When I saw that Jeff Beck was scheduled to play at 4th & B on April 19, I did a double-take.
The Internet-equivalent of a double-take, anyway. I just couldn't believe that a legend like Jeff Beck -- the Jeff Beck -- the man who succeeded Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds, the man who has shared lead guitar responsibilities with Jimmy Page, the man who, in his own right, is one of the greatest guitarists of all time -- was playing a venue as intimate as 4th & B.
Don't get me wrong: 4th & B isn't even that intimate. It just seems small for a man whose name is as "household" as Jeff Beck. So I did a quick Google search just to make sure there weren't any alternate-universe Jeff Becks out there. There aren't.
In case that's not enough information to convince you to get your tickets now, here's a little background: Beck was born in England in 1944. He started his musical career in the church choir at age 10 but quickly moved on to the guitar (after numerous unsuccessful attempts to build one). In 1965, the ever-inventive guitarist replaced Clapton in the Yardbirds -- on Page's recommendation -- and the rest is history. In '67, he formed a band with Rod Stewart. That same year, Pink Floyd tried to recruit him to replace Syd Barrett. Between then and now, he's won four Grammy Awards. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Beck has a new album out called Emotion & Commotion. It will feature a mixture of original songs and covers such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Joss Stone provides guest vocals.
Get your tickets now; this is the venue's biggest show this month -- if not in months -- and I can't think of any reason why it won't sell out.
Beck is also playing at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula the night before. If you're from the north country -- and prefer to
avoid the drive to San Diego -- tickets may be obtained by clicking here.
T. Loper is a writer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
