Following the tragic and sudden news that Jeff Beck passed away at the age of 78 on January 10th, many of his peers in the music world have paid tribute to the legendary guitarist.
On Wednesday (January 11th), Beck’s family released a statement announcing that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer had died “after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis.”
The news shook the rock world, with such luminaries as Jimmy Page, Ozzy Osbourne, and others expressing sadness over Beck’s death while also praising him as one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived.
Osbourne, whose recent solo album Patient Number 9 features Beck playing on the Grammy-nominated title track, stated, “I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Jeff Beck’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.”
Page, who played with Beck as members of the Yardbirds in the 1960s, commented, “The six stringed Warrior is no longer here for us to admire the spell he could weave around our mortal emotions. Jeff could channel music from the ethereal. His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans. Jeff Beck Rest in Peace.”
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, a member of the Jeff Beck Group in the ’60s, remarked, “Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him. I’m sending much sympathy to Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America.”
Rod Stewart, another onetime member of the Jeff Beck Group, added, “Jeff Beck was on another planet. He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since.”
And Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi wrote, “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.”
See these tributes, as well as additional ones from Robert Plant, David Gilmour, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Brian May, Jack White, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, and many more below.
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 pic.twitter.com/hG6O9tzfijAdvertisement— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023
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
— Robert Plant (@RobertPlant) January 12, 2023
🙏Now Jeff has gone, I feel like one of my band of brothers has left this world, and I’m going to dearly miss him. I’m sending much sympathy to Sandra, his family, and all who loved him. I want to thank him for all our early days together in Jeff Beck Group, conquering America. pic.twitter.com/UareDAdtZ9
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) January 11, 2023
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
Advertisement— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 11, 2023
I was so saddened to hear that Jeff Beck had died. Jeff Beck was a lovely man with a wicked sense of humour who played some of the best guitar music ever to come out of Great Britain. pic.twitter.com/2ggP3Lhpge
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 12, 2023
1/2
Jeff Beck was on another planet . He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group
and we haven’t looked back since . pic.twitter.com/uS7bbWsHgW— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) January 11, 2023
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.
Polly‘s and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra.
He will be forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/369rHU7BCXAdvertisement— David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) January 11, 2023
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
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
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
Advertisement— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck was the Salvador Dali of guitar, to see him play was to hear the ultimate 6 string alchemist create magic in a world of its own. With his passing, the world is a poorer place. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Sandra. We share your sorrow.
Photo by: @RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/dpoCf9q8EO
— Joe Perry (@JoePerry) January 12, 2023
"When I was 16 years old, The Spiders, who became the original Alice Cooper band, opened for the Yardbirds. That night I experienced the greatest guitar player I had ever heard. Half a century later Jeff Beck is still the greatest guitarist, PERIOD…. pic.twitter.com/awwMOXOJDm
— Alice Cooper (@alicecooper) January 12, 2023
Legendary. Rest in peace Jeff Beck.
Photo by David Redfern pic.twitter.com/eBMdBJ9XXB
— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) January 12, 2023
RIP Jeff Beck. Having trouble processing this. Not only was he a major influence, and his genius an infinite source of joy my entire lifetime, he was in great spirits when we spoke a few weeks ago having done a flawless show with Johnny the night before at the Capitol. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/D9g9mY8cNC
Advertisement— 🕉🇺🇦Stevie Van Zandt☮️💙 (@StevieVanZandt) January 12, 2023
An absolute god of guitar. No one can replace him. From rock to soul to jazz he was the greatest player in all genres. Unique. Such awful news but thank you Jeff for all you gave us. #jeffBeck @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/kfeTDaPSdR
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) January 11, 2023
I’m heartbroken he looked in fine shape to me. Playing great he was in great shape. I’m shocked and bewilderedDeepest sympathy to his wife friends close ones I’m bewildered Jeff Beck it don’t make sense I don’t get it. He was a good friend and a great guitar player
Advertisement— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 11, 2023
RIP Jeff Beck pic.twitter.com/gHU0stUPNl
— William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) January 12, 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and guitar legend Jeff Beck. Jeff's incredible musicianship and passion for guitar has been an inspiration to us all. He was a true innovator and his legacy will live on through his music. Rest in peace, Jeff. pic.twitter.com/6kZY1NsgQf
— Hollywood Vampires (@hollywoodvamps) January 12, 2023
Sad news #JeffBeck passed on today …I saw him with Beck Bogart & Appice supporting Lou Reed in the UK in ‘72 RIP …glad I was alive to hear him play….sublime…
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 12, 2023
Experience Hendrix and the family of Jimi Hendrix are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our good friend, legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. Rest In Peace, Jeff your music plays on! Fly on sweet angel. #JeffBeck @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/2gcSdvmofH
Advertisement— Jimi Hendrix (@JimiHendrix) January 12, 2023
My original copy of this record. Back in the day we would write our names on our records because we shared them with friends so often—this way we could have them returned. This record was one of the most important in my musical life. Jeff Beck. Thank you, Sir. Rest in Peace✌️ pic.twitter.com/URaj2CrtT8
— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) January 12, 2023
GOD BLESS JEFF BECK • tBLSt SDMF @jeffbeckmusic #jeffbeck pic.twitter.com/F9IowyPNX4
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) January 12, 2023
With Jeff Beck`s passing, a huge and tangible void has been left in the world of music. Thankfully through his profound influence on an astronomical number of musicians, his sweet notes will continue to ring loudly, for generations to come.
— Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) January 12, 2023
Undeniably a giant amongst the greats whose magic guitar could sing like no other….RIP Jeff Beck, a sad loss who will be very much missed
Advertisement— Tom Jones (@RealSirTomJones) January 12, 2023
The loss of our friend Jeff Beck is crushing. All our love and prayers go out to his family, his friends, and his fans around the world. Until we meet again, Jeff. – Team BG pic.twitter.com/579qviqPSc
— Buddy Guy (@TheRealBuddyGuy) January 12, 2023
I’m so sad to hear about Jeff Beck passing. Jeff was a genius guitar player, and me and my band got to see it close up when we toured with him in 2013. One of the highlights we did was “Danny Boy” – we both loved that song. Love & Mercy to Jeff’s family. pic.twitter.com/eZFHpHgiKt
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 11, 2023
RIP one of the greats, Jeff Beck 🕊️🌹🎸 The Bruce family would like to extend our sincere love and condolences to @jeffbeckmusic’s family, friends and fans around the world. What an incredible legacy. Here are a couple of photos of Jack and Jeff together, not so long ago ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vq2xnSDOSR
Advertisement— Jack Bruce (@jackbrucemusic) January 11, 2023
RIP Jeff Beck 🙏
"He was inimitable, irreplaceable – the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing." – Brian May
"A totally unique and magical talent." – Roger Taylor pic.twitter.com/PxBNgBiu1Q
— Queen (@QueenWillRock) January 12, 2023
I just heard the sad news that the great virtuoso guitarist, Jeff Beck, has died.
He was one of my heroes. I was fortunate to meet him recently and I’m very grateful now that I was able to tell him how much I admired his musical skill.
This is the end of an era.
R.I.P
Billy Joel pic.twitter.com/Z5RTEDJcuu— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) January 12, 2023
Jeff Beck was a genius, a stunning original. He was an astounding guitar player with more ways to make you go, “WTF was that?” than anybody else. He was profoundly talented, and never stopped innovating on the instrument. R.I.P. Jeff.. https://t.co/stKn1RPWIN pic.twitter.com/59INhJ0LzK
Advertisement— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) January 12, 2023
I met Jeff Beck when I was 17 and I was glad to know a guy like that, a guy who was able to show me how this guitar playing thing should be approached and that’s still very much the case. Jeff was a wondrous soul and we already miss him tremendously.
@jeffbeckmusic #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/qW8R0b7pCz— Billy F Gibbons (@BillyFGibbons) January 12, 2023
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
Oh, My Heart…RIP, Jeff…I miss you already…💔💔💔💔💔
AdvertisementJeff Beck, Guitar Virtuoso and Blues-Rock Innovator, Dead at 78 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/oJ2O1vqbDk
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck was punk rock before punk existed and one of the most inventive guitar players of all time. He set a very high bar for all of us who followed. His legend will live on.
The Edge.
— U2 (@U2) January 12, 2023
Rest in peace to the GREATEST off them all: Jeff Beck!!!!
— Bill Burr (@billburr) January 11, 2023
RIP Jeff Beck. A pioneer and one of the all time greats. #jeffbeck pic.twitter.com/h7bTL3ZaxA
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) January 11, 2023
We mourn the loss of Jeff Beck, a brilliant musician and friend. Our tours with Jeff were delights from both personal and sonic perspectives. We're thankful that we were privileged to share so many stages with him over the years and will truly miss his artistry and personality. pic.twitter.com/Dfum1hYG9R
Advertisement— ZZ Top (@ZZTop) January 12, 2023
Jeff Beck was like no one else. It wasn’t just skills and soul, he had his own vocabulary. A great musician like this leaves such a void. RIP JB
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) January 11, 2023
My favorite guitar player of all time has left us. RIP @jeffbeckmusic #jeffbeck #RIPjeffbeck pic.twitter.com/xB8MNURibX
— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) January 11, 2023
Absolutely one of my favorite guitarist of all time! The "Truth" album changed my life. As a singer and guitarist, I wanted to be Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart rolled into one— we all did. What a loss. We will all miss Jeff. My love and condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/0AgQsCHN76
Advertisement— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) January 11, 2023
Jeff scratched his name in the back of my Les Paul (thanks to my buddy Andy) when we hung out in Birmingham in Nov. ‘89. #jeffbeck #RipLegend pic.twitter.com/lgXr958itt
— Damon Johnson (@DamonJOfficial) January 11, 2023
Shocking news. A big loss for music and the guitar world. RIP Jeff Beck 💔 https://t.co/9cVNXJ13jJ
— Gus G. (@gusgofficial) January 11, 2023
RIP Jeff Beck. I’m so sad 😞 #
— Mick Mars (@mrmickmars) January 11, 2023
As Jamie West-Oram once said, "There is no 'best' guitarist in the world…Except there actually is ….Jeff Beck". There will never be another.
Advertisement— The Fixx (@FixxOnline) January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck was the best. RIP
— Brendon Small (@brendonsmall) January 11, 2023
Jeff Beck. He was my hero. A giant among men. I felt so lucky to call him a friend. I’m gonna miss him so much. Love to his family during this time of great loss. ❤️ @jeffbeckmusic pic.twitter.com/zmm3IPqaug
— Tyler Bryant (@thetylerbryant) January 11, 2023
Saddened to hear Jeff Beck has passed away. I was lucky to see him once and I stood in awe of his genius. Thank you, Jeff, for being amazing to us guitar players… pic.twitter.com/f680ldCgQ5
— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) January 11, 2023
