Music World Reacts To Passing Of Jeff Beck
By Andrew Magnotta @AndrewMagnotta
January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck, one of the greatest to ever plug in and turn up, died Tuesday after a brief illness, his family confirmed today (Wednesday, January 11).
Jeff was a boundary-pushing rock musician and one of the most important and innovative players in the history of the electric guitar. He was beloved for his work with The Yardbirds, his Jeff Beck Group (which featured a young Rod Stewart), his solo career and numerous collaborations through the decades.
According to his family, Jeff passed suddenly but peacefully this week after contracting bacterial meningitis.
Given Jeff's luminary status in rock, tributes quickly poured onto social media from across the music world from Jeff's many collaborators, friends and fans.
Led Zeppelin cofounder Jimmy Page, who was Jeff's one-time bandmate in the Yardbirds and a longtime friend, wrote that Jeff's creativity was transcendent. (Beck personally gifted Page the guitar he used on Led Zeppelin's debut album.)
His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.https://t.co/4h1DfXXmWI
— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) January 11, 2023
Ozzy Osbourne, who collaborated with Jeff on the title track for his latest album, Patient Number 9, called Jeff's passing a "terrible loss" and wrote that it was "an incredible honor" to have worked with him.
I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans. It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023
Long live #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/hG6O9tzfij
Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi added that Jeff was everything he was cracked up to be as a musician, but also a "such a nice person."
I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing. Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player - there will never be another Jeff Beck. His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed. RIP Jeff -Tony pic.twitter.com/i6BGdqTUKU
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 11, 2023
Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler called Jeff "Truly one of the greats," recalling seeing him play live for the first time back in 1966.
Shocked to hear of the sudden death of Jeff Beck. Truly one of the greats. First time I saw him was in 1966 with the Yardbirds. Brilliant, unique guitarist. RIP pic.twitter.com/qaeJHGJymM
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) January 11, 2023
The Kinks' Dave Davies said he was "devastated" upon hearing the news.
I’m just so sorry and bewildered rest in peace i love you my friend Jeff Beck i feel bad I’m devastated I nearly didn’t go to the gig https://t.co/qCjViCsb0i
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 11, 2023
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour called Jeff a "friend and hero" whose music was a longtime source of inspiration.
I am devastated to hear the news of the death of my friend and hero Jeff Beck, whose music has thrilled and inspired me and countless others for so many years.
— David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) January 11, 2023
Polly‘s and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra.
He will be forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/369rHU7BCX
KISS's Paul Stanley wrote the Jeff was indeed "one of the all time guitar masters."
WOW. What awful news. Jeff Beck, one of the all time guitar masters has died. From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever. @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/8LVeq47wxx
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) January 11, 2023
Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan issued a personal message, calling Jeff a "DECENT and special man."
Rest In Peace @jeffbeckmusic ....you always treated me and @SuHolmesMcKagan with kindness. A DECENT and special man....
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) January 11, 2023
Mick Jagger remembered Jeff as a "wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world."
With the death of Jeff Beck we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much. pic.twitter.com/u8DYQrLNB7
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) January 11, 2023
Rod Stewart, who famously reunited with Jeff in 2019 to celebrate their work together, thanked "the greatest" Jeff for making an unmistakable impact on his career.
2/2
— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) January 11, 2023
He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond .
Jeff, you were the greatest, my man . Thank you for everything . RIP
Paul McCartney shared his memories of Jeff the person and the musician.
Jeff Beck has left the building and it is a lonelier place without him.
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 12, 2023
God bless Jeff and his family.
Love
Paul