Jeff Beck, a longtime friend, and collaborator of Johnny Depp passed away.
The English guitarist passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78, and a source for PEOPLE says that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, 59, “was by Jeff’s bedside” with “several other rock stars” before Beck’s passing.
They were quite close, the insider says, and their bond grew even deeper throughout the course of their joint tour this past summer. “The illness developed really quickly, and in the last couple of weeks, everything deteriorated very swiftly.”
“Johnny is still taking in this information. He is heartbroken, “the source includes
On July 15 of the previous year, Depp and Beck released their album, named 18.
Additionally, the group unveiled an official music video for the album’s lead single, “This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr.”
The Sweeney Todd actor remarked in a press release at the time, “It’s an unbelievable honor to play and write music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now blessed enough to call my brother.
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At the time, Beck remarked of Depp, “I haven’t had another creative partner like him for ages.” “He had a significant impact on this album. I just hope that people will respect him as a musician since some people find it difficult to believe that Johnny Depp can sing rock and roll.”
Additionally, the pair appeared in other performances.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Beck’s family acknowledged his passing.
The statement’s first line said, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound regret that we deliver the news of Jeff Beck’s Passing.” “He unexpectedly developed bacterial meningitis, and yesterday he peacefully went away. His family requests discretion as they mourn this tragic loss.”
Beck, who gained notoriety in 1965 when he replaced Eric Clapton as The Yardbirds’ guitarist, was a part of many iconic musical moments over the years, from his work as lead guitarist on Mick Jagger’s debut album She’s the Boss to the title track on Ozzy Osbourne’s most recent album, Patient Number 9.
Sandra Beck, the eight-time Grammy winner’s wife, is still alive.
