Rock legend Jeff Beck dead at 78

Famed rock and roll guitarist Jeff Beck has died at the age of 78 following the onset of a sudden illness.

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

Beck achieved international recognition in 1965 when he replaced Eric Clapton as a member of the rock group The Yardbirds. He subsequently enjoyed a successful solo career and played in other bands such as the Jeff Beck Group, and Beck, Bogert & Appice.

The musician was also tangentially connected to the foundation of rock megagroup Led Zeppelin. One account attributes the band's name to comments from The Who drummer Keith Moon suggesting that a supergroup involving him, John Entwistle, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck would go down like a "lead balloon."

Beck and Page briefly played alongside one another as members of The Yardbirds in 1966.