Jeff Beck Dead at 78

Rock guitarist Jeff Beck has died. The musician's family shared the news on his Instagram and revealed he died suddenly after contracting bacterial meningitis. He was 78.

[@carlt4352]

A man who never stopped innovating. He pushed boundaries. He will be missed.

[@titanuranus]

"Rock God" is a term that gets tossed around a lot, but Jeff was just that; he was 100% the real deal.

[@daryldraws8083]

Up there with Jimi now, two legends of guitar.

[@Thirdfish]

@@daryldraws8083 Jimi was a great but stole Jeff's light.

[@tommcgeethree]

I took guitar lessons at 15 years old in 1970 because of this man. RIP Mister Beck.

[@caniswolf3394]

@@Peterbrendanalbert I am. 65 and still rockin'.

[@alysmarcus7747]

i started playing around then too. my father had a band and two of the members were Beck fans . . . not hard to fall in there.

[@JU5TINPDX]

What is so profoundly hard about this particular loss is that Jeff’s virtuosity represented tens of thousands of hours craftsmanship and care. It’s as if he invented the most beautiful and emotionally efficient language, but before anyone else could learn it he passes away… and that beautiful language now exists only as a recording… like a lost language of an ancient civilization. RIP

[@Gullvivas]

[@funklover24]

Still cannot believe it. One of the greats has left us. Rest in peace, Jeff. ❤💐

[@bigdaddydaddy3203]

Omg I woke up to this on my phone I’m sick literally sick

[@JD-vx8gr]

Jeff Beck was a Living Legend. He will be missed. RIP.

[@heatherphare7239]

Thank you for you music, Jeff. You will never be forgotten. RIP.

[@peter9962]

My heart sank when I heard the news today. I have followed him from the beginning and he has always been on my top 3 guitarist list. His timeless music will live on. Rest in Peace Jeff. You will always be in our hearts.

[@johnlundsten5023]

Yes I agree with peter9962. The 1st time I appreciated Jeff was his lead guitar paying in BBC Radio 'Light program' recording of the Yardbirds circa1965. I didn't know just then, I was only 3 years younger than Jeff, this 'guitar great' stunning artiest ~ who I've listened to since then & reckon his playing has got better & better. John

[@anze2474]

who are the other 2?

[@boise2Talay7886]

Beyond being a one of a kind musical genius, his consistent effort advocating for female musicians and offering his full support was equally as impressive. His presence will definitely be missed and my condolences to his family and loved ones.

[@jnagarya519]

His giving equal space to his band members mark him as a class act.

[@ReneeNme]

Just learned about this and am shocked. I've been playing guitar for 51 years and Jeff has always been my #1 favorite guitarist.

[@corybarnes2341]

I've heard people convincingly imitate Hendrix, Clapton, Page, VanHalen and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but I've never heard anyone come close to sounding like Jeff Beck.

[@johnlundsten5023]

imo yes quite so

[@jnagarya519]

SRV imitated Hendrix as best he could. Beck is up there with Hendrix.

[@corybarnes2341]

@@jnagarya519 I saw him live and it changed my mind. He was influenced by Hendrix, but he did a lot of signature things I've never heard Hendrix do. Matter of fact, I would say if you were going to say he imitated anyone, it would be Albert King for the most part. Mind you, I think that's true of Hendrix as well. All said I generally agree. Jeff Beck was a complete original. His influences were very far from his sleeve.

[@jnagarya519]

@@corybarnes2341 SRV copied Hendrix. Hendrix and Beck both had diverse influences. T-Bone Walker played the guitar behind his head. But Hendrix and Beck had in common that they took risks.

[@corybarnes2341]

@@jnagarya519 I stand by my comment. I've exhaustively learned both of their catalogues. SRV was INFLUENCED by Hendrix, but most of his stuff sounded nothing like Hendrix just as most of Hendrix's stuff sounded nothing like Stevie Ray Vaughan. People only say that because he covered Voodoo Chile. As far as playing behind your head? That has nothing to do with music.

[@_BubbleFox_]

A true guitar hero. Rest In Peace Mr. Beck🤘

[@glenkepic3208]

Had to cry today. RIP, Jeff Beck.

[@sheiladodds4186]

Awe Johnny's going miss him. Another great musician gone. BC Canada

[@johnnychdepp]

Hello thanks for the condolences Trust this message meets you well. In my sadness, I hoped for happiness, in sorrow I bore a smile & that is because of YOU, my ever loyal Depphead. Thank you for standing with me through my trial. I’ll like you to send me a message On my //telegram// Endeavor to add your name to the text so I can single your message out. I don't reply unsolicited messages. Love & Respect JD X

[@johnnychdepp]

Username Johnnydeppchs

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

He changed the world and that is one heck of a legacy. You will be missed but never forgotten.

