'DEVASTATED' Johnny Depp was at close friend Jeff Beck's side during final hours of legend's life
LONDON, ENGLAND: Johnny Depp is "totally devastated" by the death of his longtime friend, and collaborator, Jeff Beck. The guitar virtuoso died at the age of 78 on Tuesday, January 9, after suffering from bacterial meningitis. A source revealed that the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor, 59, "was by Jeff's bedside" along with "some other rock stars" before Beck's death.
“They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together,” the source said. They added, “The sickness came on really quickly and it all deteriorated rapidly in the last couple weeks.” The source further added, “Johnny is still processing this news. He's devastated.” Depp and Beck released their album, titled 18, on July 15, last year as per People.
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Additionally, the group released an official music video for the album's lead track, 'This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr'. "It's an extraordinary honor to play and write music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now privileged enough to call my brother," the 'Sweeney Todd' actor said in a release at the time. “I haven't had another creative partner like him for ages,” Beck said about Depp at the time. “He was a major force on this record. I just hope people will take him seriously as a musician because it's a hard thing for some people to accept that Johnny Depp can sing rock and roll,” he added.
The duo also performed several shows together. On Wednesday, January 11, Beck's family confirmed his death in a statement reading, "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 asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss," the statement added.
Beck has been a part of a number of iconic musical moments throughout his career, from his work as lead guitarist in Mick Jagger's debut album 'She's the Boss' to his most recent album, 'Patient Number 9'. He gained fame in 1965 when he replaced Eric Clapton as Yardbirds' guitarist. He was married to the eight-time Grammy winner, Sandra Beck.
