The world of rock and roll has been left reeling this week following the sudden and unexpected death of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. A true pioneer of the electric guitar, Beck was renowned for his innovative and groundbreaking playing style, which has influenced countless musicians over the years. From Ozzy Osbourne to Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger and Brian May, many of the biggest names in rock have paid tribute to Beck, who passed away aged 78 after contracting bacterial meningitis. May, in particular, has shared a heartfelt video tribute to the late guitarist, in which he discusses what he believes to be the most beautiful piece of guitar music ever recorded: “Where Have You Been” from the album “Guitar Shop”. May also spoke of his memories of working with Beck on a song called “The Guv’nor”, and of being in awe of the musician’s unique and incomparable sound. Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in his career, first with the Yardbirds in 1992 and again as a solo artist in 2009. His induction was carried out by none other than Jimmy Page, who initially recommended him to join the Yardbirds. Page concluded, “He’s done so much for rock and roll and always will.” Jeff Beck will be remembered as a true innovator and a musical genius who changed the face of rock and roll forever.
Brian May from queen talks about Jeff Beck’s track, which he says contains “the most beautiful piece of guitar music ever recorded” in a new video this week.
Beck died suddenly aged 78 on Tuesday (January 10) after contracting bacterial meningitis.
Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger and other members of the rock ‘n’ roll world paid tribute to Beck, and Jack White also shared footage on Instagram of their 2002 collaboration at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where Beck joined The White Stripes on stage.
Now May has also shared a video dedicated to the late guitarist. In the video, he talks about the song being “the most beautiful piece of guitar music ever recorded.”
Referring to “Where Have You Been” by Jeff Beck Guitar Shop, May said, “If you [want] to hear the depth of his emotions, sound and phrasing and how it can touch your soul, listen to “Where Were You”. from the album “Guitar Shop”. Just google “Where are you Jeff Beck”, sit back and listen to it for four minutes. It is unbelievable.”
He continues: “It’s probably the most beautiful piece of guitar music ever recorded, probably up there with Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing. So sensual, so beautiful, so incredibly creative and unlike anything you’ve ever heard anywhere else. Yes, of course he influenced him too, but he brought an incredible voice to rock music that will never, ever be imitated or equaled.”
“…Jeff was a completely and utterly unique musician who cannot be identified. And I was absolutely in awe of him.”
Check out Mae Beck’s tribute Below:
May also talked about her memories of working with Beck on a song called “The Guv’nor.”
He recalled, “He came to me here in the studio and played with me and we laughed,” May recalled. “And he played amazing things. My jaw dropped again. I couldn’t pick up the guitar when it was in the room because it was so amazing I just wanted to watch and listen. So he was playing on the track and he was like, “Oh yeah, whatever.”
“…Jeff Beck is so unique, he’s influenced so much every guitar player I’ve met in my life. The loss is incalculable. It is so sad that he is no longer in the world. I still can’t count it in my head.”
A statement from Beck’s representatives confirmed his death earlier this week. “On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness that we announce the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” the statement said. “Following a sudden infection with bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday. His family is asking for privacy as they cope with this tremendous loss.
Beck has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in his career – once with the Yardbirds in 1992 and again as a solo artist in 2009. Speaking at the latter ceremony, he said: “I play the way I play because it lets me to invent the most painful sounds possible. That’s the point now, isn’t it? I don’t care about the rules.
“Actually, if I don’t break the rules at least 10 times in every song, then I’m not doing a good job.”
Its introduction in 2009 was carried out by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, who initially recommended him to join the Yardbirds. “You listened to Jeff on the road and said, ‘Wow, he’s getting really good, Jeff,'” Paige reflected at the time. “Then you’ll listen to it a few years later and it’ll get better and better and it just keeps going all the way.
“He leaves us mere mortals to just wonder and respect him so much. Jeff’s whole guitar style is completely unorthodox to the way he was trained, and he really developed an entire style, expanding the electric guitar and turning it into something with sounds and techniques that were completely unheard of before. It’s just an amazing achievement, believe me.”
Page concluded, “He’s done so much for rock and roll and always will.”
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