Published: June 24, 2026
Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story arrives in July with extensive interviews and new insights into one of rock's most innovative musicians
A new book examining the life and career of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck will be released on July 14, 2026.
Titled Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story, the biography was written by veteran music journalists Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, whose previous collaborations include Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen.
The book draws on more than 30 hours of interviews conducted with Beck, alongside conversations with friends, collaborators and industry figures including Jimmy Page, Johnny Depp, and Clive Davis.
According to the authors, the project explores Beck's career from his early years with The Yardbirds through his influential solo work, documenting the guitarist's continual artistic evolution and refusal to follow conventional industry expectations.
Among the topics covered in the book are Beck's decision to decline an opportunity to join The Rolling Stones, his brief association with Elton John, and the circumstances surrounding the long-discussed connection between Beck and Stevie Wonder's song "Superstition".
The biography also revisits the creation of Beck's 1975 instrumental album Blow By Blow, a release that became one of the most successful records of his career, as well as the impact of its follow-up, Wired.
Beyond the music, the authors examine Beck's personal life, his working methods, creative philosophy, and his later friendship with actor and musician Johnny Depp. The book also includes new reporting concerning the final years of Beck's life.
The release coincides with several notable milestones in Beck's catalog, including the 60th anniversary of The Yardbirds' Roger The Engineer and the 50th anniversary of Wired.
For decades, Jeff Beck remained one of rock music's most respected and distinctive guitarists, earning recognition for his ability to move between blues rock, hard rock, jazz fusion and experimental styles while maintaining a highly individual approach to the instrument.
Brad Tolinski served as editor-in-chief of Guitar World magazine for more than twenty-five years and has authored several books focused on influential guitarists and the history of rock music.
Chris Gill is a longtime contributor to Guitar World and has written extensively about guitar history and influential musicians. He has interviewed Jeff Beck on numerous occasions and contributed to several major music-related publications and projects.
With new interviews, historical research and firsthand accounts from many of the people who worked alongside Jeff Beck, Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story offers a detailed look at the career and legacy of one of rock's most influential guitarists.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the video for "Beck's Bolero" below.
