British guitarist Jeff Beck died Tuesday at the age of 78 after contracting bacterial meningitis, his family announced Wednesday.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jeff Beck. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday (Tuesday). His family requests privacy while they process this tremendous loss, ”he refers to a statement released this Wednesday on the musician’s official website.
Regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Jeff Beck rose to fame as a member of the Yardbirds in 1965, replacing Eric Clapton, and then, on his own, began a solo career that incorporated hard rock, jazz, funky blues and even opera.
Jeff Beck won seven Grammy Awards for his guitar performances and in 2011 he was voted the fifth best guitarist in history by American magazine Rolling Stone.
Recently, he did a series of shows with actor Johnny Depp, with whom he was friends, to promote “18,” an album they made in partnership.
Source: TSF
