Jeff Beck at a press event in New York, April 30, 2018 (Photo © Greg Brodsky; used with permission)
When news broke of the passing of Jeff Beck, on January 10, 2023, at age 78, his fellow rock legends including former bandmates and classic rock guitar greats took to social media to mourn the loss of their friend. Many described him as their “hero” and “inspiration.”
His former bandmates Jimmy Page, Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart all shared their admiration for their friend, as did such fellow guitarists as David Gilmour, Dave Davies, Chrissie Hynde, Brian May, Steve Hackett and many others.
Best Classic Bands is curating many of these Jeff Beck tributes and will continue to update it as more are shared.
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🙏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
Beck and Wood’s fellow bandmate, Rod Stewart, also shared his sorrow. “You were the greatest, my man.
2/2
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— 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/369rHU7BCX— David Gilmour (@davidgilmour) January 11, 2023
Dave Davies of The Kinks referenced his decision to attend one of Beck’s 2022 concerts.
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 pic.twitter.com/0zAMgqMHm4
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) January 11, 2023
From Paul McCartney: “I was so saddened to hear that Jeff Beck had died. Jeff 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. He was a superb technician and could strip down his guitar and put it back together again in time for the show.
“His unique style of playing was something that no one could match, and I will always remember the great times we had together. He would come over to dinner at our place or he and his wife, Sandra, would host an evening at their house.
“Jeff had immaculate taste in most things and was an expert at rebuilding his collection of cars. His no nonsense attitude to the music business was always so refreshing and I will cherish forever the moments we spent together.
“Jeff Beck has left the building and it is a lonelier place without him. God bless Jeff and his family.
Love, Paul”
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
“Always and ever”…….. ec pic.twitter.com/eEt3qEUuT2
— Eric Clapton (@EricClapton) January 11, 2023
Graham Gouldman, who wrote the Yardbirds’ hits, “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul,” told Best Classic Bands, “Jeff Beck was simply the best guitarist in the world. We will never see or hear his like again. I’m proud to have been associated with him. May his dear soul rest in peace.”
Jeff Beck and Graham Gouldman
The guitar heroes guitar hero has gone off to join all the best players.
A true and loyal friend.
I’ll love you always Jeff,
Chrissie— Chrissie Hynde (@ChrissieHynde) January 11, 2023
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ZZ Top were frequent touring partners of Beck, including several 2022 shows.
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
Watch them share the stage on Sept. 25, 2022
From Steve Winwood: “Jeff Beck was a brilliant and unique musician who managed to sustain his presence as an outstanding guitarist throughout all of his career, from the mid-sixties to the present time. His guitar style utilised many differing techniques and styles. He was a leader and an innovator, and he will be sadly missed.”
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
From Robert Plant: “This is tragic news. Hard to take in. Jeff always appeared timeless, ever evolving. He embraced project after project with limitless energy and enthusiasm. He surfaced in an extraordinary time…he took his place side by side with the virtuosos of the period …his mates…
“The scene was on fire, he introduced a cool template moving from Yardbird to Bolero to Truth, Beck Ola with Rod the perfect foil…the singer and guitarist syndrome…plenty of sparks…great results…
“He cooked up magic through all the passing eras, always up for the next, unknown, unlikely collision, back in time to homage Cliff Gallup, forward to Johnny Depp.
“His gift was enormous. He was funny, challenging and eager. My feelings are with Sandra today.”
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
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
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/hG6O9tzfij— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 11, 2023
From Nancy Wilson: Jeff Beck inspired so much of my life as a musician. Heart opened for him back in the day and standing side stage every night was like taking dictation from the ultimate rock muse.
We saw him playing various shows along the way and never walked away less than mind blown.
There will never be another rock musician who will come even close to his genius.
Rest in rock power.
Long live the king! 🌟👑🌟
“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
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
From Genesis’ longtime lead guitarist, Steve Hackett…
Devastating news about the loss of much loved, influential guitar legend Jeff Beck. He made the electric guitar sing… a powerful influence on myself and many others.
— Steve Hackett (@HackettOfficial) January 11, 2023
Stevie Wonder met Beck in the early ’70s. “He was a great soul who did great music,” Wonder told the Detroit Free Press. “I’m glad that I was able to meet him and have him in my life, giving some of his gift to my music.” Beck performed on Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” from the Talking Book album.
“When I heard it today, it was emotional for me because I could remember the moment,” Wonder told the Free Press. “There’s just something about music. I know for you, as a fan, songs take you back to a space in time — you’re right there, right then. The same thing happens for us as writers and singers.”
The pair memorably performed “Superstition” at the 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) January 11, 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
U2’s The Edge wrote, “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.”
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
A tribute to Jeff Beck from my friend and former Yardbird, Paul Samwell-Smith: “What a genius. We wrote Shapes of Things together and Jeff had a blank 16 bars for a solo. He not only played an extraordinary solo, but changed the nature of guitar playing ever after.” #JeffBeck pic.twitter.com/Zvod9JFd0f
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) 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
So, now when someone asks me “Who’s your favorite guitarist — living or dead?” I will say what I always say: “I can’t answer that.” But my very short list will include Jeff. There will never be another Jeff Beck. RIP. pic.twitter.com/upQSSaJVQj
— Warren Haynes (@thewarrenhaynes) January 12, 2023
Jeff was in touch with something other worldly when he played and was in a league of his own. On the’Truth’ album Jeff and Rod Stewart set the bar for the next 50 years of rock & Roll. Beyond sad to loose him from this world but he left us the gift of his music forever. pic.twitter.com/RA0vyCFkE8
— Paul Rodgers (@_paulrodgers) January 12, 2023
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4 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationI look forward to every night getting email from this site, but headline re Jeff being mourned, filled me with confusion: what? Mourn Jeff Beck?
My mind kinda went crazy! How can this be? Jeff never seemed to physically age, Friends and I would see him on tv and would remark
‘MY GOD, HE STILL LOOKS THE SAME! Like a young man! And such a great musician…This is like a gut punch, impossible to grasp, shocking, and bewildering and profoundly sad and profoundly confusing…
I am numb just finding out that Jeff Beck has passed. You have ripped through some riffs like Jeffs Boogie and tantalized us with Train Kept A Rolling. I knew you but didn’t I wanted so bad to be a Yardbird in some facet. God bless Jeff Beck
Another genius died. I am sorry.. I join all of you in sadness you feel. Take good care of yourself. Great talent..I will miss his new music he will not play. Bozena
It is unquestionably revealing that so many of the (remaining) greatest living guitarists express such tribute to Jeff Beck.
Jeff Beck was revered by his fellow guitarists/peers, as well as his loyal fans, throughout his unbelievably productive lifetime as well.
(In no particular order)
Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Johnny Winter, Duane Allman, Roy Buchanan, B.B. King, Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Alvin Lee, Frank Zappa, Jerry Garcia, Prince, Albert Collins, Hughie Thomasson, J. Geils, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Rod Price…to name a few.
.
The list of great guitarists/legends is getting shorter and shorter…..
Rest In Piece, Jeff Beck – your distinct music, and instrumental style, will far outlive all of us – but thanking Providence that your work is preserved in our recorded media.
You have always been, since “Truth” came out, been in my personal Top Five.