Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group
Published on 2026-05-21
Photo: Courtesy of Da Capo
Da Capo publishing announces Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, the first biography to fully capture the life, music, and mystery of this singular artist. Drawing on more than 30 hours of original interviews with Beck, along with extensive conversations with friends and collaborators including Jimmy Page, Johnny Depp, Clive Davis, and many others, the book offers the most complete portrait of Beck ever assembled.
To celebrate the release of Blow by Blow, an all-star tribute concert, along with a live interview and book signing with the authors, is set for July 16 at The Cutting Room in New York City. Additionally, a book signing and Q&A with author Brad Tolinski will take place on July 23 at Book Soup in Los Angeles.
A follow-up to the bestselling Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen, the book goes beyond the myth, revealing the restless creative force behind Beck’s constant reinvention—from his groundbreaking work with The Yardbirds and Rod Stewart to his genre-defying solo career.
Beck’s story is one of constant evolution, marked by bold risks, missed opportunities, and moments of staggering brilliance. He turned down superstardom with the Rolling Stones, briefly joined Elton John’s band before walking away, and helped fuel one of rock’s most enduring controversies around Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” His platinum-selling masterpiece Blow by Blow became his biggest commercial triumph.
At the same time, Beck remained deeply private. Through new reporting and firsthand accounts, Tolinski and Gill illuminate the man behind the music: fiercely independent, obsessively creative, and guided more by instinct than ambition. The book also explores Beck’s unexpected late-life friendship with Johnny Depp and the personal circumstances surrounding his final days.
Timed to coincide with major milestones, including the 60th anniversary of the Yardbirds’ Roger the Engineer and the 50th anniversary of Wired, Blow by Blow reexamines Beck’s legacy not just as a guitar hero, but as a true musical innovator whose influence continues to reverberate across genres.
The Definitive Biography of one of Rock’s Most Innovative—and Enigmatic—Guitarists
Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story, from the bestselling authors of Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen, arrives July 14, 2026, from Da Capo.
Written by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, Blow by Blow is the first biography to fully capture the life, music, and mystery of Jeff Beck, one of rock’s most innovative—and enigmatic—guitarists.
“This is the book Jeff deserves. It’s honest, thoughtful, and true…” - Johnny Depp
On sale July 14, 2026, Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story will be available as a $32.50 hardcover, $16.99 eBook, and $31.99 audiobook.
ISBNs:
Hardcover: 9780306836589
eBook: 9780306836602
Audiobook: 9781668655856
Author events have been announced in New York City and Los Angeles.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, July 16th @ 7pm
Jeff Beck Book Release Party!
All-Star Tribute Concert - Featuring Andy Aledort & Special Guests
Live Interview & Book Signing with Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill
The Cutting Room
44 East 32nd Street
NYC
RSVP/Tickets Available HERE
Thursday, July 23rd @ 7pm
Book signing and Q&A
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood
RSVP/Information HERE
Praise for Jeff Beck:
‘Inimitable, irreplaceable – the absolute pinnacle’ – Brian May
‘One of the all-time greats’ – Johnny Marr
‘His unique style was something no one could match’ – Paul McCartney
‘Jeff Beck was on another planet’ – Rod Stewart
‘One of the greatest of all time’ – Nile Rodgers
‘The Salvador Dali of the guitar’ – Joe Perry
