Jeff Beck, the influential guitarist who rose to rock and roll stardom with 1960s supergroup the Yardbirds and later had a prolific solo career, has died after an illness, his official website has said.
He was 78.
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday," a statement on the English-born musician's website said.
On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/4dvt5aGzlv
— Jeff Beck (@jeffbeckmusic) January 11, 2023
Kiss bassist Gene Simmons said news of Mr Beck's death was "heartbreaking".
In a post on Twitter, the fellow rock star wrote: "Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed.
"No one played guitar like Jeff.
"Please get a hold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP."
Heartbreaking news to report the late, great Jeff Back has sadly passed. No one played guitar like Jeff. Please get ahold of the first two Jeff Beck Group albums and behold greatness. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3qnPOCyhUj
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2023
Kiss frontman Paul Stanley also posted a tribute to Beck, describing him as "one of the all time guitar masters".
Posting a picture of Beck on his Twitter, he wrote: "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."
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
British rocker Ozzy Osbourne said it had been "such an honour" to know and play with him on his most recent album.
The Black Sabbath frontman said: "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. Long live #JeffBeck."
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
