Johnny Depp is "devastated" following Jeff Beck's sudden death

Wallington, UK - Johnny Depp is reportedly mourning the loss of his close friend and collaborator Jeff Beck, who sadly passed away after contracting meningitis.

English guitarist Jeff Beck (l) frequently collaborated with Johnny Depp (r), and passed away after contracting meningitis.
English guitarist Jeff Beck (l) frequently collaborated with Johnny Depp (r), and passed away after contracting meningitis.  © Collage: KEVIN WINTER & NOAM GALAI / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

After the legendary guitarist's death was announced on Wednesday, People reported that the 59-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star is "devastated" by his passing and was at his bedside "along with some other rock stars."

"They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together," an insider told the outlet.

"The sickness came on really quickly and it all deteriorated rapidly in the last couple weeks."

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The longtime friends released a joint album, 18, over the summer, shortly after Depp won his bombshell defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

The duo also released a music video for the track This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr, which was the first single off their debut LP.

Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and more pay tribute to the late Jeff Beck

Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck with Steven Van Zandt (l) at SiriusXM Studios while promoting their album, 18, in October.
Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck with Steven Van Zandt (l) at SiriusXM Studios while promoting their album, 18, in October.  © Noam Galai / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Depp is one of many music and Hollywood greats who are mourning Beck.

The 78-year-old guitar player and The Yardbirds member died after contracting the bacterial virus, according to a statement released by his family on Wednesday.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's Passing," the statement read.

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"After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family asks for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

Beck rose to fame in 1965 as a guitarist for the infamous rock band and also founded his own group, The Jeff Beck Group, with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.

Stewart honored his late friend, writing, "Jeff Beck was on another planet . He took me and Ronnie Wood to the USA in the late 60s in his band the Jeff Beck Group and we haven’t looked back since."

"He was one of the few guitarists that when playing live would actually listen to me sing and respond," he added. "Jeff, you were the greatest, my man. Thank you for everything. RIP."

Paul McCartney also spoke out on the guitarist's death, hailing Beck's artistry as "some of the best guitar music ever to come out of Great Britain."

"Jeff had immaculate taste in most things and was an expert at rebuilding his collection of cars," the Beatles alum added. "His no nonsense attitude to the music business was always so refreshing and I will cherish forever the moments we spent together. Jeff Beck has left the building and it is a lonelier place without him."

Cover photo: Collage: KEVIN WINTER & NOAM GALAI / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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