Jeff Beck

The eight-time Grammy-winner rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds.

Posting a picture of Beck on his Twitter, he wrote: “WOW. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. Play on now and forever.” “From rock to soul to jazz he was the greatest player in all genres. “No one can replace him,” he wrote on Twitter. Such awful news but thank you Jeff for all you gave us.”

He began with bubblegum pop in the Yardbirds, then moved on to psychedelia, funk, jazz fusion, even techno – but no matter what the genre, Beck was always ...

It was all evidence of a disinclination to be pigeonholed: the only thing you could rely on was that whatever direction his music took, his guitar playing would be incredible. It was the kind of career that baffled the general public – of his latterday albums, only the relatively straightforward Emotion & Commotion, which saw him working with Joss Stone and Imelda May, was really a hit – and obscure quite how innovative Beck had been in the 60s. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante recalled listening to Truth as a kid and marvelling at Beck “pulling all these sounds out of the guitar … The single that coupled Happenings Ten Years Time Ago and Psycho Daisies was impossibly potent and sinister, so far-out even by the standards of 1966 that it succeeded in alienating their fans – it barely scraped the charts in the UK – and the critics, one of whom derided it as an “excuse for music”. Beck could play the blues if he wanted to – listen to his slide playing on Heart Full of Soul’s B-side, Steeled Blues – but he was no one’s idea of a respectful purist. Beck-Ola was very much in the “heavy” style of Truth – Spanish Boots is particularly fantastic – but subsequent releases dabbled in funk, jazz and soul. It was epic, heavy and quite astonishingly prescient, pointing towards the direction rock would follow in the post-psychedelic era a year before the Summer of Love. Stewart departed after Beck-Ola – an attempt to replace him with the then-unknown Elton John only got as far the rehearsal studio – taking bassist Ronnie Wood with him to form the Faces. The first single he recorded with them, Heart Full of Soul, was another Gouldman confection, enlivened by Beck mimicking the sound of sitar – some months before the Beatles first deployed the instrument on Norwegian Wood – with a guitar played through a distortion pedal called a Toneblender. Throughout his tenure with the Yardbirds, Beck seemed as interested in the sonic possibilities of new technology as he did in demonstrating his instrumental prowess, “making all the weirdest noise I could”. By the time of February 1966’s Shapes of Things – howling feedback, a guitar solo audibly influenced by Indian raga, or, as Beck put it, “some weird mist coming from the east out of [my] amp” – the Yardbirds sounded like a completely different band from the one who had powered their way through covers of Smokestack Lightning and Good Morning Little Schoolgirl on 1964’s Five Live Yardbirds. Tellingly, the song that had first piqued his interest in playing guitar was Les Paul and Mary Ford’s groundbreaking 1951 hit How High the Moon, a single that was as much about Paul’s electronic manipulation of sound through multitracking as it was about his guitar playing.

Jeff Beck's representatives have confirmed the inspirational guitarist passed away at the age on 78 on Tuesday, with rockstars Mick Jagger and Ozzy Osbourne ...

"He is head, hands and feet above all the rest of us, with the kind of talent that appears only once every generation or two." "Deepest sympathy to his wife friends close ones I’m bewildered Jeff Beck it don’t make sense I don’t get it. Gene Simmons added: "Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Beck has sadly passed. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. Playing great he was in great shape. Play on now and forever.” Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player - there will never be another Jeff Beck. RIP Jeff -Tony." "His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! Founding member and guitarist for Black Sabbath Tony Iommi was also one of the first to pay tribute to the late star on Wednesday, tweeting: "I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. The late artist's loved ones shared also shared a message on the star's social media, writing: "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. [Jeff Beck ](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/jeff-beck)has passed away at the age of 78, with [Mick Jagger leading tributes to the musician](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/mick-jagger-ozzy-osbourne-lead-28933454), describing him as "one of the greatest guitar players in the world".

The Grammy award-winning musician, who was often described as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, died “peacefully” on Tuesday. | ITV National News.

“From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. “Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. Kiss frontman Paul Stanley also posted a tribute to Beck, describing him as “one of the all time guitar masters”. A flood of tributes have poured in for the late musician following the news of his death. Beck first came to prominence as a member of the Yardbirds and then went out on his own in a solo career that incorporated hard rock, jazz, funky blues and even opera. Posting a picture of Beck on his Twitter, he wrote: “WOW.

The Grammy-winning guitarist rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds.

