Jeff Beck death latest: ‘Devastated’ Johnny Depp was ‘by star’s bedside’ before Nessun Dorma legend died from meningitis
JOHNNY Depp has been left "devastated" after Jeff Beck's death, having been "by the star's bedside" before his passing.
Movie star Johnny Depp was "was by Jeff's bedside" along with "some other rock stars" before Beck's death a source told People.
The source added: "They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together."
It comes as music legends have taken to social media, paying tribute to "one of the greatest" guitarists of all time including Sir and Sir .
Thefrontman wrote: "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."
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Alice Cooper honours ‘greatest guitarist’ Jeff Beck
American rock singer Alice Cooper posted a heartfelt message on Twitter remembering “the greatest guitarist” Jeff Beck.
Cooper wrote: "When I was 16 years old, The Spiders, who became the original Alice Cooper band, opened for the Yardbirds.
"That night I experienced the greatest guitar player I had ever heard.
"Half a century later Jeff Beck is still the greatest guitarist, PERIOD…."
Former Yardbird Paul Samwell-Smith pays respects to 'genius' Jeff Beck
Bassist of the Yardbirds and record producer Paul Samwell-Smith paid his respects to Jeff Beck following his death from meningitis aged 78.
Samwell-Smith said: "What a genius. We wrote Shapes of Things together and Jeff had a blank 16 bars for a solo.
"He not only played an extraordinary solo, but changed the nature of guitar playing ever after."
Piano Man Billy Joel remembers ‘great virtuoso’ Jeff Beck
American singer, pianist and songwriter Billy Joel, nicknamed the Piano Man, said Jeff Beck’s death signalled “the end of an era” in heartfelt tribute.
Joel tweeted: "I just heard the sad news that the great virtuoso guitarist, Jeff Beck, has died.
"He was one of my heroes.
"I was fortunate to meet him recently and I’m very grateful now that I was able to tell him how much I admired his musical skill.
"This is the end of an era.
"R.I.P.
"Billy Joel."
Queen pays tribute to ‘inimitable’ Jeff Beck
British rock band Queen took to Twitter to pay tribute to Jeff Beck, who passed away on Tuesday aged 78 following a battle with meningitis.
Queen tweeted: "RIP Jeff Beck.
"'He was inimitable, irreplaceable - the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing.' - Brian May.
"'A totally unique and magical talent.' - Roger Taylor."
Jeff Beck ‘hated’ the ‘60s and ‘70s
In a hilarious interview with GuitarPlayer.com in September last year, Jeff Beck said he “hated” the 1960s and ‘70s.
Beck said: “I didn’t like the ’60s and ’70s basically. I hated them.
“The mid ’60s were okay, because every day was a hurricane in the Yardbirds and I could afford to look at it with contempt; around me were a lot of things I had nothing to do with, like flower power and awful things like flared trousers.”
Sir Rod Stewart pays tribute
The musician paid tribute to the “greatest” guitarist following his death.
Rod said: “Jeff Beck was on another planet . He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since .
“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”
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The legendary musician died suddenly after contracting bacterial meningitis his family has revealed.
The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include:
- A high fever over 37.5 degrees - the average human temperature
- being sick
- a headache
- a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
- stiffness, especially in the neck
- sensitivity to bright lights
- drowsiness, irritability or lack of energy
- cold hands and feet
- seizures
The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first.
But it will spread over the body and turn into red or purple blotches.
If you press the side of a glass firmly against the skin where the rash is and it does not fade, it is a sign of blood poisoning and you should get medical help immediately.
The Meningitis Research Foundation has warned the symptoms can easily be mistaken for a hangover.
What was Jeff Beck’s net worth?
At the time of , estimated Jeff Beck to have a net worth of $18million.
This is all from his musical career, which spanned six decades, and began with him following in Eric Clapton’s footsteps as a member of The Yardbirds.
However, after a falling out with the band during their North American tour, Beck went on to play alone and with other bands, he helped to found, including The Jeff Beck Group.
Who is Jeff Beck’s wife Sandra Cash?
Unlike her famous husband Jeff Beck, Sandra Cash was not in the entertainment industry.
She likes to keep herself out of the spotlight but we do know the couple met in 2004, when he was 60 and she was 40.
