The world of music united in sorrow and celebration on May 22 and 23, 2023, for two star-studded memorial concerts at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall to honor the extraordinary legacy of guitarist Jeff Beck, who passed away in January 2023 at age 78 from bacterial meningitis.
Organized by Beck’s wife, Sandra Beck, and rock legend Eric Clapton, the events featured an unprecedented lineup of rock royalty, including Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Billy Gibbons, Kirk Hammett, and Johnny Depp, all paying tribute to the trailblazing artist. Depp, a close friend and collaborator who toured with Beck in 2022, reportedly wore a Beck bracelet on his left arm and was a central figure among the performers.
😢 Imelda May’s Emotional Ballad Moves the Hall
Irish singer and longtime Beck friend, Imelda May, delivered one of the evening’s most powerful and emotional moments. Gracing the stage in a striking low-backed red dress, May joined a supergroup featuring Ronnie Wood, Johnny Depp, and Billy Gibbons.
She performed a raw, gritty, and deeply moving rendition of The Shangri-Las’ 1960s classic, “Remember (Walking in the Sand),” a song she and Beck had performed many times together. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence earned roaring applause from the audience and critical praise, with the performance video amassing over 3.2 million views online. The depth of feeling in the performance captured the collective grief for the innovative guitarist.
⭐ Depp’s Personal Tribute and Collaborative History
Johnny Depp’s participation was particularly significant. The actor had collaborated extensively with Beck in recent years, including recording the 2020 cover of John Lennon’s “Isolation” and releasing a collaborative album titled 18 in 2022. Depp, who views Beck as one of his greatest influences, reportedly joined the star-studded ensemble for the song “Isolation,” followed by his appearance alongside Imelda May on “Walkin’ In The Sand.”
While on stage, Depp reportedly gave a heartfelt nod to his friend, with one source quoting the actor as referring to Beck as “the greatest of all,” a testament to the guitarist’s influence that stretched across generations and genres.
May later returned to the stage, joined by Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, for a high-energy finale. She introduced the next number as “a good old rockin’ tune” before the ensemble launched into a cover of the rhythm and blues staple “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” This song, famously popularized by The Yardbirds—where Beck forged his early reputation alongside Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page—served as a fitting tribute to his influential early career.
The two-night event celebrated Beck’s enduring impact, from his innovative work with The Yardbirds and The Jeff Beck Group to his groundbreaking solo efforts. Surplus income from both concerts was donated to the Folly Wildlife Rescue, a cause close to the guitarist’s heart.