Jeff Beck Performs "What Mama Said" | Letterman

The legendary rock guitarist performs a song from his album, "Who Else!"
(From "Late Show," air date: 3/22/99)
#jeffbeck #rip #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanally-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@Jamestele1]

Jeff Beck is every bit as important as Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, and Santana. RIP Jeff Beck - this one really stings.

[@jerrywoods4066]

Blackmore Micheal schenker Gary moore Ronnie montrose srv satrianni Page Al dimeola

[@beachcomber4141]

Does it ever brother.

[@djizzah]

He was way before all of them

[@greghill1106]

Big loss! Wouldn't even think of VH as being near his influence

[@jamesjackson8058]

@@jerrywoods4066 Amen to Schenker🤟

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

I’m 66, and this man singlehandedly got me into the blues, along with Rory Gallagher., and now Bonomassa. What a terrible loss for the music community and his millions of fans. R.I.P.

[@tdu5053]

Its always great to see fellow Rory fans out in the wild. Yeah this one hurts :(

[@paulherbert5548]

Rory and Jeff were my favorites as well.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Rory doesn't get enough recognition. He and Roy Buchanan are the greatest guitarists no one has ever heard of.

[@tylerdenaro3365]

Rest in peace Jeff Beck 💔 🙏 😢

[@BobbySacamano]

Rory is the man. I was only 10 when he passed and my Old Man was crushed. Some years later we got to see Beck at BB King's in NYC. We weren't superrrr into him, but I believe he payed with his daughter on bass and it was an incredible show.

[@jakemitchell1671]

The only guitarist I know of who was very literally better at the end of his life than during his early career. Beck never stopped evolving and improving. Absolute creative brilliance. God knows I'm gonna miss him!!

[@Dream-Academy]

yep 6 decades at the top.

[@luannabbate2624]

A TRUE Legend. So many guitarists are still trying to catch up with him. Rest in Peace Jeff.

[@debranelson1987]

They never will.

[@autk]

Not a chance

[@GiacomoVaccari]

Jimmy Page called himself a mere mortal compared to Jeff, imagine that!

[@terry7893]

Jeff Beck was one of the best guitar players ever. He was super talented. The problem is ..... his "songs" sucked! It's really little more than just noise. I don't think in his entire career he's come up with a song you can actually sing to or even hum. It's a shame he couldn't put his great skills together with making music rather than just noise.

[@Traumglanz]

I don't think anyone will ever reach him. But everyone who does get close will have a great future once they find their own style. The world is a darker place without him. o7 Jeff Beck.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

Rest in peace. Amazing musician. He will be sorely missed

[@stevepaulson3838]

That's Jennifer Batten playing the other guitar. She was a shredding star in the 80's and Michael Jackson's touring guitarist for a long time. She's amazing.

[@kendallevans4079]

Yeah, now I remember

[@thefog7067]

My wife met her in Tescos once she's so down to earth

[@craigsetzer2102]

Jennifer Batten still shreds.

[@kendallevans4079]

@@craigsetzer2102 No doubt!

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

Thanks, I couldn't remember her name!

[@karenreardon5398]

IMO Jeff Beck has surpassed Every guitarist that has ever lived. And yes, I mean all of them. RIP genius.❤😢

[@Mark-qr2up]

David didn't have a clue of the immense talent and vision of JB Musicians are still in awe of Jeff as am I

[@BostonIce37]

So fricken sad. So tired of losing my favorite artists. He was a legend and will always be remembered. RIP Jeff 💔

[@Mozart1220]

The older we get, the more this is gonna happen.

[@BostonIce37]

@@Mozart1220 too true. Truly breaks my heart. At least we still have their music. That’s what I keep telling myself!

[@thirdyearff]

@@Mozart1220 yup...just had that same conversation today. Sad day.

[@RCSkunkWorX]

@@Mozart1220 💯% Fact.

