"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." (Jeff Family announced)
Like many musicians of his time, Beck began his career as a studio guitarist. In 1965 he joined The Yardbirds, after Eric Clapton left the group. Eighteen months later he left the group, mainly due to health problems. Beck spent the following years with his own group, The Jeff Beck Group, whose albums sold well but were not very commercial. He achieved wide public recognition in 1975, recording the album Blow by Blow as a solo career.
A striking feature of his work is the fact that he does not always stick to the same musical style, opting for a fusion of styles ranging from jazz to rock n' roll with a personal touch.
He continued to sporadically record and release his records. In his last three records he has worked with electronic music.
He had a passion for hot rods (old cars with powerful engines and other modifications). Beck himself was a skilled mechanic and restorer, praised by big names in that medium for his work with the cars.
Unlike most rock guitarists, Jeff used to play without his pick (which can be seen live and/or in videos of his performances).
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and as a solo musician in 2009. His last album was "18", released in July 2022, featuring covers in collaboration with actor and musician Johnny Depp.
Steve vai on his FaceBook (2023/01/11):
"In the pantheons of guitar players, Jeff Beck was the chosen one. He left us with so much beauty and light in our music world. I can’t imagine the landscape of contemporary guitar playing if he had never been here, but as everything comes and goes in this world, his contribution reshaped our imagination of what the guitar can do forever.
Thank you master. You really did it and we so much appreciate you."
Beck died on 10 January 2023 at the age of 78 after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis.
Our tribute to Jeff and his family!
