January 24, 2023

My music photography career began in 1971 and I retired as planned at the end of 2022. I didn't realize that my last show would be with my favorite musician, Jeff Beck, this past October 23rd. Fitting, but a sad way to end a photo career. I will continue with Indy Car and IMSA photography along with other special projects.

If you know me at all, you know my favorite musician and the world's best guitarist is musician Jeff Beck. Jeff passed away quickly from bacterial meningitis on January 10th in England. Born in 1944 he was 78 years old. I was just gutted and didn't really sleep the night I found out. Still have a hard time knowing he has left us.

I first photographed Jeff Beck on May 10, 1972 at the Riverside Theater with the Siegal Schwall Band as the opening act.  I was working for the Bugle American newspaper at that time.  The Seigal Schwall band members were friends, so after the show I went backstage and got to meet Jeff.

Wish I would have taken some backstage photos that night but I've always respected the backstage area for photo access unless we did an interview for what ever publication or record company I was working for then.

That night my life was changed watching Jeff Beck play guitar. He made it look so easy! He was the best ever guitarist or the G.O.A.T. as some people like to say.

Through the year's I've photographed Jeff Beck 5 times. I believe I met him 3 times and he was always so nice, shy and just a normal guy.

The Riverside Theater-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--May 10, 1972

Turner Hall-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--April 18, 2009

Milwaukee's Summerfest--June 25, 2010

The Riverside Theater-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--May 22, 2015

The Chicago Theater--October 23, 2022

I also remember just going to a few of his shows to see him play. Felt naked without a camera of course!  One of those times was when he was playing with guitarist John McLauglin. I got to talk to both of them that night. They are both great guitar players.

Enjoy a few photos of the master from the shows listed above and see if you can figure out which photos go with what show?

I also added the set list from the Chicago show this past October with Johnny Depp. Notice the 2 arrows on the left side of the song/set list. Those are the only songs I was allowed to photograph- Jeff's first song and then the 12th when Johnny Depp came out for a 45 second song which he spent most of the time exchanging phone or room numbers with a girl in the front row!  Because of where I was standing,  I only got to really see Jeff and bass player Rhonda Smith and not the rest of the band.  From stage left I never even saw the drummer or keyboard player.

The politics and ridiculous rules for photographers are why I have ended my music photography journey...

Almost forgot!! If you haven't seen or bought the book BECK01 that I was a part of from Genesis publications please check it out! Photos of Jeff's cars and guitars. I have 3 photos in it and it is the best built book also! Comes in a pouch in a beautiful box with a License plate on the cover! Printed in Itay.

Thanks and RIP Jeff.

Rich Zimmermann