Mick Jagger can’t hold back his tears: “We will all miss him so much…” Jeff Beck, the legendary guitarist who revolutionized music in the 1960s, passed away on Thursday at the age of 78. The news of his sudden passing was shared by his family on Twitter.

“With deep and profound sadness, we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing on behalf of his family,” the statement began. “He suddenly contracted bacterial meningitis and passed away peacefully yesterday. His family requests privacy as they come to terms with this tremendous loss.”

Beck, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, consistently pushed musical boundaries throughout his career. He was instrumental in shaping the rock genre, and his influence can still be felt today.

Over his five-decade-long career, Beck constantly experimented with new sounds and techniques, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of music. He joined the Yardbirds in 1965, stepping in for Eric Clapton. Though his time with the band was brief, lasting only two years, it was during this period that Beck introduced the use of feedback, a technique that would leave a lasting impression on the industry and inspire many other musicians.

Reflecting on his innovative use of feedback, Beck told BBC Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker, “That technique came about by accident. We were playing larger venues around 1964-65, and the PA systems were not strong enough. So, we turned up the volume, and that’s when I discovered feedback.

“I started using it because it was controllable—you could play actual notes with it. I remember playing at Staines Town Hall with the Yardbirds, and afterward, a guy came up to me and said, ‘That strange noise you made, that wasn’t supposed to happen, right? If I were you, I’d keep that.’ I replied, ‘It was deliberate, mate. Now go away.’”

After parting ways with the Yardbirds, Beck went on to release the single “Hi Ho Silver Lining” and formed the first version of the Jeff Beck Group in early 1967. This lineup featured future stars Ronnie Wood on bass and Rod Stewart as the lead vocalist.

Beck was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—first in 1992 as part of the Yardbirds, and again in 2009 as a solo artist, a rare honor that speaks to his immense impact on music.

The news of Beck’s passing deeply affected his fans and fellow musicians. Among them was his close friend, Mick Jagger, who paid tribute on social media. Jagger and Beck had collaborated in the past, with Beck playing the lead guitar parts on Jagger’s first solo album, *She’s the Boss*, in 1985.

“We have lost not only a wonderful man but one of the best guitar players in the world,” Jagger wrote. “His unique talent and friendship will be missed by all who knew him.”

Jimmy Page, who replaced Beck in the Yardbirds, also shared his heartfelt condolences. “Jeff had an incredible ability to channel music from other dimensions. His approach was entirely unique. When I say I will miss you greatly, I am certain I speak for all of your many fans,” Page wrote.

The influence Jeff Beck had on music is immeasurable, and the legacy he leaves behind is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Jeff Beck.