Then went on to marry in 2005 surrounded by Jeff’s famous friends, including Sir Paul McCartney.
They are understood to have lived together in Wadhurst, East Sussex until his death.
Jeff Beck didn’t have children
During his life, the guitarist didn’t have any children.
It’s also reported that his wife Sandra Cash didn’t have any kids when she met her husband.
During their time together, the couple was very private about their relationship.
‘God of guitar’
Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp wrote: “An absolute god of guitar. No one can replace him.
“From rock to soul to jazz he was the greatest player in all genres. Unique.
“Such awful news but thank you Jeff for all you gave us.”
Piers Morgan pays tribute
British broadcaster took to Twitter to pay his respects to Jeff Beck, complete with a picture of the legendary guitarist.
“One of the greatest guitarists in rock history,” Morgan wrote.
Beck recently collaborated with Ozzy Osbourne
Jeff Beck appeared on ‘s – which came out in September 2022.
Ozzy spoke about the stellar lineup for his album, saying: “I’ve never been someone who has guests on albums.
“You can’t reproduce what they do when you’re playing live but I’m blown away by those people on my record.”
About Beck’s solo, he said: “When the Jeff Beck song came together, his solo wouldn’t get out of my head.”
Paul Young remembers ‘the guitarist’s guitarist’
Singer Paul Young remembered Jeff Beck in a tweet, writing that he’s “devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck.”
“He was loved by everyone in the know.”
The musician concluded by calling Beck “the guitarist’s guitarist!”
First hit single was in 1967
Jeff Beck’s first hit single was an instrumental called Beck’s Bolero, released in 1967.
The song featured future Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, as well as future Who drummer Keith Moon.
Beck liked ‘chaos’ in his music
In 2014, Jeff Beck told Guitar World that he liked an “element of chaos in music.”
“That feeling is the best thing ever, as long as you don’t have too much of it,” the guitarist told the outlet.
“It’s got to be in balance. I just saw Cirque du Soleil, and it struck me as complete organised chaos.
“If I could turn that into music, it’s not far away from what my ultimate goal would be, which is to delight people with chaos and beauty at the same time.”
Credit: Getty Beck’s agent announced death
Jeff Beck’s agent announced his death, writing: “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.”
Black Sabbath founder pays tribute
Black Sabbath founding member and guitarist Tony Iommi said: “I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing.
“Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player – there will never be another Jeff Beck.
“His playing was very special & distinctively brilliant! He will be missed.”
What are Jeff Beck's best songs?
Jeff Beck is one of the all-time rock greats, with millions adoring his guitar playing over the decades, but what is his best song?
Well, here are just a few of his most essential albums so you can decide for yourself.
- Truth
- Rough and Read
- Jeff Beck Group
- Blow by Blow
- Wired
- There & Back
- Flash
- Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop
- Who Else!
- You Had It Coming
- Jeff
- Emotion & Commotion
- Loud Hailer
He also famously played with legends, including Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, and Stevie Wonder.
Did Jeff Beck have children?
Rock icon Jeff Beck had no children during his life.
Neither did his wife, Sandra Cash, according to reports.
However, during their time together, the couple were very private about their relationship.
Sir Rod Stewart shares heartfelt tribute for Jeff Beck
Following the tragic news of his passing, Sir Rod Stewart took to Twitter to hail the rock icon.
Sir Rod wrote: "Jeff Beck was on another planet . He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since .
"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"
Who is Jeff Beck’s wife Sandra Cash?
Unlike her famous husband Jeff Beck, Sandra Cash was not in the entertainment industry.
She likes to keep herself out of the spotlight but we do know the couple met in 2004, when he was 60 and she was 40.
Then went on to marry in 2005 surrounded by Jeff’s famous friends, including Sir Paul McCartney.
They are understood to have lived together in Wadhurst, East Sussex until his death.
Ozzy remembers Jeff Beck
Ozzy Osbourne took to Twitter to pay tribute to Jeff Beck, following the tragic news of his death.
He wrote: "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"
Paul McCartney honours Jeff Beck
Beatles legend Paul McCartney took to Twitter today to pay tribute to the late Jeff Beck.
He wrote: "I was so saddened to hear that Jeff Beck had died.
"Jeff Beck was a lovely man with a wicked sense of humour who played some of the best guitar music ever to come out of Great Britain."