Johnny Depp is ‘devastated’ as his friend and collaborator Jeff Beck dies age 78 (Picture: PA)
Johnny Depp has been left ‘totally devastated’ by the death of his friend Jeff Beck.
The celebrated English musician, who played with the Yardbirds and led the Jeff Beck Group, died on Tuesday after ‘suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis’.
Beck, who died aged 78, had struck up a strong friendship with Pirates of the Caribbean actor Depp, 59, having teamed up together for several covers and original songs.
Last June, Depp joined him at The Sage in Gateshead following his victory in the high-profile defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard, and appeared as a special guest at several of Beck’s UK tour dates.
There was a huge outpouring of love from fellow musicians and celebrities following the news of Beck’s death, with Ozzy Oscbourne among those paying tribute.
Now a source close to Depp says the actor is ‘totally devastated,’ and was ‘by Jeff’s bedside’ shortly before he died.
The award-winning musician was dubbed a living legend (Picture: PA)
Depp and Beck performed together at multiple shows in the UK following the actor’s trial with ex wife Amber Heard (Picture: PA)
‘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 source told People.
‘The sickness came on really quickly and it all deteriorated rapidly in the last couple weeks.’
They added that Depp was ‘still processing this news. He’s devastated.’
Beck made headlines last year when he announced a collaborative album with Depp, titled 18, was in the works.
Depp and Beck had teamed up for a collaborative album after developing a strong friendship (Picture: Getty)
The pair first met in 2016 and began recording the album in 2019 while Depp was also playing with Alice Cooper’s supergroup Hollywood Vampires.
News of the star’s death was announced via a statement posted to Twitter and Instagram by the musician’s family.
It read: ‘On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing.
Beck died ‘peacefully’ after contracting meningitis, his family said (Picture: AP)
‘After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday.
‘His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.’Â
Beck was born Geoffrey Arnold Beck in Surrey, England to parents Arnold and Ethel Beck and developed a passion for music as a child.
More: Trending
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Cash, whom he married in 2005.
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Depp for comment
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck dies aged 78 after ‘contracting bacterial meningitis’
Follow Metro on Snapchat
You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.
Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.
And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.
The pair were close friends.Â