[@richardgardiner6468]

Thank goodness we still have Slash and Dave Grohl

[@noemiybarra2835]

Did you see this amazing guitarist, this rock legend, give his bandmates solos before he took over? Now that's genius generosity.

[@bambledaczymbledek]

When I was nineteen I had a depressed parrot that would only perk up when I played Jeff Beck. I can still hear that record in my head.Goodbye Jeff I'm glad you are part of my life.

[@jeffking887]

And there’s your band name: Depressed Parrot

[@bambledaczymbledek]

@@taxesdeathandtrouble.1886 New Ways/Train Train was his favorite.

[@bambledaczymbledek]

@@taxesdeathandtrouble.1886 I can play that one in my head too- it's part of my brain.

[@expressoevangelism80]

Was it a Norwegian Blues?

[@gj8683]

Wondering if "Constipated Duck" was on the birdie's playlist.

[@helencampbell2064]

So sorry to hear Jeff Beck has passed away. One of the best guitarists ever. Farewell Jeff and thank you. Thanks for everything. xxx⚘️⚘️

[@carlcutts8535]

Rank him with Eric Clapton

[@karenmorton6972]

Saw this incredible guy on stage with Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice back in the 70s. His playing was stratospherically soaring and I'll never forget it. What a dreadful loss. RIP Jeff.

[@paulherbert5548]

I have a friend who is an accomplished guitarist and a former editor for Guitar Player magazine who once told me that bassist Tim Bogert was the only guitarist that Jeff feared!. LOL

[@neilgordon8145]

Saw BB&A too, at Birmingham Town Hall, England. Still playing the oxblood Les Paul.

[@ivanmay7890]

It is amazing how Jeff Beck was able to create all those sounds with just a Fender Stratocaster and a Marshall stack. RIP Jeff Beck, and thanks for introducing the Strat to a lot of your great recordings. Gonna give Truth a few more listens tonight in your memory...

[@melodymakermark]

I paid like $50 for a Truth SACD but have no means of enjoying it to its potential. DOH!

[@phoenixmediaforge]

Did you notice the 2 mics on the cab? I'm guessing he split the cabinet into stereo because there absolutely was a spread in the modulation.

[@panicandfreakout-]

TRUTH is a Les Paul

[@ulisesmavridis]

Rest in Peace Jeff Beck. Tremendous loss. I just can't believe it. A very sad day... thank you for your music all these years. It will live forever

[@joepetrosky3411]

COVID-19 shot screwed him......

[@kurtsakslsvideosaks9185]

@@joepetrosky3411 LOL...

[@danielhoward4566]

@@joepetrosky3411 It's possible.

[@johnmitchelljr]

It’s an honor to thank Mr. Letterman for having my favorite great guitarist on his show. Thank you. Music for your brain.

[@mkilner]

Here here!…this performance is so spirited it’s Magic! 👏🏻🎸💫

[@l.anders8867]

Letterman did have amazing musical guests.

[@gregorybrouk9631]

@@l.anders8867 his friendship with Warren Zevon until the end was a beautiful thing to behold

[@danwebb4418]

RORY GALLAGHER.

[@tacotacotacobajablast6821]

garbage music

[@brent7781]

Thank you acknowledging his passing, and for uploading this tremendous performance. RIP Jeff Beck.

[@mymanjimi]

RIP Maestro... JB was a true virtuoso who performed fearlessly and with great passion. He's deserving of all of the accolades and tributes and will be sorely missed.

[@cindypowers4993]

When I saw Jeff Beck in concert for the first time, he played just like he did here on Letterman, but in person it was a thousand times more mind-blowing. Rest in Peace Jeff🎸

[@privatepenguin3137]

Jeff Beck looked exactly the same for about 40 years. R.I.P. legend.

