Jeff Beck Planning Two Books, First Official Documentary
Jeff Beck is writing an autobiography and preparing a separate “signed, limited-edition” book as part of a new publishing deal struck with London-based Genesis Publishing group. According to a press release, the legendary guitarist is also at work on a new documentary, the first officially sanctioned film about his storied career.
While it’s unclear when the film will see release, it’s likely Beck’s autobiography will hit bookshelves by the end of the year. As for the other book, Beck is still discussing its potential contents with Genesis.
Amidst this flurry of writing, Beck will continue to tour. He’s lined up a string of solo dates this April, followed by a spate of rescheduled co-headlining shows with ZZ Top, which were postponed last summer after the latter’s bassist, Dusty Hill, injured his hip. Beck also remains at work on his new album, which is expected to see release by the end of 2015.
While Beck recently contributed to the Poppy Appeal’s song “No Man’s Land” — a tribute to World War I veterans — he hasn’t released a solo studio LP since 2010’s Emotion Commotion. Last year, Beck told Rolling Stone, he’d found the sound he’d been searching for but wouldn’t offer any details other than, “[I]t’s not a Western style, if you know what I mean.
“I think I’ve drawn attention. I’ve worked, worked, worked for the last three years,” Beck added about the importance of this new album. “Now is the time really. My birthday is coming up, if you get me. I thought it was time for a really really good studio album I had control over and time to do properly instead of a budget problem. Even though I do have budget problems!”