Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler share tributes for guitarist Jeff Beck, who died aged 78

Birmingham-born musician Ozzy Osbourne has shared a tribute to guitarist Jeff Beck - who died at the age of 78 after suffering from bacterial meningitis.

Beck suddenly fell ill after he had finished touring with American actor and musician Johnny Depp. The duo visited Birmingham together in June 2022. They dined in Broad Street’s Varanasi restaurant.

Beck rose to fame with the Yardbirds after replacing Eric Clapton and then formed the Jeff Beck group with Rod Stewart.

His agent confirmed his death on Twitter saying: “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.”

Former Black Sabbath member Ozzy, who recently collaborated with Beck, said: “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.”

Black Sabbath co-founder Toni Iommi added: “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. RIP Jeff -Tony.”

Iommi’s bandmate Geezer Butler wrote: “Shocked to hear of the sudden death of Jeff Beck. Truly one of the greats. First time I saw him was in 1966 with the Yardbirds. Brilliant, unique guitarist. RIP.”

Other legendary rock stars also shared their tribute to the rocker.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said: “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’ - alongside a video of the pair performing together.”

Meanwhile, guitarist Brian May shared: “Gutted, so sad, to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was the Guv’nor. He was inimitable, irreplaceable - the absolute pinnacle of guitar playing. And a damn fine human being. I’m sure I will have a lot to say, but right now …. Just lost for words.”

American musician Billy F Gibbons said: “I met Jeff Beck when I was 17 and I was glad to know a guy like that, a guy who was able to show me how this guitar playing thing should be approached and that’s still very much the case. Jeff was a wondrous soul and we already miss him tremendously.”