[@mrjazzer9904]

All I can say is thank you Jeff for your music! Very few guitarist could handle the instrument with your sensitivity and natural confidence. You were one of the very few musicians that could melt my heart. Rip Jeff, we'll meet elsewhere🙏

[@kevinweaver4981]

Thank you, Jeff Beck. You were one of the gods of guitar. Just amazing. Thank you. RIP.

[@rs5570]

Yes. Huge.

[@ninjavigilante5311]

Guitar boogie album with Eric Clapton and Jimmy page; Jeff was one of the 3 guitar gods from england

[@geester2123]

I came across this by accident. Incredible musicianship by all players, not just Beck

[@lankestermerrin267]

I saw him six time’s beginning with the ARMS LA Forum show in 83 when I was eleven. He never disappointed, he has no equal and can never be replaced. Eternal peace to you Jeff.

[@wattch8076]

RIP Jeff Beck a legend that will be forever missed and never forgotten!

[@michaelwtapp]

What a legend! Nobody played like Beck. I feel like he had total control of the instrument.

[@beachcomber4141]

I have never seen another guitarist with so many colors on the instrument. So much control of touch, tone, dynamics, SOUND!!! Today is a very sad day for not only guitar, but music.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@beachcomber4141 And no pick!

[@beachcomber4141]

@@RideAcrossTheRiverOMG I know it!! Total original.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@beachcomber4141 AND Jeff got the idea for the plain third string!

[@rs5570]

Yes that’s a good way to describe it. He really did. He tamed that axe.

[@xoxb2]

RIP Jeff Beck - a completely unique sound.

[@tacotacotacobajablast6821]

more like super generic

[@tripjet999]

There's no such thing as "completely" unique. "Unique" is ALREADY one of a kind, as was Jeff Beck!

[@juancarlosnunezf96]

Whenever you listen to Jeff Beck he always sounds years ahead of the current time. His powerful and highly evolved musicality is unmatchable. RIP Master. Thank you for being you.

[@jerrywoods4066]

Yeah I don't agree with that completely he has great company. Blackmore page Hendrix Gary moore Ronnie montrose srv. Let's not forget Les Paul. Some of the stuff he was doing in the jazz scene at that time was considered ahead of everyone. Some work probably more impressive than Jeff for that time. The man had a guitar named after all

[@metaspherz]

RIP Jeff! I have admired your amazing talent and how you 'Broke the Rules!" “I don't care about the rules,” he once said. “In fact, if I don't break the rules at least 10 times in every song then I'm not doing my job properly.”

[@idadavis6844]

Goodnight Jeff! Glad to have seen some of your concerts. Thank you for giving so much

[@timshooter8033]

I love how Jeff shook Dave's hand & walked off stage...you can't get any cooler than that !!! (He will be missed...a Great Musician) 🎸💖

[@peterg1503]

I remember watching this, funny as hell. Glad I saw him live about 20 years ago. One of the top 5 shows I've seen ,, ever

[@angusmacangus3181]

Jeff was my favorite guitarist from the British wave. Blow by Blow was so incredible to me I wore the vinyl out as a teenager. From then on I had to discover all his older material. Just great. We lost a human treasure. Rest in Peace, Jeff, thanks for the music!

[@angelolivares8754]

The guitar player that his whole career and style can be summarized with the words: "tone is in your fingers". RIP

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

When Tina Turner cut "Private Dancer", Mark Knopfler's song, Knopfler wasn't allowed to record the lead guitar. Who stepped in but Jeff Beck. Legend!

[@Guitaroverkill]

Jeff Beck was one of the most gracious guys I’ve ever met. Very sad to hear he isn’t with us now.

[@beachcomber4141]

His vitality was something to behold. The guy just never stopped getting better. That is part of what makes today so shocking!! I felt he was going to be making music for another 20 years and was ALWAYS curious as to what he would do next. RIP Maestro. No one can play like you.

