Jeff Beck, the legendary guitarist and leader of the Jeff Beck Group, has died suddenly at the age of 78.
His family confirmed the news in a statement posted to the musician's social media page, telling fans: "On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing."
They shared that he died "peacefully" on January 11 after "suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis" - which is an infection that can cause life-threatening blood poisoning and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves, per NHS.
Family and friends have asked for privacy while they "process this tremendous loss".
Read their statement below:Beck - who also fronted the band Beck, Bogert & Appice - was a guitar virtuoso who pushed the limits of blues, jazz, and rock 'n' roll, influencing generations and becoming known as the guitar player's guitar player.
He first rose to stardom with the Yardbirds after replacing Eric Clapton in 1965 and then formed the Jeff Beck Group.
Through several changes within the Jeff Beck Group, the band released the albums Truth in 1968, Beck-Ola in 1969, Rough and Ready in 1971, and The Jeff Beck Group in 1972.
Over the course of his stellar career, the guitarist went on to also play for several musicians, including Ozzy Osbourne, as well as uproot his solo career. In 2010, he released his tenth album Emotion and Commotion - which was his highest-charting record in 35 years.
Beck was also ranked top five in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists and is an eight-time Grammy-winning musician.
He also was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - once, as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and another as a solo artist in 2009.
In recent years, Beck was known for his collaboration and performances with Johnny Depp, most notably after a Virginia court ruled in favor of the 59-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean actor in his libel trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard, 36.
The pair's professional relationship heightened after they released a joint album titled 18, on July 15. In a statement on his official website at the time, the musician explained the meaning behind the project's name.
"When Johnny and I started playing together, it really ignited our youthful spirit and creativity," he wrote. "We would joke about how we felt 18 again so that just became the album title too."
Following the news of his death, tributes from Beck's famous colleagues poured in including Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of Rolling Stones, who wrote on his Instagram: "With the death of Jeff Beck we have lost a wonderful man and one of the greatest guitar players in the world. We will all miss him so much."
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne also paid tribute to the late musician on his social media page, writing: "I can’t express how saddened I am to hear of @JeffBeckMusic’s passing. What a terrible loss for his family, friends & his many fans.
"It was such an honor to have known Jeff & an incredible honor to have had him play on my most recent album, #PatientNumber9. Long live #JeffBeck," he added.
Rod Stewart, who sang in the same band with Beck, also shared his grief and penned: "He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond. Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. RIP."
Beck is survived by his wife, Sandra Beck. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.
