Johnny Depp is mourning the loss of guitarist Jeff Beck , who passed away last night.
The actor was at Beck’s bedside along with “some other rockstars” this week. A source told PEOPLE , “They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together.”
RELATED STORIES
The Source Adds That Depp Is “Devastated.”
The pair were close friends and collaborators. In July of 2022, Depp and Beck released an album titled 18 and subsequently went on tour to promote it. They also released a music video for the single This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr .
They Had Nothing But Niceties To Say About One Another.
“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,” Depp said at the time.
Beck, Meanwhile, Had Similar Sentiments.
“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 said of the actor.
The Two Performed Together In The Midst Of The Depp V. Heard Defamation Trial.
![Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Harald Krichel [Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0]](https://static.diply.com/9c7ab156-1157-4706-8df7-37c2bc755024.jpg)
The trial, which took place between May and June of 2022, saw Depp sue Heard for defamation after she accused him of being abusive during their relationship.
Heard was ultimately ordered to pay Depp $10 million in compensatory damages plus $350,000 in punitive damages.
While Awaiting The Verdict, Depp Performed On Stage With Beck.
![Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Shannon Kringen [Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0]](https://static.diply.com/7d08be74-d9eb-4abf-b6a8-edca9418c05b.jpg)
While awaiting the verdict in late May, Depp had flown out of Virginia to England , where he performed several concerts in multiple cities.
Beck’s Loved Ones Announced His Passing Through Social Media.
A Tweet from his official account was posted on January 11th, confirming that the legendary rocker had passed away the day prior.
There Was An Outpour Of Support From The Rock World.
Musicians like Gene Simmons, Paul Young, and Rod Stewart, among many others, took to their own social media accounts to express their sympathies and respect for Beck.
Born In 1944, Beck Rose To Prominence After Touring With The Yardbirds.
The British guitarist spent his early career with the band, but later left and formed The Jeff Beck Group. Members of the group have included Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.
He Went On To Win Several Grammys.
Throughout his career, Beck became an eight-time Grammy winner and has been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as both a soloist and a member of The Yardbirds.
He Contracted Bacterial Meningitis.
According to the Tweet on his account, the sickness was sudden and quick. Beck was 78 years old.
As A Prominent Figure In Rock And Roll, He Will Be Remembered.
In the days since his passing, celebrities and fans alike have begun to honor his memory.
h/t Page Six
