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Chris Dreja, Co-Founder and Guitarist of The Yardbirds, Passes Away at 79
Chris Dreja, the influential rhythm guitarist and bassist who co-founded the legendary British rock band The Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79 following a prolonged health battle.
His sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, announced the sad news, sharing vintage photographs of the iconic musician and expressing deep sorrow. Levy conveyed the family’s pain, acknowledging Dreja’s sister Kate for her dedicated care during his illness and extending condolences to his daughter Jackie.
Dreja was a founding member of The Yardbirds, which formed in the suburbs of southwest London in 1963. The original lineup included Anthony “Top” Topham, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty.
Despite suffering a series of strokes in 2012 and 2013 that led to his retirement from touring, Dreja continued to play with a version of the group until just over a decade ago, showcasing his enduring passion for music.
The Yardbirds are widely celebrated as one of the most influential bands of their era, known for their innovative blues-rock sound and their role as a launching pad for some of rock’s most celebrated guitarists. They first gained widespread recognition with Eric Clapton on guitar for their 1965 hit, “For Your Love.”
Clapton’s departure shortly after their breakthrough led to Jeff Beck stepping in as his replacement. In 1966, Jimmy Page joined the band, initially on bass before transitioning to a dual lead guitar role alongside Beck. After Beck’s exit, Page became the sole guitarist, but by 1968, the group disbanded, with Page subsequently forming Led Zeppelin.
Dreja famously declined the opportunity to join Led Zeppelin, opting instead to pursue a career in photography. His talent behind the lens led him to shoot the iconic back cover for Led Zeppelin’s debut album. Throughout his professional journey as a photographer, his camera also captured other notable artists such as Bob Dylan, the Righteous Brothers, and Ike and Tina Turner.
In the 1980s, Dreja performed with Box of Frogs, an offshoot group featuring other Yardbirds members. He remained with the reunited Yardbirds from 1992 through 2013.
The band received well-deserved recognition with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, an event attended by almost all surviving members from the band’s golden era, including Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. The reunited group also released a new album, Birdland, in 2002.
Upon news of his passing, fans across social media poured out heartfelt tributes, remembering his contributions to music and the band’s profound impact. Many praised The Yardbirds as an underrated force and highlighted Dreja’s role in a group that nurtured multiple legendary guitarists, expressing sentiments of gratitude for the music that shaped their youth.