Jeff Beck, Johnny Depp’s longtime friend and partner died.
The English guitarist died on Tuesday at the age of 78, and a source tells PEOPLE that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, 59, was “at Jeff’s bedside” with “many other rock icons” before his death.
According to the informant, they were quite close, and their friendship grew even stronger during their summer joint tour. “The sickness developed extremely quickly, and everything deteriorated quickly in the last couple of weeks.”
“Johnny is still processing this information. He is heartbroken,” according to “the source.”
Depp and Beck released their album, 18, on July 15, the previous year.
The band also released an official music video for the album’s lead track, “This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr.”
“It’s an extraordinary privilege to play and make music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now blessed enough to call my brother,” the Sweeney Todd actor said in a press release at the time.
Beck said of Depp at the time, “I haven’t had another creative partner like Johnny in ages.” “He had a big influence on this album. I simply hope people respect him as a musician since some people find it difficult to believe Johnny Depp can sing rock and roll.”
The duo also featured in other performances.
Beck’s family confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound grief that we deliver the news of Jeff Beck’s Passing,” the statement’s first sentence read. “He abruptly had bacterial meningitis, and yesterday he peacefully went away. His family asks for privacy as they mourn this awful death.”
Beck, who rose to prominence after replacing Eric Clapton as The Yardbirds’ guitarist in 1965, has been a part of many iconic musical moments over the years, from his work as lead guitarist on Mick Jagger’s debut album She’s the Boss to the title track on Ozzy Osbourne’s most recent album, Patient Number 9.
Sandra Beck, the wife of the eight-time Grammy winner, is still alive.
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