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday,” Beck’s family wrote in a statement. “His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
Tributes have now poured in from the likes of KISS star Gene Simmons who wrote: “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.”
Another member of the KISS, Paul Stanley, also paid tribute to the iconic guitarist: 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.”
Beck once described his own style as completely unique, confirming to Guitar World in 2014: “I like an element of chaos in music. That feeling is the best thing ever, as long as you don’t have too much of it. It’s got to be in balance. I just saw Cirque du Soleil, and it struck me as complete organised chaos. If I could turn that into music, it’s not far away from what my ultimate goal would be, which is to delight people with chaos and beauty at the same time.”
Perhaps Beck’s closest counterpart, Jimmy Page, also shared his own tribute to the star, writing: “The six stringed Warrior is no longer here for us to admire the spell he could weave around our mortal emotions. Jeff could channel music from the ethereal.
“His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.”
More icons, such as Ozzy Osbourne, The Kinks’ Dave Davies and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, shared similar sentiments. Osbourne noted: “I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Jeff Beck’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, Patient Number 9. Long live Jeff Beck”
Iommi wrote: “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”
The tributes will continue to pour in for a truly iconic artist.
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