From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. Writing on Twitter, Simmons said: “Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. Beck was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and later as a solo artist in 2009. The Grammy-winning guitarist rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo career and fronted the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice.

The trailblazing musician first rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo career, fronting Beck, Bogert & Appice, ...

“Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and later as a solo artist in 2009. “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. The trailblazing musician first rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo career, fronting Beck, Bogert & Appice, and The Jeff Beck Group with Sir Rod and Wood. Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, who conquered the US in the late 60s with Jeff Beck and The Jeff Beck Group, have led tributes to the rock veteran following his death at the age of 78.

The Grammy-winning guitarist, whose biggest hit was Hi Ho Silver Lining, rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo ...

His imaginations apparently limitless. In 2022 Beck released a full length album, titled 18, with Depp and the pair played a number of live gigs together. His technique unique. Beck was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and later as a solo artist in 2009. A statement posted to Twitter and Instagram read: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. The Grammy-winning guitarist, whose biggest hit was Hi Ho Silver Lining, rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo career and fronted the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice.

Ronnie Wood, who played with Beck in the Jeff Beck Group, said that he felt one of his "band of brothers has left this world" while Rod Stewart, ...

Beck was in a number of bands before joining the Yardbirds in 1965, when he replaced Eric Clapton and later gave way to Jimmy Page. In a career spanning six decades, Beck won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, with The Yardbirds in 1992 and as a solo artist in 2009. Ronnie Wood, who played with Beck in the Jeff Beck Group, said that he felt one of his "band of brothers has left this world" while Rod Stewart, who was also in the group, simply called him "the greatest".

The renowned guitarist's death, at the age of 78, was announced by his family in an online statement on Wednesday.

“Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – first as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and later as a solo artist in 2009. “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. The trailblazing musician first rose to prominence with rock band The Yardbirds and went on to have a successful solo career, fronting Beck, Bogert & Appice, and The Jeff Beck Group with Sir Rod and Wood. Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, who conquered the US in the late 60s with Jeff Beck and The Jeff Beck Group, have led tributes to the rock veteran following his death at the age of 78.

Eight-time Grammy winner was regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Johnny Marr called him “a pioneer and one of the all time greats”, while The Kinks’ Dave Davies tweeted: “I’m heartbroken he looked in fine shape to me. He was a good friend and a great guitar player.” “We would joke about how we felt 18 again, so that just became the album title, too,” Beck said in a statement. Often considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Beck pioneered jazz-rock. Beck first gained early fame in 1965 after joining the rock band The Yardbirds as a replacement for Eric Clapton. Established with bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice, the power trio were short-lived.

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck has died suddenly at the age of 78, with Ozzy Osbourne and Jimmy Page leading tributes.

Shocked to hear of the sudden death of Jeff Beck. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Devastating news about the loss of much loved, influential guitar legend Jeff Beck. Devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. Listen to the incredible track ‘Plynth’ in his honour. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. [KISS](https://www.nme.com/artists/kiss)’ [Gene Simmons](https://www.nme.com/artists/gene-simmons) called Beck’s death “heartbreaking”, adding: “No one played guitar like Jeff. “Half a century later Jeff Beck is still the greatest guitarist, PERIOD – The greatest of all time. Beck is often referred to as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and insured his fingers and thumbs for £7million. After being fired, he formed the Jeff Beck Group with Although he remained in the band for only 20 months, the band recorded most of their Top 40 hits with the guitarist, including ‘Over Under Sideways Down’ and ‘Shapes Of Things’.

Dr Tom Nutt said Beck's sudden death was a reminder about the 'devastating' disease.

A rash that does not fade under pressure can be a sign of meningitis and septicaemia . It is a serious, life-threatening illness and can kill in hours, but it has different causes and levels of severity. Viral meningitis is “almost never life-threatening”, while the third kind – fungal meningitis – is serious but very rare in the UK and Ireland. Meningitis is the swelling of the meninges, the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and is caused by germs. – What is meningitis and what causes it? A statement posted to Twitter and Instagram read: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of

We're remembering Jeff Beck's phenomenal electric guitar interpretation of Puccini's aria 'Nessun dorma' from the opera Turandot.

Countless guitarists have studied and loved [Paganini](/composers/paganini/). Metallica’s James Hetfield’s favourite classical composer is [Vivaldi](/composers/vivaldi/). Beck also created expansive rock arrangements of [Mahler](/composers/mahler/), and his tenth studio album Emotion & Commotion features [Benjamin Britten](/composers/britten/)’s ‘Corpus Christi Carol’.

