Sir Rod Stewart has paid tribute to Jeff Beck with a heartfelt note that he left at the guitarist’s funeral with a display of flowers.
The Yardbirds member passed away aged 78 on January 11, after contracting bacterial meningitis.
A statement issued revealing the news of his death read: "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."
His death was described as “peaceful”, with the star being laid to rest at St Mary’s Church in Beddington, South London this week.
Celebrities including Johnny Depp, Ronnie Wood, Chrissie Hynde, Sir Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Sir Bob Geldof were all in attendance to say their final goodbyes to the star.
Sir Rod Stewart was also among the mourners, as he paid his respects to his late collaborator.
Sir Rod, 78, was a vocalist for The Jeff Beck Group and went on to make records with the late guitarist, including 1968's “Truth”, 1969's “Beck-Ola” and 2010’s “Emotion & Commotion”.
He left a floral tribute to Jeff, with a note saying it was a “privilege” to perform alongside the “guitar genius”.
Florist Louisa Jane arranged the floral display, which featured white roses. The handwritten note read: “It was a privilege to perform alongside a proper guitar genius. Rest In Peace. See ya later Jeff, Sir Rod Stewart”.
Louisa shared a snap of the arrangement to Facebook, captioning the picture: “Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of making a tribute from Sir Rod Stewart and a Beautiful Large Heart from a customer that called from Los Angeles for the funeral of Jeff Beck.
“I took them to the church and got asked by family to place them by the entrance of the church. A well loved man he was, so many people there.”
Just weeks before Jeff died, he had come back from a transatlantic tour with Johnny Depp, as the pair promoted their debut album “18”, which has gone on to be nominated for three Brit Awards.
One of Jeff’s representatives has confirmed that the musician had been unwell over the holiday period.
He was admitted to a hospital close to his home in Surrey, where he later passed away.
He is survived by his second wife, Sandra, who he married in 2005.
