Yardbirds Co-Founder Chris Dreja Dead at 79
Chris Dreja, co-founder of the influential rock group The Yardbirds, has died at the age of 79.
The news was confirmed by both his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, and former bandmate Jimmy Page, who shared tributes on social media. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
“This is with a deep sadness that I have to announce that my brother-in-law Chris Dreja, former member of legendary band The Yardbirds, rhythm guitarist and also bass player, has passed away after years of health problems,” Levy wrote. “I share the pain with my sister Kate who took care of him during all those years and his daughter Jackie… May he RIP.”
Page, who played with Dreja in the Yardbirds before founding Led Zeppelin, also expressed his sorrow. “I heard today of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with the iconic Yardbirds, on rhythm guitar and then the bass,” the 81-year-old guitarist shared. “I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.”
A Multi-Talented Artist
Dreja was not only a key figure in shaping the Yardbirds’ sound but also contributed to the group’s visual identity. He created the artwork for their 1966 self-titled album, better known as Roger the Engineer, and later worked professionally as a photographer. Notably, he shot the photo featured on the back cover of Led Zeppelin’s debut album.
The Yardbirds’ Legacy
Formed in London in 1963, The Yardbirds became a defining band of the British blues-rock movement. Alongside Dreja, the original lineup included Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty. The group is often remembered for launching the careers of three of rock’s greatest guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
With hits like “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” the band made a lasting mark on 1960s rock before splitting in 1968.
Later Years
Following the Yardbirds’ breakup, Dreja pursued a career in photography while occasionally returning to music. He later joined Box of Frogs with fellow Yardbirds alumni Paul Samwell-Smith and Jim McCarty, and eventually reunited with McCarty in the 1990s to relaunch the Yardbirds.
Dreja continued to perform until suffering a series of strokes in 2012, which forced him to retire from music.
Fans and fellow musicians continue to pay tribute, remembering Dreja not only as a guitarist and bassist but also as an artist whose contributions to rock history extend beyond the stage.