We shall all miss him so much, Mick Jagger says, crying uncontrollably. Redefining guitar music in the 1960s, Jeff Beck died on Thursday at the age of 78. The closest family members of him announced his unexpected death on Twitter.
“We announce Jeff Beck’s passing with great and profound sadness on behalf of his family,” the statement stated.
Suddenly struck with bacterial meningitis, he died quietly yesterday. As they work through this enormous loss, his family requests privacy.
Often recognized as one of the best of all time, Beck pushed boundaries and played a pivotal role in the important growth of rock music.
Throughout his fifty-year career, Beck tried out new sounds and techniques that revitalized the music industry.
In 1965 Beck took Eric Clapton’s place in the Yardbirds. He spent about two years with the band, but it was during that time that he created the usage of feedback, which impacted other well-known musicians in the business.
Speaking of that approach, Beck told Johnnie Walker of BBC Radio 2: “That [technique] came as an accident.”
The PA was insufficient when we performed at bigger venues, in 1964 or 1965. We so increased the intensity and then discovered that there would be feedback.
Because it was programmable and could play music, I began using it. Afterwards, this person adds, “You know that funny noise that wasn’t supposed to be there?” I did this once with the Yardbirds in Staines Town Hall. If it were me, I would hold that in.So I said, ‘It was deliberate mate. Proceed.
Once he departed with the Yardbirds, Beck went on to release the single Hi Ho Silver Lining before forming the first incarnation of the Jeff Beck Group in early 1967. The group featured Ronnie Wood on bass, and Rod Steward.
Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of the Yardbirds and then again in 2009 as a solo artist.
This incredible musician’s passing brought devastation at his many fans and friends. Mick Jagger is one of the musicians who honored Beck. They were close friends, and Jagger recalled asking Beck for help with the lead guitar parts on his first solo album, She’s the Boss, back in 1985.
“We have lost a wonderful man and one of the world’s best guitar players,” Jagger wrote on the social media.
Jimmy Page, who replaced Beck in Yardbirds, also paid a heartfelt tribute. “Jeff’s channeling abilities enabled him to access music from other levels. His strategy is original… When I say I’ll miss you greatly, I’m sure I speak for all your countless other fans,” Page wrote.
The influence Beck had on music and the mark he left can never be replicated. May he rest in peace.
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