Jeff Beck
British rock legend dies aged 78
Jeff Beck during a performance in the summer of 2022.
© imago images/Lehtikuva
British rock musician Jeff Beck is dead. He is considered one of the best guitarists ever.
Jeff Beck (1944-2023) is dead. The rock guitarist died on January 10 at the age of 78, his family announced. The legendary musician died as a result of bacterial meningitis.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s death,” the statement said the official Twitter account and the guitarist’s Instagram account. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday.” As she processes this “huge loss,” his family asked for privacy.
One of the greatest guitarists
Jeff Beck became known as a member of the band The Yardbirds and later founded the Jeff Beck Group, in which he played alongside singer Rod Stewart (78) and later Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood (75). He also founded the supergroup Beck, Bogert & Appice with Tim Bogert (1944-2021) and Carmine Appice (76).
Over the course of his career, Beck has worked with or shared the stage with numerous other greats, including Cyndi Lauper (69), Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) and Chrissie Hynde (71). Most recently, the album “18” was released in 2022 in collaboration with the Hollywood star and musician Johnny Depp (59).
Beck is considered one of the best guitarists ever. He won eight Grammys during his career and was twice inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – with the Yardbirds and as a solo artist. The music magazine “Rolling Stone” ranks Beck fifth in their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, behind fellow musicians Keith Richards (79), Jimmy Page (79), Eric Clapton (77) and Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).