RIP Jeff Beck, Groundbreaking Guitarist Dead at 78

Jeff Beck, the legendary guitarist renowned by both fans and many of his peers as the greatest of all-time, has died at the age of 78: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing,” was the message shared on the artist's social media yesterday. “After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.”

Beck's passing has sent shock waves through the music community, as a wide and diverse array of artists took to social medial to mourn the guitar icon's passing.

"Jeff Beck was on another planet," singer Rod Stewart shared. "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."

"The six stringed Warrior is no longer here for us to admire the spell he could weave around our mortal emotions," was the message from Led Zeppelin legend, Jimmy Page. "Jeff could channel music from the ethereal. His technique unique. His imaginations apparently limitless. Jeff I will miss you along with your millions of fans."

"The music world is shocked and saddened by the loss of Jeff Beck," Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopler posted. "A magnificent guitarist, in a class of his own, who influenced countless players, he will never be replaced."

“The Warner Music family is devastated to hear the news of Jeff Beck’s passing," said Kevin Gore, President of Global Catalog, Recorded Music for Warner Music Group, in a press statement. "He was undisputedly one of the most gifted and influential guitarists of all time. Across an incredible sixty years in music, Jeff was a true pioneer, with an unparalleled legacy as a fearless artist of profound talent and creativity. We welcomed Jeff to the Warner Music family in 2010 with his beautiful Emotion & Commotion album, which went on to win two Grammys. Several other studio and live masterpieces have followed in the years since, from his stunning Live At The Hollywood Bowl to last year’s brilliant 18. I had the pleasure of sharing several special moments with Jeff and was always in awe of the passion and humility he would demonstrate as he shared his latest work with us for the first time. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Sandra, and the rest of his family, friends, and bandmates, along with his multitudes of fans around the world. Rest In Peace, Jeff.”