12 January 2023 , 07:05
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Johnny Depp was reportedly by pal Jeff Beck's bedside shortly before the guitarist passed away at the age of 78.
Jeff's death was confirmed by his family on Wednesday as they expressed their "profound sadness" at their loss. They revealed he had died from bacterial meningitis.
In a statement they said: "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."
A source has now said that Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny, 59, was alongside a number of other rockstars to visit Jeff in his final days.
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Jeff and Johnny performing in London last year (PA)Speaking to PEOPLE, the source added: "They had a really tight friendship, they were extremely close, and he got even closer over this past summer when they were touring together.
"The sickness came on really quickly and it all deteriorated rapidly in the last couple weeks. Johnny is still processing this news. He's devastated."
The pair had exchanged positive public messages last year following Johnny joining Jeff on tour. At the time, as the pair got ready to release a music video for a tune off their album titled 18, the Sweeney Todd actor said: "It's an extraordinary honor to play and write music with Jeff, one of the true greats and someone I am now privileged enough to call my brother."
Johnny and Jeff have been described as 'music soulmates' (PA)And Jeff later responded, saying: "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."
Their relationship first began when they met almost six years ago. They have previously been described as "musical soulmates".
Steven Van Zandt, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck (Getty Images for SiriusXM)Introducing Johnny during a gig last year, Jeff explained how their friendship was formed. He told the audience: "He came knocking on my dressing room door about five years ago and we haven't stopped laughing since".
Since their initial introduction, the pair worked on a number of musical projects together and in 2020 released their first collaboration – a cover of John Lennon's song Isolation.