[@jeankrewl6006]

Rest in Peace, Jeff! One of the greatest ever! Will always be missed.😢

[@Tmr7t-qm9lh]

How saddened my heart is now...as a session guitarist, I'm at a loss for words, my soul is forever fractured, Jeff, you are and will remain forever an inspiration beyond all, God bless you and wife as well as family....Classic Rock will not be the same without Jeff, may he rest peacefully knowing he is loved for eternity Amen.

[@allthingsclassicrock]

Hearing Jeff Beck at the age of 13 was a revelation for me. Actually shaped my life. I feel like a piece of me is gone now but luckily we’ll always have the tunes. RIP Jeff.

[@george_2172]

Rest in peace Jeff, it’s such a nice and heartwarming sight seeing all these people saying amazing things about you and they’re all so true 🙏

[@BSGC]

God bless and Rest In Peace Jeff beck 🕊 you will forever be revered as a cornerstone of rock and blues music, and as a guitarist myself this one hit me hard. One of my all time favorites🥲

[@donnaplumridge9769]

Had the fortune of seeing him in concert in Brighten, such a good concert! He will be sorely missed, one of the best guitarists out there! RIP, Jeff!

[@greghewson447]

So, so sad - another one gone too soon. Thanks for the music and the inspiration Jeff.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

Everyone praises "Blow by Blow," but I wish people would bring up "Wired." That one is my favorite Jeff Beck album. "Come Dancing," "Blue Wind," "Porkpie Hat," etc. These songs are forever etched in my mind! Rest in Peace.

[@Gratefulman1965]

For me Truth, Blow by Blow and of course Wired! Just a few reminders of this man’s genius! I am In shock that he has died, just damn shocking.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

@@Gratefulman1965 Ever seen him live? I saw him twice. His version of "A Day in the Life," is so beautiful, I was just listening to it now. It hasn't yet processed to me that he passed away. I still can't believe it.

[@AronOutdoors]

His work was outstanding, so original, so deliberate, so nuanced and powerful.

[@johnlundsten5023]

I agree 100% Subtly SUBLIME.

[@robkuhlman585]

He touched so many lives with his incredible guitar playing. RIP

[@jerrychetty2524]

Such a master guitar player, one of a kind human being too. Rest in peace, Jeff Beck

[@keezstmango1267]

Big Block was and still is my all time favourite track, I first heard Guitar Shop when I was 5 and from then on I knew what I wanted to do in life. He and Jimi are the main reasons I picked up a guitar in the first place. RIP to a one of a kind human. Rest easy, King.

[@rebelrocker7494]

Amazing Guitarist,Amazing Musician Always Gave it his All..Love & Prayers Always🤘🖤🎸👏🙏

[@johnnychdepp]

Hello thanks for the condolences Trust this message meets you well. In my sadness, I hoped for happiness, in sorrow I bore a smile & that is because of YOU, my ever loyal Depphead. Thank you for standing with me through my trial. I’ll like you to send me a message On my //telegram// Endeavor to add your name to the text so I can single your message out. I don't reply unsolicited messages. Love & Respect JD X

[@johnnychdepp]

Username Johnnydeppchs..

[@kissfanization4661]

He was one of a kind!!!!R.i.p. Jeff Beck.

[@larryrock11]

A perfect example of how one can evolve musically in a lifetime! RIP Maestro!

[@herauthenticself7749]

RIP Jeff you will be missed 🙏🏽❤

[@rickvalder8960]

Simply the best guitarist, will miss his creativity, always exploring new paths in each new album.

[@jonathananderson3897]

This man helped shape music as we know it. The 1st electric guitar hero, then besides his own legendary guitar status he helped make so many other people's careers happen. He gave jimi page the guitar used to record the 1st 2 zeppelin albums. Anyone who plays guitar owes this man so so much . Rip old buddy x

[@suzystyle]

Will be missed, Outstanding musician 💔

[@thethingsyasee...5112]

So sad. Such a huge loss.. R.I.P. Jeff Beck..✌️

[@faizanmckagan2827]

He trully was and will remain immortal.

[@rajveerkanojiya2985]

he was gay

[@_TheViewer_]

@@rajveerkanojiya2985 Geez, prob your dad too after you were born. No hate but what has this to do with anything ? Or why commenting back at me for the sentence bout your father. Nothing to gain here, so if you got nothing good to say, just keep it. - Coming from a straight male, 1994 build

[@_TheViewer_]

I’m honestly not into the music, but everytime people pass on it’s sad for the fam, even if this is life. So let him and the family have peace !

