Legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck dies aged 78

Legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck, known for his work with the Yardbirds and a long career of collaborations with artists including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards, has died at the age of 78.

In a statement posted to his official Twitter account, his family wrote: “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.”

“Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player – there will never be another Jeff Beck,” Tony Iommi, guitarist for Black Sabbath wrote on Twitter.

Drums & percussion artist

Jeff worked with countless drummers and percussionists including Steve Alexander, Jason Bonham, Terry Bozzio, Cozy Powell and many more. 

Carmine Apice, the talented drummer from Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice, has no qualms about giving straight talk on the rock icons he has known and played with over the decades. 

Speaking of individual icons with Forbes, Carmine was asked about his experiences playing with Jeff Beck.

Carmine said that playing with Jeff was “like a dream come true.” He added: “He’s one of my heroes.”

“He’s an introverted guy, but an amazing guitar player. He isn’t very outgoing, until you really get to know him. On stage, he is better. He’d talk a lot to the audience, but when he did, it was in a very shy way. Now that he’s become such a legendary star, he’s changed, I’m sure. But when we played with him, he wasn’t that big. We got into the jazz rock scene, in the later part of Beck, Bogert & Appice. In fact, I have a song coming out on a new live album next year called “Jizz Whizz,” from 1974. We were always good friends. He used to come hang out with me in Los Angeles. He was into cars and all of that stuff.”

Legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck dies aged 78