Jeff Beck

British guitarist Jeff Beck was a hugely important and influential part of the UK rock scene. Beginning his performing career in 1962 with the theatrical and highly eccentric Screaming Lord Sutch, Beck had a varied and stellar career that spanned many genres of music.

His time with the Yardbirds, replacing Eric Clapton and preceding Jimmy Page, brought him to prominence in both England and the US via an energetic, sometimes frenetic guitar attack. His early solo work featured mate Rod Stewart on vocals and explored heavier sounds, a direction Beck continued in his trio work with ex-Vanilla Fudge members Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice.

After a break, Beck reemerged with the ground-breaking and hugely popular Blow By Blow, which embraced jazz-rock and funk influences to produce one of the most thrilling instrumental rock albums of the 70s. Soon after he teamed up with Jan Hammer of the Mahavishnu Orchestra for a legendary tour (and excellent live album).

Jeff Beck played with everyone from Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) to Paul Rodgers (Bad Company). He guested on an albums by Stevie Wonder, Donovan, and Morrissey and opened for BB King. Beck was often described as 'the guitarist’s guitarist' and thoroughly deserves his inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists.