According to his family, Jeff Beck, a legendary rock star, died at age 78.

Rock fans worldwide are mourning after the iconic guitarist died on Tuesday, January 10, at a hospital near his home in Surrey, England.

His family confirmed the news in an Instagram post, saying he had developed bacterial meningitis unexpectedly.

“It is with deep and profound grief that we communicate the news of Jeff Beck’s loss on behalf of his family,” the tragic statement posted on January 11. They shared a snapshot of the English rock performer on stage with a white electric guitar.

“He peacefully went away yesterday after suddenly developing bacterial meningitis,” his relatives stated. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve his untimely passing.

He was born in 1944 in Wallington, England, and rose to prominence in the 1960s. He replaced Eric Clapton as a member of The Yardbirds in 1965.

Three years later, he formed his band, the Jeff Beck Group, with the assistance of Rod Stewart, another great rock artist who was relatively unknown at the time. His musical taste, particularly his guitar prowess, had a major influence on other British rock musicians, including Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.

Jeff Beck was from another planet, as Rod instantly acknowledged on Twitter in his heartfelt homage to his longtime bandmate. He brought Ronnie Wood and I to the United States with his band, the Jeff Beck Group, in the late 1960s, and we haven’t looked back since.

“He was one of the few guitarists that would listen to me sing and respond when singing life,” Maggie May continued. Jeff, you were the greatest. Everything is much appreciated. RIP.”

17 Watts? He is quoted as saying: “I was fascinated by the electric guitar even before I recognized the difference between electric and acoustic,” in Mo Foster’s 2000 book The Birth of British Rock Guitar. The electric guitar resembled a fascinating wooden plank with knobs and switches. I simply had to have one.

Sandra Cash, his 2005 bride, is the only person to care for him. There is no information regarding him having children.