Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck died at the age of 78 on Wednesday after a stellar career.
Beck, who first sprung to prominence with The Yardbirds in the Sixties, and subsequently with the Jeff Beck Group, was rated alongside fellow Brits Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Jimmy Page as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
In recent months Beck, who lived in Wadhurst, East Sussex, had sprung back to prominence after collaborating on an album with Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp. They also embarked on a tour last year.
According to his family, Beck died suddenly after contracting bacterial meningitis, just weeks after finishing his tour with Depp.
A statement issued on behalf of his family via his agent read: “Jeff passed away peacefully. His family ask for privacy at this desperately sad time as they process this tremendous loss.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we share this news.”
Beck was described as the best guitar player on the planet and won eight Grammy awards during his stellar career.
He was ranked fifth by rock magazine Rolling Stone in the list of the 100 greatest rock guitarists of all time.
Photo: JeffBeck.com
