Very sad news broke last night – the acclaimed, legendary guitarist Jeff Beck died at the age of 78. His family posted the following on his Twitter page: “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.” David Gilmour posted the following on his and Pink Floyd’s socials: “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. Pollyâs and my thoughts go out to his lovely wife Sandra. He will be forever in our hearts.” Jeff’s career started when he left Wimbledon Art College to join Screaming Lord Sutch and the Tridents, subsequently joining the Yardbirds in 1965 when Eric Clapton left. A couple of years later he formed his own Jeff Beck Group (with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood in the band). In later years, he concentrated on his successful solo career. The quality and style of his guitar playing led to many guest appearances. His work on Roger Waters’ 1992 album Amused To Death was a musical highlight of that work, and during Jeff’s gigs at the Royal Festival Hall in London, September 2002, he was joined onstage by Roger for them to play What God Wants parts 1 and 3. Two years later, Jeff shared the bill with David Gilmour for the 2004 Teenage Cancer Trust concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and in July 2009, again at the Royal Albert Hall, David and Jeff performed an extended version of Jerusalem, William Blake’s poem that became a hymn (seen to the left), followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining (one of Jeff’s biggest hits) with David on vocals and lead guitar. In May 2018, Still On The Run: The Jeff Beck Story (https://www.brain-damage.co.uk/archive/jeff-beck-documentary-including-david-gilmour-contribution-dvd-blu-ray-c.html) was released on DVD and Blu-ray, which includes contributions from David Gilmour as well as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and many more.
