Wednesday’s news of the passing of guitar great Jeff Beck at age 78 shocked the rock and roll world, a testament to the legacy Beck forged, as well as the kinship he formed with his colleagues over the years.

Among the social media tributes made in the wake of the news were a pair of statements from Texas rock trio ZZ Top and guitarist Billy F Gibbons.

Said Gibbons: “I met Jeff Beck when I was 17 and I was glad to know a guy like that, a guy who was able to show me how this guitar playing thing should be approached and that’s still very much the case. Jeff’s was a wondrous soul and we already miss him terribly but take comfort in the fact that he’ll be with us forever. Hi Ho Silver Lining!”

And the band’s joint statement: “The ZZ Top family mourns the loss of Jeff Beck, a brilliant musician and a great friend. Our tours with Jeff were delights from both personal and sonic perspectives. We are thankful that we were privileged to share so many stages with him over the years and will truly miss his artistry and engaging personality.”

The kinship Beck and ZZ Top enjoyed carried on for years — even as late as this past September 25, when Beck turned up onstage at the band’s concert in Texas for a little guitar rippin’:

May Jeff Beck rest in peace.

ZZ Top, meanwhile, has a big tour coming up this summer with Lynyrd Skynyrd, with Elwood Francis in at bass for the late Dusty Hill — click here for details.