[@rajveerkanojiya2985]

@@_TheViewer_ 94 year old gayndpa hi 😋

[@rajveerkanojiya2985]

@@_TheViewer_ you are gay sorry but I don't fight with literally 1 step away from death people

[@davereynolds7472]

Thanks for "Hedy Lemarr" one of the Hollywood Vampires greatest songs. (co written by Jeff and Johnny I believe).

[@kliterantv]

Rest in Peace Jeff Beck 🌹🎸🌹 #RIP #JeffBeck #GuitarGod

[@dantyduffy4092]

Legends never die! Forever remembered!

[@PaulC39]

That is true.

[@RokDAWG1]

Rest will and thank you for bringing so much amazing music to us. The world has just become less without you.

[@mannybravo237]

Rest in God's Peace n Love in RocknRoll Heaven, Mr Beck.🕯 The music lives on🌠

[@djizzah]

Well, he inspired and influenced the hell out of me, rest in peace brother, the legend won't fade

[@chriscorman734]

Oh Jesus I don't want to hear Jeff is gone

[@BountyWipes.]

RIP 🕊️

[@ST-xg3gy]

Revolutionary! RIP. We all moving in that direction... never forget.

[@levondarratt787]

You should read the news more careful. That was an unexpected meningitis he had contracted and died within a couple of days. Can happen to anybody. The stupid article here doesn't discuss that this was basically a freak accident

[@cobar5342]

I think Jeff Beck has been the greatest guitarist of the modern era. There are others who are also great but he was in a class above all of them

[@Gratefulman1965]

Absolutely upsetting to me. As a musician and named Jeff as well. I’m a life long fan of JB. I’m glad Jeff had a prosperous last couple years with big projects and tours but I am saddened that he is now gone. I’m Listening to Blow by Blow right now and really missing Jeff Beck. R.I.P. Legend.

[@countroshculla]

Another musical genius leaves us. RIP

[@yoserbmon6827]

This made me very sad... but then I understood he is not leaving us, he never will. He just moved to a different stage, the Eternal Stage... and he is right now jamming with Hendrix, Vaughan, Gallagher and a few others, with Jaco on bass and Peart on drums.

[@danielcruz8347]

Bless Mr Jeff Beck Love Peaceful serenity be too him and family

[@devilsden2283]

Absolute "LEGEND" and pioneer...so thankful I caught him with SRV in '89...timeless player...R.I.P.Jeff..🙏❤

[@glengamble526]

Legend. A giant amongst mortals.

[@clarencedias5164]

Jeff Beck The man who could make the guitar talk Truly, no one can do what he did Great loss to the music world and the world at large RIP dear Jeff 🙏

[@wsjosephmarkwilliamsau-yeu4419]

May his soul rest in heaven

[@PhilistineTheArtLuvr]

Mr. Beck has an amazing solo discography where album after album he kept coming up with songs that had me asking myself, "OK, his creativity has to end up some time, right?" But it never did! What a sad loss this is to all of us.

[@cnedyaj]

R.I.P

[@blitztim6416]

You just think they will go on forever. Jeff left us so much.

[@levondarratt787]

Do you understand this was an accident.?? Meningitis.

[@Grrrfrend]

He was wonderful. Johnny Depp will grieve him... a great man.

[@johnnychdepp]

Hello thanks for the condolences Trust this message meets you well. In my sadness, I hoped for happiness, in sorrow I bore a smile & that is because of YOU, my ever loyal Depphead. Thank you for standing with me through my trial. I’ll like you to send me a message On my //telegram// Endeavor to add your name to the text so I can single your message out. I don't reply unsolicited messages. Love & Respect JD X

[@johnnychdepp]

Username Johnnydeppchs..

[@mykylc]

Blow By Blow and Wired...two albums that I have been listening to since 1975 and will always be in my top. Love this man. He was a living legend.

[@richardybanez9052]

Jeff And Gary.Both Are Playing Guitar In Heaven.RIP To Both.Richard.

[@kenneth-pc7mf]

What an incredible legend and a loss.GODSPEED Jeff,may You R.I.P.

[@garyreeves4710]

There will never be another Jeff beck the most original guitar player ever .RIP

[@michaelconsuegra7316]

I agree. Just like there will never be another Elvis Presley, there will never be another Jeff Beck.

[@veritasastro]

Today we are again witnessing a large loss. I am also embarrassed because I used to enjoy listening to Jeff Beck. Our guitar heroes are leaving one by one.. We should honor for his legacy as a rock legend and guitar legend.

