Gene Simmons leads tributes to Jeff Beck – BBC News

Jeff Beck, one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, has died at the age of 78.

The British musician rose to fame as part of the Yardbirds, where he replaced Eric Clapton, before forming the Jeff Beck group with Rod Stewart.

His tone, presence and, above all, volume redefined guitar music in the 1960s, and influenced movements like heavy metal, jazz-rock and even punk.

Beck's death was confirmed on his official Twitter page.

The co-founder of the rock band Kiss Gene Simmons spoke to the BBC.

#JeffBeck #Guitarist #BBCNews

[Mauisunshine]

Thank you Gene Simmons for sharing those nice words about Jeff beck, he really was a legend. It’s too bad he had to leave us so suddenly. Rest In Peace Jeff Beck Thank you for sharing your beautiful music with the world 😢❤

[susanr]

Thank you, Gene Simmons for such touching words. I feel blessed to be of the age that he was part of my youth. Rest with the Angels Jeff Beck

[GREENGENE]

He had voice on the guitar that was exceedingly rare & distinct. Without knowing who it was, within one or two bars of hearing one of his pieces for the first time, you knew who it was, by his sound & technique only. His iconic music legacy is a gift to humanity that will never be forgotten. Rip Father Jeff. Condolences to friends & family...

[sonnyboy]

The sound of greatness. Said it all. Rest in peace Jeff and thank you sir.

[TorToroPorco]

It’s hard to appreciate how long KISS has been around and they’re of the age that the rock legends were also their peers. Rush did some of their first large tours opening for KISS and it’s fun listening to their anecdotes from their time on the road. Geddy and Alex speak fondly about how KISS took them under their wing. So it means a lot to hear Gene speak in memory of Jeff and to get a sense of his love and admiration for a legend.

[johnallen]

Jeff is going to be missed by us fans. I've been following Jeff since the beginning with the Yardbirds. My fav song of his is "Freeway Jam." His mother said he liked to make "weird sounds" on his guitar. I think "Truth" is one of the greatest albums ever made. Rod Stewart singing, "I Don't Know Too Much About Love, " with Jeff's measured lead parts. I have a list of people I want to meet and jam with when I pass over to the other side. Jeff is one of them.

[funkster]

Thank you Gene. Beautiful and heartfelt tribute. R.I.P. Jeff Beck. My guitar hero!

[jeffreyflint]

Right on Gene! Jeff was amazing and gifted. He played in a caliber all his own!!! My condolences go out to his family and friends, fans all over the world .

[cahg]

His Nessa Dorma is one of the most beautifully played versions I have ever heard.JB was in a league all of his own.

[SLAYERSWINE]

I was fortunate to see Jeff Beck 14 times, including his last tour last year with Johnny Depp. He was my all time favorite guitarist as well as musician. I am devastated right now, this hurts me as much as when my Mom died. #RIPJeffBeck

[plasmichoneytrip]

These super rock gods in their generation were pure talent, original, and most of all have that baseline of pure respect and graciousness among peers…most likely because great talent always recognizes another one. ❤

[sherrieartistwesterfield]

A beautiful tribute. Thank you Gene. An absolute Legend, his gift to music is a legacy. 💔🎩

[macgrory]

Something everyone seems to be missing as well. He was with the same record company for his whole career. And was the coolest guy ever to throw a guitar around his neck.

[radwulfeboraci]

Everyone who is a fan of the British Blues/rock era, Hard rock, Fusion, Metal, or even just modern music history needs to own a copy of Jeff Beck's Truth album (July 1968). It is groundbreaking and timeless. Crank it all the way up.

[leslieperry]

I now have a renewed respect for Gene. He nailed it.

[Sasquatch]

Gene does have a heart. That was a great and touching tribute.

[chriskroll]

Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townsend and Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. The absolute Mount Rushmore of rock guitar players. 🙏

[panicandfreakout-]

loved him my whole life ! He changed the way I heard all music and my playing forever....there was Jimi and Jeff and they were friends...loved Jeffs continual evolution... so grateful he took me along for the ride... Heaven is blessed to have him

[m.ericwatson]

Never seen Gene choke up like that but understandable, Jeff was the guy on stage all the other greats were in awe of and they were his friends and contemporaries, a truly massive talent and a genuinely cool guy ~ RIP Jeff Beck

[hedgewytch]

Jeff wasn't just a guitarist. He was a hot rodder, an environmentalist and to me a friend. Honoured to have met him through a family friend, had a few pint with him, laughed with him and omg he had a wicked sense of humour and hear about things in the industry that kept him going throughout the decades. When I first met Jeff, he was just Jeff. When I heard his music, it was emotional: you could hear his spirit- his love for music in every note. He made a guitar sing and every note floated off the guitar and touched your soul. I'm gonna miss the guy- as are millions of his fans around the world. Listen to where were you it will change your perception on what a guitar can really do. Mister Bakey, Jeff thankyou for everything. 🖤🎸🖤