What Killed Legendary English Electric Guitarist, Jeff Beck, Dead at 78?

Jeff Beck most recently completed a memorable tour for his album “18” with actor and musician Johnny Depp. He passed away on Tuesday, January 10. Read on and we’ll fill you in on the details.

On Tour with Johnny Depp

NPR interviewed music reviewer Tom Moon who called Beck “a master of the [electric guitar] in its most basic form,” adding that he “was distinctive just through the sound of the instrument.” Depp and Beck reportedly said that they titled their album “18” pointing to the chemistry they felt in working together.

Beck indicated that working together with Depp made them both feel “18 again” so 18 naturally became the title of their album (via The Independent). Many have paid tribute to the rock icon including colleagues, friends, fans, and fellow musicians. Many fans now wonder what could have killed the rock legend.

Jeff Beck Dies of Bacterial Meningitis

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Jeff has developed a case of bacterial meningitis which affects the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. A representative for the rock star said Beck’s death came after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis” and added that “his family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss (via The Guardian)”.

The rep also pointed out that Beck had passed away “peacefully.” Beck’s death was also confirmed via his Twitter page.

The World Mourns a Guitar Legend

Beck’s representative wrote the words confirming his death and shared them via Beck’s official Twitter page (per BBC). The solemn message read: “On behalf of his family, 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.”

Pink Floyd’s legendary frontman David Gilmour took to his own Twitter page to express his grief, writing, “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 … He will be forever in our hearts.”

On behalf of his family, 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. pic.twitter.com/4dvt5aGzlv

— Jeff Beck (@jeffbeckmusic) January 11, 2023

Fellow English rock legend, Ozzy Osbourne, was one of the first to express his grief via social media, writing, “I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Jeff Beck’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends, and his many fans.

“It was such an honor to have known Jeff and an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, Patient Number 9. Long live Jeff Beck.”

Joe Satriani described Beck as “a genius, a stunning original.” He said that Jeff was “an astounding guitar player with more ways to make you go ‘WTF was that?’ than anybody else.” He will be missed.

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