Mick Jagger is heartbroken over the death of Jeff Beck, a legendary guitarist who transformed the music scene in the 1960s. Beck passed away on Thursday at the age of 78 after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. His family shared the news on Twitter, requesting privacy as they cope with their loss.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” the statement read. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
Jeff Beck, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, constantly pushed musical boundaries and played a pivotal role in the evolution of rock music. His career spanned five decades, during which he continuously experimented with new sounds and techniques, bringing a fresh perspective to the music world.
Beck joined the Yardbirds in 1965, replacing Eric Clapton. During his roughly two-year tenure with the band, he pioneered the use of feedback, a technique that influenced many other musicians. Speaking about this innovation, Beck once told BBC Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker, “That [technique] came as an accident. We played larger venues, around about ’64-’65, and the PA was inadequate. So we cranked up the level and then found out that feedback would happen.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(674x379:676x381)/Jeff-Beck-Dead-01-011123-e06478ea8fb64cc99f0d0df08772dede.jpg)
He continued, “I started using it because it was controllable – you could play tunes with it. I did this once at Staines Town Hall with the Yardbirds and afterward, this guy says, ‘You know that funny noise that wasn’t supposed to be there? I’d keep that in if I were you.’ So I said, ‘It was deliberate mate. Go away.’”
After leaving the Yardbirds, Beck released the single “Hi Ho Silver Lining” and formed the Jeff Beck Group in early 1967, featuring Ronnie Wood on bass and Rod Stewart on vocals. Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992, and again as a solo artist in 2009.
Beck’s death has left a significant void among his many fans and friends, including Mick Jagger, who expressed his sorrow and paid tribute to his close friend. Jagger recalled Beck’s assistance with the lead guitar parts on his first solo album, “She’s the Boss,” in 1985. “We have lost a wonderful man and one of the world’s best guitar players,” Jagger wrote on social media.
Jimmy Page, who replaced Beck in the Yardbirds, also paid a heartfelt tribute. “Jeff’s channeling abilities enabled him to access music from other levels. His approach is unique… When I say I’ll miss you greatly, I’m sure I speak for all your countless other fans,” Page wrote.
Jeff Beck’s influence on music and his lasting legacy are irreplaceable. May he rest in peace.