Jeff Beck has died aged 78.
The influential rock guitarist “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday (10.01.23) after contracting bacterial meningitis.
A statement on his official Twitter page reads: “On behalf of his family, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jeff Beck.
“After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday. His family are asking for privacy as they deal with this immense loss.”
Beck rose to fame as a member of the Yardbirds in the 60s. The legendary guitarist replaced Eric Clapton in the band, before teaming up with Sir Rod Stewart to form the Jeff Beck Group. Beck’s innovative approach to making music influenced a host of well-known artists in the ’60s and beyond, including Sir Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix.
However, he later confessed that his pioneering use of feedback was actually developed by accident.
He explained: “It was an accident. We were playing in bigger venues, around 64-65, and the sound system was inadequate. So we raised the level and found that feedback was happening. .
“I started using it because it was controllable – you could play tunes with it. I did that once at Staines Town Hall with the Yardbirds and after a guy was like, ‘You know , that funny noise that wasn’t
supposed to be there? I would keep it if I were you.
“So I said, ‘That was on purpose mate. Go away.’
Beck put his career on hold in the 1970s after fracturing his skull in a car accident. But after returning to the music world, he made the decision to pursue a career as a solo artist.
He recorded the album “Blow By Blow” with Beatles producer George Martin, Beatles producer, and also collaborates with artists like Nile Rodgers and Sir Mick Jagger. Beck has won eight Grammy Awards during his career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
