Jeff Beck, a legendary guitarist who replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds in the 1960s, died today at 78 from bacterial meningitis.
His representative announced it on social media: “Jeff Beck’s death is deeply regretted by his family. He died peacefully yesterday from sudden bacterial meningitis. His family requests privacy while grieving “stated.
After replacing Clapton in The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck formed The Jeff Beck Group with later rock legends Rod Stewart and Ron Wood.
Beck was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame twice, once in 1992 with The Yardbirds and again in 2009 for his solo career.
He won eight Grammys, six in Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
In October, Beck and his band performed with Johnny Depp, who had returned to the public eye following his mediatic lawsuit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Beck and Depp performed at various London and English venues while recording ’18’.
The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul,” The Jeff Beck Group’s “I Ain’t Superstitious,” and Beck’s 1975 solo album “Blow by Blow”Freeway “‘s Jam” are among his most famous songs.
Rod Stewart Tweeted, “Jeff was one of the few guitar players who, when he played live, really listened to me sing and responded. Jeff, you were the greatest, my man.
Beck’s death broke Gene Simmons’ heart; he said, “Nobody played guitar like Jeff. Please get your hands on the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold the greatness. RIP,”