Mick Jagger’s voice trembles as he expresses his sorrow: “We will all miss him dearly…” Jeff Beck, the maestro who reshaped the landscape of guitar music in the 1960s, bid farewell on Thursday at the age of 78. The shocking news of his departure reverberated across social media, as confirmed by members of his immediate family.
“In the name of his loved ones, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jeff Beck,” the statement conveyed. “Following a sudden battle with bacterial meningitis, he peacefully departed yesterday. The family requests privacy as they navigate through this profound loss.”
Renowned as one of the greatest musicians of all time, Beck constantly pushed boundaries and played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of rock music.
Throughout his illustrious five-decade career, Beck’s innovative sounds and experimental approaches injected a breath of fresh air into the music industry. Joining the Yardbirds in 1965, he replaced Eric Clapton and spent two transformative years with the band, during which he pioneered the use of feedback—an innovation that would resonate across the industry.
Reflecting on this technique, Beck recounted to BBC Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker, “That [technique] was an accident… We played larger venues in ’64-’65, and the PA was inadequate. So we cranked up the level and discovered feedback. I started using it because it was controllable—you could play tunes with it.”
Following his departure from the Yardbirds, Beck released the single “Hi Ho Silver Lining” before forming the initial incarnation of the Jeff Beck Group in early 1967, featuring Ronnie Wood on bass and Rod Stewart.
Beck’s impact on music was immortalized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds and again in 2009 as a solo artist. His passing has deeply saddened countless fans and friends, including musician Mick Jagger, who fondly remembered their close friendship and collaboration on Jagger’s solo album “She’s the Boss” in 1985.
“We have lost a remarkable man and one of the world’s finest guitarists,” Jagger lamented on social media.
Jimmy Page, who succeeded Beck in the Yardbirds, also paid homage, recognizing Beck’s unique approach and profound influence on music. “Jeff’s ability to channel music from other realms was unparalleled… Your absence will be keenly felt by all your countless fans,” Page expressed.
The legacy of Beck’s influence on music is indelible, and his memory will endure forever. May he rest in peace.