Johnny Depp ‘totally devastated’ after friend Hi Ho Silver Lining’s Jeff Beck dies aged 78 | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

The Hi Ho Silver Lining star sadly died in hospital on Tuesday after “suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis”, his family confirmed.

Johnny, who had been touring with Jeff over the summer, apparently joined a close group of “other rock stars” in visiting the musician before he died.

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.

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

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“From The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group on, he blazed a trail impossible to follow. Play on now and forever.”

Black Sabbath founding member and guitarist Tony Iommi said: “I was totally shocked to hear the very sad news of Jeff Beck’s passing.

“Jeff was such a nice person and an outstanding iconic, genius guitar player – there will never be another Jeff Beck.

Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp wrote: “An absolute god of guitar. No one can replace him.

“From rock to soul to jazz he was the greatest player in all genres. Unique. Such awful news but thank you Jeff for all you gave us.”