[@Roddy1965]

Devastating loss.

[@vickinutter5733]

Man he was just on your how sad 😢

[@Seekerette0fTruth-M0]

Omg. What a loss.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

In my mind, Jeff Beck will never die.

[@renatosilva5304]

My favorite guitar player and the reason why I started playing at age 13.The guitar player´s guitarrist. RIP JEFF!

[@_owlesy_]

Rest in Peace, Jeff.

[@Addict-sw2wr]

He & Jimi Hendrix are rocking with angels now Rest in piece you Rock N’ Roll legend!

[@ragazzi25]

Rip Mr Beck, very talented musician!

[@michaelconsuegra7316]

He is a guitarist that will never be equalled.

[@jaguarlopez2131]

True artist!! Amazing guitarrist! He inspired me to do what i love. I'm thankfull of living at this time and enjoy art made by artists like Jeff Beck. If i get old i Will be proud to share this amazing music with my kids.

[@muppetrowlf1473]

Seeing you all those years ago with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas wasn’t just a pleasure. It felt like a privilege. RIP.

[@davereynolds7472]

this one hit me like a sucker punch.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

What do you expect the golden age rockers are all in their late 70s mid eighties next will be Clapton Santana Jagger Keith richards they are all well past expired dates!

[@charlenemariecoraninmemory5130]

@@ezragonzalez8936 true yep and your cancel culture is worthless thank you

[@ezragonzalez8936]

@charlenemariecoraninmemory5130 is incredibly original. At least I can think for myself and not be a mindless senile parakeet regurgitating what his bobblehead nitwit on tv says! Lol, pathetic creatures!

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Jeff Beck collaborated with so many great talents over the years. He gave us so much.

[@myran984]

I want to apologize for the sadness and it is a great loss for the music world. My thoughts go out to his loved ones. R.I.P Jeff Beck 🙏

[@myran984]

I don't chat or give my E-mail to anyone. Why do you answer in this post. It's not your. Have a great evening ✨️

[@creamnsugar6771]

Jeff Beck was *ABSOLUTELY* everything that a rock guitarist could be, & SHOULD BE! He was always lightyears ahead of everyone else... and he looked cool doing it!! ...and after all these years, he just kept getting better... and better to boot! God Bless you Jeff Beck!

[@frankendoll1455]

Awwwwwww😪

[@clivegetliff1293]

Simply put... The man was a genius R. I. P. Jeff Beck

[@ruthteresapratiwisinaga4899]

No..... Rest in Peace Jeff :'(

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Christine ... and now Jeff. Sides of the same British coin: taste, superb talent, and class acts. Sadly, we are losing our titans.

[@YK_Paul-J]

78 yo. I can understand that, but it's going to take me a while to understand a world without him. The legends who existed as a matter of course since childhood are gradually disappearing…

[@THE_WOAT]

Those that don't play guitar will never understand the importance of Jeff, he was next level his entire career. A true genius that constantly reinvented himself, legend is an understatement.

[@PaulC39]

Oh I didn’t play guitar but I sure did understand the importance of Jeff Beck as a guitarist back in the early 80s and when Flash was released that is a great album by him. I got Jeff Beck Group on Cassettes I bought back in 1986 and later on. I know he had a big impact on Slash and Joe Perry.

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

I awoke to the "Soul-Crushing" news that the master of the Talking Guitar, Jeff Beck has passed. For the entire guitar playing community, this news is devastating. This man was more than a legend, he was a Mt Rushmore level guitarist and innovator. He was the most difficult guitarist to imitate of all-time. Jeff had such a complete and utter mastery of the instrument, it appeared when performing live that he was merely "Toying" with the guitar. I had the tremendous honor of seeing "The Man" play live on his Guitar Shop tour with Stevie Ray Vaughn. If you've never had the pleasure of hearing Jeff play the blues, you are in for a real treat, as he was one of the greatest blues players of all-time. It really bothered me to hear this sad news because Jeff has been touring and was playing better than ever. Having lost Eddie Van Halen just months ago, the entire guitar community is hurting big-time right now, as these legends simply can never be replaced. I hope now that Jeff will finally receive the respect, credit and adulation he's long deserved as the genius and Guitar God he is. Thank you Mr Beck for your inspiration, enormous talent and endless imagination. RIP and a Toast: "To the one and only Mr. Jeff Beck ladies and gentlemen!!" 😎🎸

[@eolden7749]

Thanks for all the great music. God Bless

[@ianjones7266]

Jeff Beck. What a musician. The Music World truly has lost a genius, a giant. Love you Jeff .....

[@josephmarkwilliamsauyeung5066]

Jeff, May Your Soul Rest In Heaven

[@bighand1530]

R.I.P.

