Keith Urban: ‘Shocked And Saddened’ By The Death Of Jeff Beck

Keith Urban took to his Instagram last night after hearing about the death of guitar icon Jeff Beck.

Keith posted a lengthy note with an image of him, Beck, and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. He wrote, "I was shocked and saddened to hear that Jeff Beck had 'portaled into the next realm.' It's impossible to label or frame his gift, his music, his ART, or to try and quantify his impact on not only guitarists, but all kinds of musicians, singers, and music lovers all over the world."

He continued, "He's absolutely one of the few faces on the Mt. Rushmore of guitar players, and I am SO grateful to my friend Scott Bradoka for inviting me to come see Jeff play last September. We stood side stage with Billy Gibbons, watching Jeff cast the spell that only he could - with nothing more than a Strat, some pedals, a couple of amps, and his 'otherworldly talent.' God bless you, Jeff. Thank you for your light. RIP, brother."

As we reported yesterday (1/11), the legendary guitarist best known for his work with the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, and as a solo artist died at age 78.

Beck's death was confirmed in a statement to his social media channels, which said the following:

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck's passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss."

Over the years, Beck has been named to countless "Best Guitarist" lists and has long been regarded as one of the best, most influential players of all time. He's a two-time inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Beck was first inducted in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds and as a solo artist in 2009.