Jeff Beck, far right, performing with the Yardbirds in 1966.
Jeff Beck, one of rock’s most influential lead guitarists, whose aggressive, adventurous style helped mold blues rock, psychedelia and heavy metal, has died at age 78.
The British guitar virtuoso, who was known both as a member of the Yardbirds and as founder of his own band, the Jeff Beck Group, died Tuesday after suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, according to a statement from his family on Wednesday.
Beck had recently completed a U.S. tour.