[@jochenbecht6191]

God bless you Jeff and all your fans and friends around the planet. Very sad. Very sad. Another Legend has gone. Your playing never dies. In 20 years some young players will say, we want play like you Jeff.

[@roadrunnergtx68]

I dread the day when Jimmy and Eric will pass. Jeff's passing hurts me to my core. Three of the world's greatest guitarists came from one group THE YARDBIRDS.

[@jeffmorrison2915]

On January 10th, 2023, the legendary guitarist Jeff Beck passed away at the age of 78. His death has brought the guitar playing community together in mourning and remembrance of his influential career. Jeff Beck’s legacy continues to live on across generations of guitarists. He was considered a pioneer of electric guitar playing, known for his technical virtuosity and masterful compositions over a myriad of genres. Playing with groups such as The Yardbirds, he incorporated elements of rock, blues and jazz into his own unique style. Throughout his lifetime, Beck was considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Many generations of guitarists have been affected by Jeff Beck's death, as it serves an important reminder of the impact he had on the music world. His influence can be seen across all genres of music today. Experienced guitarists around the world pay homage to him by playing his songs, taking on his many techniques, and incorporating his influence into their own music. In the wake of his death, there has been an outpouring of condolences from guitar communities all over the world. On social media, countless guitar players are sharing memories of Beck’s music, playing his classic solos and honoring his life through tribute videos. Dedicated fans of all skill levels are uniting in their love and admiration of the masterful musician. Additionally, many guitarists plan to keep Jeff Beck’s memory alive by dedicating even more time each day to mastering their craft. A number of acclaimed players have gone on record saying that they hope to further their guitar playing skills in his honor. This is one of the many ways that the guitar playing community is coming together to celebrate Jeff Beck’s life and legacy. The loss of Jeff Beck has left an immense void in the music world. However, his death has also served to bring the guitar playing community closer than ever before. As fans and musicians pay tribute to Jeff Beck and his lasting influence, his legacy will never be forgotten.

[@damonhines8187]

An unimaginable loss to lovers of the guitar and its possibilities. Saw him 3 times in the 70s never since. Watch/listen and save new(to me) and old videos frequently here on KZbin. Gobsmacked and gutted. 😢💔 🎸🎵🎶🔊🔊❤️❤️❤️

[@shannonelizabethkelley7822]

Omg .I am so saddened to hear of Jeff Becks death..I feel soooo bad for his family and Jonny Depp..He is a music legend and will ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!!! R.I.P. u are AN ICON

[@youtubechannel0107]

RIP man I can really feel the loss.

[@Bill_Jones.]

Jeff Beck’s sudden passing hit me hard. The only thought I have is love your friends while they’re here, but we’ll all see each other again one day.

[@whendis.roberts9903]

God Bless you Jeff...Fly High with the Angels. Maybe you will say hi to my Daughter who just passed away 4 months ago from Fentanyl overdose. She was a Musician and writer. She never allowed herself to shine. I can't believe your gone. I always loved you and always will. I am Grateful that you took Johnny in. It was right. I'm getting you and Johnny's album/ XD. Thank you for sharing your Amazing gift with all of us You made your soul speak through your Guitar!!! Gifted for sure. Out of this world!! I hope one day to play as good as you. I am a Musician too. It hurts me that you are gone. Play music in Heaven. God bless your soul

[@kurtekerhaugen9755]

An extremely talented guitarist and musician has sadly passed away. RIP Jeff🙏

[@GaryRayBatchelor]

A great Icon in Rock he'll be miss by all Rock&Roll fans

[@Barbara-dk3yw]

SO,SO SORRY WHE LOST THIS GREAT GUITARPLAYER JEFF BECK,A CONDOLANCE TO THE FAMILY AND ALSO THE FANS OVER THE WORLD ,A SHOCKWAVE OVERCOMES ME THIS MORNING,THANK YOU MR.JEFF BECK FOR THE GREAT PERFORMANCE YOU ALWAYS GIVE TO US ,EVEN IN THE NETHERLANDS, I BE MIS YOU AND YOUR MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE, REST WITH YOUR GUITAR IN PEACE ,BUT 100% IN HEAVEN YOU ROCK ON.MANY THANKS ,I LOVED YOUR MUSIC.💯💝🎶🎼🎤🎸🎸🌟🌏🥀🥀🕯🕯🎸

[@adityanugroho7460]

Truly be missed. He was my greatest inspiration when I lost my guitar pick

[@weaton25]

The problem with getting old is you see all of the people you looked up to and admired are all leaving us RIP Jeff