[@beachcomber4141]

@@ObamaFromKenya Barry, I am well aware. Which is what made his vitality the more impressive. He was playing concerts up to very recently that were amazing people at how powerful his playing was...at almost 80!! The way he was always out there left the impression he was going to keep going for a long time yet. There was no other player like him who just kept killing it as long as he did. I wish he would have kept playing until he was 100 and it felt like he just might have. At least to me it did

[@adandreis1989]

R.I.P Jeff Beck. THANK YOU for helping to pave the way for ROCK and other genres. Legends never die 💐🌹

[@MrMegaFredZeppelin]

My wife and I saw him on this Who Else Tour in Los Angeles after he took a 10 year hiatus, we had backstage passes and got to meet and talk with him😃My wife and I were both very nervous meeting him but it was the BEST experience we ever had😁R.I.P. Jeff Beck🙏🏻🎸ROCK ON!!!!!!!🤘🏻🤙🏻✌🏻

[@evenflowsteven]

RIP legend.

[@DanielBobke]

RIP Mr. Beck - you were one of the greatest of ALL TIME.

[@tacotacotacobajablast6821]

not even top 100

[@Tineluss]

@@tacotacotacobajablast6821 shut up, you'll seem smarter

[@coldwar45]

RIP Jeff Beck. You were one of the first guitarists I got into when I was young. Thanks for all the music! You will be missed!

[@garrison7888]

Jeff was one of the greatest players of all time and moved into the world of jazz a.k.a. John McLaughlin and was just light years ahead of most rock players. ROCK IN PEACE. This is a person that will be greatly missed in the musical community.🎼🎸

[@demsbstupid753]

In his group you have Eric Clapton, Jimmy page, Alvin Lee all brits.

[@jerrywoods4066]

@@demsbstupid753 Les Paul.

[@1972CB350]

Goosebumps when I listen to this. Rest in peace, Jeff Beck.

[@edriley2703]

Jeff is just Jeff. Ordinary dude with extraordinary talents

[@debranelson1987]

Yes, he seemed rather quiet and modest off stage. Rip in peace Jeff Beck.

[@secretlab2205]

From 1966's Beck's Bolero to this delightful romp, thanks for all of it, Jeff Beck. Rest easy.

[@creamnsugar6771]

I will always *LOVE* his music… after all these years I’m STILL trying to get up to speed on the tracks he’s recorded!! He has always been light years ahead of everyone else!!! Thank you Jeff…

[@jeremybonnifield6440]

RIP to one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He truly was a master of the instrument.

[@kathy1001]

So sad 😞 Jeff Beck seemed so youthful and was so talented. RIP Jeff Beck. 🙏 You will be missed terribly!!

[@user-ge2ey1rd1x]

Even after 61y of music I didn't know him. Well,the true definition of The jazz rock. God bless him

[@vhfanjack]

I remember being 5 years old and my Dad keeping me up to see this. It was mind-blowing then, and even more mind-blowing now. We used to listen to Guitar Shop every morning on the way to school. Such great memories. Got the opportunity to see him live in 09. An absolute giant of innovation, virtuosity and sound. The news this morning was a bummer, but it's not until watching this that I've realised how hard it's hitting. RIP Jeff Beck. There'll never be another.

[@BUNKERJR53]

Rest in Peace Jeff. Another legend gone too soon. Hard for me to take.

[@LawrenceLake]

R.I.P. Jeff Beck - what a gift to us all. Your music lives on.

[@OzziesRobots]

RIP One of greatest & most unique guitarists of a generation. HIs fusion work among others was pioneering

[@Shawn-fu3mp]

A 1 of a kind guitarist! I've never seen anyone play like Beck!

[@kstepko]

Wow! He was amazing. RIP

[@CargoShorts7]

Rest in peace to a legend. True innovator and one of a kind!

