Via BBC News
The British musician rose to fame as part of the Yardbirds, where he replaced Eric Clapton, before forming the Jeff Beck group with Rod Stewart.
His tone, presence and, above all, volume redefined guitar music in the 1960s, and influenced movements like heavy metal, jazz-rock and even punk.
Beck’s death was confirmed on his official Twitter page.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” the statement said.
“After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”
Speaking when he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time in 2009, Beck – said: “I play the way I do because it allows me to come up with the sickest sounds possible.”
Singer Sir Rod Stewart called Beck “the greatest”
Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger said music had lost a wonderful man and “one of the greatest guitar players in the world”
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne said it had been “such an honour” to know and play with Beck, adding: “I can’t express how saddened I am…”
Queen guitarist Sir Brian May said he was lost for words, but called Beck “the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing” and a “damn fine human being”.
Members of Kiss, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, also expressed their shock. Simmons called the news “heartbreaking”, adding “no one played guitar like Jeff”. Stanley also called Beck “one of the all time guitar masters” and said he had “blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever”.
The trailblazing guitarist has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice.
He entered as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and as a solo artist in 2009. Beck has earned a total of eight Grammy Awards — including one for his previous album Emotion and Commotion — and has recorded with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Buddy Guy to Tina Turner and Mick Jagger.
He is widely regarded by his peers and fans as one of the greatest guitarists of all time thanks to his ability to make the impossible sound effortless.
