Johnny Depp ‘devastated’ after visiting Jeff Beck’s bedside days before his death

Johnny Depp has been left “totally devastated” over the death of his friend Jeff Beck, after visiting him at his bedside days before his passing.

Beck died aged 78, on Tuesday, January 10, after contracting bacterial meningitis, it was confirmed this week.

Depp, 59, built up a “tight relationship” with Beck over the years, and was by the English guitarist’s bedside, according to a source. The pair had toured together in the summer.

“They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together,” a source told People.

“The sickness came on really quickly and it all deteriorated rapidly in the last couple weeks.”

They added: "Johnny is still processing this news. He’s devastated.”

Depp and Beck released their joint album, 18, in July and starred in the music video for the first single off of the project, titled This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr.

The musical duo went on to perform a number of gigs together, following the release of their LP.

Jeff Beck - In pictures

Depp referred to Beck as his “brother” back in July, as he spoke on his time working with the rock guitarist.

He said: "It’s an extraordinary honour to play and write music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now privileged enough to call my brother.”

Speaking about his friend Depp, Beck said at the time: “I haven’t had another creative partner like him for ages.

“He was a major force on this record. I just hope people will take him seriously as a musician because it’s a hard thing for some people to accept that Johnny Depp can sing rock and roll.”

Several musicians have shared tributes to Beck following the news of his death, including Ozzy Osbourne, Brian May, Jimmy Page, and Mick Jagger.

Beck shot to fame after joining The Yalebirds in 1965, replacing Eric Clapton, and went on to work with Jagger and Osbourne on their own musical projects.

Beck is survived by his wife Sandra Beck, whom he married in 2005.