[@mannybravo237]

Jeff has left the building! So unexpected, hugh loss... Rest in God's Peace n Love in RocknRoll Heaven, Mr Beck🕯🌠

[@there_is_nothing_here]

One of the greatest guitars that ever lived and Letterman had like two questions for him. RIP Jeff Beck

[@dynasticlight8706]

Ya, He was dizgusting .Asked when the Yardbirds came to America. WTF. Treated Him like a Kid.Was on T.V. way too long.

[@saurabhsanyal4218]

One hell of a guitarist miss you jeff

[@valeriebaca2828]

Damn!!! I can't believe it! Rocking with the angels and the other greats and legends who've passed.

[@keithgrillo8096]

RIP Jeff, one of the mainstays of a dwindling group of all time greats.

[@skierpage]

It's sad to see giants pass, but there are so many impressive young guitarists today. I like Yvette Young, and Scotty LePage and Tim Henson of Polyphia.

[@m.ericwatson968]

Jeff Beck is the guitarist that is truly as bad-ass as everyone says, a legend!

[@plaws0]

Got a minute in and thought ... "Uh, oh" ... sure enough.

[@theosophicalwanderings7696]

This guy was insane, IMO the most creative and expressive player of the late 60’s Brits.

[@sequentialcircles]

My dad taped this for me and I remember watching this the next morning. I was 8 years old. RIP Mr. Beck, my favorite guitarist and a man that helped me know you can just do whatever you want with music and the hell with everyone else.

[@timdungan-levant7640]

So grateful to this master of the guitar for all his work -- respect.

[@rorymcdaniel26]

He's one of only one. Rest easy with the rest of the musical geniuses 😥

[@bakeembakeem]

It is completely mind-blowing when these incredible guitarists with their amazing ability to make the instrument sing😳 R.I.P.

[@seanspencer9396]

When he was finished, the guitar WAS STILL ALIVE!!! It needed a rest. Have mercy! Jeff, RIP. You guitar or guitars miss you!

[@billyz5088]

JB had been a living legend for many years - now he's a forever legend ..

[@creamnsugar6771]

…forever legend, thank you. I love it! 😂

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Technique, attitude, and total class. RIP.

[@Barons_Trash_Heap]

Jeff beck amongst many amazing musicians of his likeness inspired and nurtured my love for music and all of it's unique complexities. Beck will be missed but never forgotten, may music flourish forever more. 🤘

[@chrispeacock2076]

I saw him live once at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he jammed with John McLaughlin and played Hendrix. They were both exceptional. RIP Jeff Beck.

[@konowd]

A singular talent that can never be replaced or equaled, until yesterday he was the greatest that was still around. RIP

[@GreenTeaViewer]

At last someone who knows the meaning of the word "singular"! RIP Jeff...

[@ArnoldArchives]

There remains another yet among the living: Lukather. Best in the world.

[@konowd]

Luke is great, nice guy too, but even he will tell you Beck was da man and can’t be replaced. Beck was his favorite guitar player, and it’s a terrible loss for guitar players everywhere. The music and the influence will continue to live on, but it’s terrible he’s no longer here.

[@konowd]

Brian May is still with us, and still a hell of a player, and he’s feeling the loss too. Funny enough Beck thought Brian was the best, what higher praise could any guitarist get?

[@markegan2480]

We lost another guitar 🎸 legend, rest in peace my man

[@andyny29]

Thank you for posting this!😢

[@gtdcoder]

RIP Jeff Beck. You were such an influence.

[@stevengerson6307]

Saw him when R. Stewart was in his group some fifty years ago and then again in his blow by blow phase. The tears that flow down my face and my broken heart are for his family R.IP. my hero Jeff Beck.

[@hogey74]

Vale Jeff you champion. And this tune, with those amazing players around you ... whoa.

[@jeffsquires6620]

You forget how good he is and then you see another song. It blows your mind again. RIP.

[@MichaelLasotaTW]

RIP. Got to see him with BB King back in Phoenix, Arizona in the mid 2000's.. was great.

