The world of rock lost a great icon last Wednesday, the 11th. Jeff Beck passed away at the age of 78 after "suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis," according to the musician's representative.
Often described as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Beck was known as a great innovator. He pioneered jazz-rock, experimented with fuzz and distortion effects, and started heavier subgenres.
With the sad loss, musicians, especially from the rock world, took to social media to mourn and pay tribute to the musician. Check out some of them:
Ozzy Osbourne: “I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Jeff Beck’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends, and his many fans. It was an honor to have known Jeff and an incredible honor to have played with him on my most recent album, Patient Number 9. I will remember him fondly. Long live Jeff Beck.”
Tony Iommi: “I was absolutely shocked to hear the sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. Jeff was such a great person and an excellent guitarist, iconic and brilliant – there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special and distinctly brilliant! He will be missed. Rest in peace, Jeff.”
Jimmy Page: “The six-string 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 unique technique. His seemingly limitless imagination. Jeff, I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck, rest in peace.”
Paul Stanley : “Wow. What terrible news. Jeff Beck, one of the all-time guitar masters, has died. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group onward, he blazed a trail impossible to follow.”
Kirk Hammett: “Thank you Jeff for everything you gave us, you were so immensely generous with your talent, and your inspiration and spirit will remain in my heart forever. Until we meet again – Rest in peace!”
Geezer Butler: “Shocked to hear of Jeff Beck’s sudden death. Truly one of the greats. The first time I saw him was in 1966 with the Yardbirds. Brilliant and unique guitarist. Rest in peace.”
Brian May: “Eviscerated, so sad to hear of Jeff’s death. He was the boss. He was inimitable, irreplaceable – the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing. And a damn good human being. I’m sure I’ll have a lot to say, but right now…. Just speechless.”
Mike Portnoy: “Absolutely shocked to hear of Jeff Beck’s death. One of the greatest of all time! His groundbreaking style created some of my favorite fusion albums, like There & Back and Blow By Blow … and his Live at Ronnie Scott is an absolute masterclass in musicianship.”
Duff McKagan: “I’ve known Jeff since he tried to play with Guns N' Roses in Paris in the early 90s (he had to drop out because his tinnitus got worse during soundcheck). A few weeks later, though, he came to a studio in London and played on my album Believe In Me . We’ve remained friends ever since. Funny, when I met my future wife @susanholmesmckagan, I found out she was also friends with Jeff. He was always so good and kind to both of us… and his guitar playing remains one of my all-time favorites. Rest in peace, Jeff.”
Sammy Hagar: “Definitely one of my all-time favorite guitarists! The album Truth changed my life. As a singer and guitarist, I wanted to be Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart combined – we all did. What a loss. We will all miss Jeff. My love and condolences to his family and loved ones.”
David Coverdale: “Oh, my heart… Rest in peace, Jeff… I already miss you”
Eddie Trunk: “I just got off the air and found out the shocking news that Jeff Beck has passed away. Rest in peace to a legend, master and guitar icon.”
Glenn Hughes: “Goodbye to the King. I’m shocked and saddened. There will never be another like you, my old friend. Rest in peace, Jeff.”
Michael Sweet : “It’s often hard to find the words when the world loses such an iconic and legendary musician. It feels like we’re losing too many lately. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – life is precious and, oh, so short. Savor every moment and make it count. God bless the Beck family and all the fans and friends around the world. Rest in peace, Jeff.”
Kiko Loureiro: “He was like no one else. Innovative and always relevant throughout the decades. The guitarist's guitarist. Rest in peace, Jeff Beck. Masterpieces: Blow by Blow, Wired, Who Else!, Jeff, Rough and Ready. ”
Orianthi: “Rest with the angels, Jeff Beck… honored to know you… he was lighthearted… he was constantly inspiring… today is a sad day…”
