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Jeff Beck tribute tour to be led by Canterbury guitarist Dudley Ross

The late Jeff Beck was known as the guitarists' guitarist.

Now, one of his admirers has put together a tour to show off the music of the man behind the rock anthem Hi Ho Silver Lining.

Guitar hero Jeff Beck played in Folkestone in 1967
Guitar hero Jeff Beck played in Folkestone in 1967

Guitarist and composer Dudley Ross from Canterbury has teamed up with some of Britain's top musicians for a six-date tribute tour.

Dudley, who plays with party funk band Groove Zoo and also The Lucky 13s, said: "Originally, the idea was to put on one show. But the demand from fans and venues for tickets was staggering.

"Before long, the show had been booked for six consecutive nights."

It kicks off at Deal's Astor Theatre on Sunday, April 2 and will take in Brighton, Guildford, Southampton, Putney and Chelmsford.

Dudley said: "I wanted to organise a show to celebrate and pay homage to the man and his music. His untimely exit highlighted exactly what a genius he was."

Guitarist Dudley Ross from Canterbury is behind a tribute tour to the late Jeff Beck
Guitarist Dudley Ross from Canterbury is behind a tribute tour to the late Jeff Beck
The tour kicks off at The Astor theatre in Deal in April
The tour kicks off at The Astor theatre in Deal in April

Although the sing-along Hi Ho Silver Lining was one of Beck's best known songs, it was one of his least favourites from an era early in his career.

Music teacher Dudley said: "Jeff was so good for so many reasons. Where a lot of his peers peaked, he continued to grow and create music, which was always of the highest quality.

"He had the ability to make every note he played mean something. He never threw anything away note wise. He wasn’t afraid to try things and push boundaries. He had no fear. His confidence and command on stage was inspiring. His style and sound has never, and will never, be replicated. We were were lucky to enjoy him in our lifetime."

Beck famously replaced Eric Clapton as the Yardbirds’ lead guitarist in 1965 on the recommendation of Jimmy Page and then went on to form The Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart on vocals and Ron Wood on bass, who would later join the Rolling Stones.

Beck was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992) and second as a solo artist in 2009.

Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp signed T-shirts to raise money for the Folly Wildlife Centre. Picture: Folly Wildlife Rescue Facebook
Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp signed T-shirts to raise money for the Folly Wildlife Centre. Picture: Folly Wildlife Rescue Facebook

Among the musicians joining forces to perform Beck's amazing back catalogue will be Jon Noyce, who played with Gary Moore, and Alex Bennett who played with Quincy Jones, along with Scott McKeon, Phil Hilborne, Christian Mendoza, Jake Willson, Jack Griffiths, Tony Remy, David D’Andrade and Connor Selby.

They will all putting their own spin on Beck’s formidable and unique style. Tickets for Astor Theatre are £23 from here.

Money raised at the gigs will go Folly Wildlife Rescue, one of Beck's favourite charities and based in Broadwater Forest near Tunbridge Wells.

Beck and his wife Sandra called the charity for help when a deer became entangled in fencing on their property. The musician went on to become one of the patrons and in May last year encouraged Hollywood actor and fellow musician Johnny Depp to become involved, too, after completing a transatlantic tour promoting their debut album 18.

The pair signed T-shirts to raffle to raise funds and Depp also became a patron.

Guitarist Dudley Ross from Canterbury is behind a tribute tour to the late Jeff Beck
Guitarist Dudley Ross from Canterbury is behind a tribute tour to the late Jeff Beck

Beck, who lived in East Sussex near the Kent border, was a regular visitor to one of his favourite watering holes, the 16th century Who'd A Thought It pub in Grafty Green near Maidstone.

Beck died on January 11, aged 78, after contracting bacterial meningitis. His funeral was at St Mary's Church in Beddington, south London last Friday.

Johnny Depp, Sir Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, The Pretenders' founding member Chrissie Hynde, Welsh singing legend Sir Tom Jones, blues-rock guitarist Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Boomtown Rats lead singer Sir Bob Geldof all turned out to pay their respects.

Comedians Harry Enfield and Vic Reeves also attended.

Geoffrey Arnold Beck was born in Surrey and attended Wimbledon Art College. He sang in his church choir at the age of 10 before becoming obsessed with the guitar.

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