[@jouleskelvin]

RIP JB ... That whole band was on it that night. 👏

[@lynnhopewell4728]

R.I.P. Jeff Beck, one of the most original voices on guitar.

[@5DNRG]

In the early '70s, I found this amazing musician and he has never disappointed. God bless him... heaven is now ROCKIN'!

[@A_Final_Hit]

A true original. No one played like him before or since, and no over ever will. R.I.P. Jeff, and thanks for all the great music and memories. 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@scottbrowning4553]

What do you know? We lost another fabulous and legendary guitarist, Jeff Beck. He played phenomenally at this Letterman show. The other musicians were first-rate as well. My condolences to all of his family members and friends. Rest in peace Jeff, and I hope to meet you in the afterlife.

[@Treeman1177]

He always had awesome bands like you said first rate that most people had never heard of

[@scottbrowning4553]

@@Treeman1177 Absolutely.

[@taxi2hb]

RIP Jeff, we will miss you ❤

[@kindablue1959]

I remember this show. I already had the disc and was panting to see this exact song done live. It didn't disappoint - I was taken to another place. None other like him.

[@jamesjackson8058]

Can't stop sobbing.. Thanks for your sounds .. you ole Yardbird you ...RIP

[@juanmanueldumitrascu990]

Rip Jeff. Guitar Legend🎸

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Does Jeff Beck have a music degree or did he ever had any kind of guitar lesson? There is no way that JB plays this great without knowing music theory by heart. His licks, phrases, fills and feel are amazing.

[@billplaney2585]

Music theory by means of listening carefully to thousands of slowed-down 45s as a youngster to decipher what the recorded musicians were doing. Theory by having built his own guitar from a cigar box, a broom handle, and some wire - when you get intimate with physical materials, you are working at theory all the time in the background. It helps to be born with perfect pitch and good hearing, along with sizeable hands.

[@knightfall9394]

@@billplaney2585it also helps when you play with people like max middleton, jan hammer, tony hymas, jennifer batten, narada michael walden, and stevie wonder. When you surround yourself with other musicians who come from different backgrounds or were schooled you’re gonna learn some stuff and pick up some things. Jeff by no means was a theory guy or a schooled musician, according steve lukather (who produced a scrapped beck album) jeff actually did know his stuff and knew what he was playing

[@jordanfedorko8312]

Always the innovator, always finding new sounds, that's what I love about Jeff Beck, grateful to have seen him live several times.

[@Cubehead666]

Jeff Beck has been one of my top five guitar players for a long, long time. I'm so glad I got to see him back in 2009, and I'm so glad he lived as long as he did! Dude +always+ pushed the envelope. Never resting, always seeking new musical terrain. Thank you, Mr. Beck. Thank you for everything you've done.

[@kevinbossick8374]

I love this album. So glad I bought it when it came out.

[@robertkroberjr.157]

I didn't know he passed! RIP Jeff 🙏❤️

[@nathueil1]

NAW!

[@robertkroberjr.157]

@@nathueil1 Yes it happened yesterday. Bacterial Mennengitis.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

One of a handful of the most groundbreaking guitarists of all time, and still under recognized. He was truly one of kind, and his influence on the musical landscape is immeasurable.

[@rs5570]

I don’t think Jeff was underrecognized. I’m likely well older than you if you think so. Guitar Giant. So sad he’s left us.

[@nettiesalazar7549]

R.I. P Mister Jeff Beck, thanks for the music 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@sixslinger9951]

Rest in peace....One of the all time greats for sure.

[@joeyclemenza7339]

Going on to that big jam sesh in the sky… rest easy, guitar god. Godbless 🙏🏽 📿

[@robotusa88]

Thank you Jeff Beck for 55 years of inspiration, and virtuoso. You leave a huge hole in the world of music. Peace...

[@AlexW-wv4nt]

A master with a very unique style. Rip Jeff Beck!

[@bobplotnikov1068]

Rock In Peace Jeff.