Author: ajmajor866@gmail.com

A few years ago, I was invited to attend the memorial service of the well-known and much-loved writer Jeremy Lloyd; he had been for many years a client first of my late father, and then myself (during my interlude in the world of tailoring).

The service took place in the beautiful church of St James In The Fields, Piccadilly, whose edifice was designed by Sir Christopher Wren; truly a memorable setting. Famous names from film, television, theatre and the arts filled the church to capacity (in truth, I felt a little out of place).

One by one, close friends eloquently shared stories and memories, some touching, some funny; and then, from his place in the pews, Jeff Beck was invited to come forward and play.

What followed was one of the most beautiful musical moments I have ever experienced; a hauntingly ethereal rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, delivered with that hallmark sensitivity and delicacy of touch. As the gentle tones resonated through the church, it’s no exaggeration to say that the entire gathering were transported for an all too brief moment ‘over the rainbow’ with their memories of Jeremy.

I have always believed in the power of music not only to bring people together, but to express emotions that transcend words; if ever there was a moment to cement that belief, that was it. My only regret from the experience was not having the opportunity to speak with him afterwards.

One of the most influential guitarists of modern times, Jeff Beck (the Six String Warrior) was often known as the “guitarists’ guitarist”; probably because even if you had never heard him play, the likelihood is that he had nuanced your favourite players in some way. There are many incredibly talented and innovative guitarists around today; I think it’s fair to say that if they can see ‘musically’ further than the rest, it’s because they are standing on the shoulders of giants like Jeff Beck.

A fearless player (how many people would step up to fill the hole in The Yardbirds left by Eric Clapton?) and a tireless innovator, his legacy is not just in his music and his boundary-shifting playing technique, but also in his positivity of attitude.

As a boy, he built his first electric guitar when he couldn’t afford to buy one ( I did this too, but clearly Jeff, Brian May and Les Paul all found much better wood than I did!). Not just a fan of custom cars, he learned to build them himself – a passion he continued to pursue well into his old age when many would have switched to more relaxing pass times. On one occasion, when questioned in an interview about the ‘inaccessibility’ of a new release, he is quoted as saying:

 “Interesting things happen, when you’re open to trying something different.”

Very simple and succinctly put; I think we can all learn something from that statement.

But to me, it’s fitting that on hearing of his passing, what sprang immediately to mind was his incredible musical eulogy for a friend, that I had been so lucky to hear years before. I will be forever indebted to him for that experience.

Thank you Mr Beck, rest in peace over that rainbow.