Singer Robert Plant praises the "limitless energy and enthusiasm" of the late guitarist Jeff Beck.

Play on now and forever". ec". "He was a true innovator and his legacy will live on through his music. Posting a picture of the pair together on Instagram, he wrote: "Jeff Beck was on another planet. Rest in peace, Jeff." RIP."

Jeff Beck, one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, has died at the age of 78. The British musician rose to fame as part of the Yardbirds, where he replaced Eric Clapton, before forming the Jeff Beck group with Rod Stewart.

And you can't ignore me'," wrote Mike Campbell of the Heartbreakers in an essay for Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitar Players of All Time, where Beck placed seventh. He was not holding back." "He'd just keep getting better and better," Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page once recalled. "Even in the Yardbirds, he had a tone that was melodic but in-your-face - bright, urgent and edgy, but sweet at the same time. Posting a picture of the pair together on Instagram, he wrote: "Jeff Beck was on another planet. I'm sure the same goes for lots of people." "Five pounds, which to me was 500 back then [so] I went ahead and did it [myself]. That year, he recorded an album, Blow By Blow, with Beatles producer George Martin. Play on now and forever". I'd keep that in if I were you.' And then I got fascinated. RIP."

Singer Robert Plant praises the "limitless energy and enthusiasm" of the late guitarist Jeff Beck.

Play on now and forever". ec". "He was a true innovator and his legacy will live on through his music. Posting a picture of the pair together on Instagram, he wrote: "Jeff Beck was on another planet. Rest in peace, Jeff." RIP."

The maverick virtuoso rock guitarist has died aged 78. We take a look back at his career in pictures.

In 2022, Beck made headlines when he announced a collaborative album with Johnny Depp shortly after the Hollywood actor's defamation battle with ex-wife ...

Posting a picture of the pair together on Instagram, Sir Rod wrote: “Jeff Beck was on another planet. Unfortunately, Beck received little success as a solo performer, which led to him forming the Jeff Beck Group. Beck has worked with several notable musicians over the years, such as Sir Mick Jagger, Roger Waters, and Jon Bon Jovi. I’m sending much sympathy to [His wife] Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. The British musician, whose parents are Arnold and Ethel Beck, was born Geoffrey Arnold Beck in Wallington, England. [Jeff Beck, has passed away](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/jeff-beck-grammy-twitter-instagram-b1052428.html) at the age of 78.

Virtuoso musician who took the guitar in new directions with a firework display of contrasting techniques and textures.

After the Jeff Beck Band ended, he formed the “power trio” Beck, Bogert and Appice in 1973 (his bandmates being ex-members of Vanilla Fudge), but the project failed to match expectations and they split in 1974. [Curtis Mayfield](https://www.theguardian.com/news/1999/dec/28/guardianobituaries)’s People Get Ready, and the track Escape won Beck the first of his eight Grammy awards. [George Martin](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/09/george-martin-obituary). [Evil Hearted You](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2ayUzXcec) (UK No 3), Shapes of Things (UK No 3) and [Over Under Sideways Down](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4DdAs0PddQ) (UK No 10). It featured Page, the Who’s drummer Keith Moon and the future Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones (indeed, the musicians on the track almost became Led Zeppelin), but was not released until it became the B side of Beck’s single Hi Ho Silver Lining the following year. Page would go on to bend the boundaries of rock music with Led Zeppelin, while Beck was experimenting with different tunings and feedback effects. Beck was born at his family’s home in Wallington (then in Surrey, but now in south London). His 2010 album Emotion & Commotion included versions of Benjamin Britten’s [Corpus Christi Carol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itJSLf_8yJ0) and Puccini’s [Nessun Dorma](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTBCqmBjNxk), interpreted through Beck’s uniquely sensitive touch. A rebuilt Jeff Beck Group released the albums Rough and Ready (1971) and Jeff Beck Group (1972), but the magic moment had passed. [Heart Full of Soul ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM1qZBFiOLU)and [Shapes of Things](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc17DqcA6Qc), while expanding the band’s musical palette hugely. As a member of the Yardbirds in 1965-66, he featured on some of their best-known hits, including When Clapton and Page appeared at Live Aid in 1985, Beck preferred to stay at home and tinker with his beloved collection of classic hot rod cars.