Chris Dreja has passed away: founder of the legendary Yardbirds and rock-n-roll aristocrat.

The death of a rock music legend

According to The Sun: Chris Dreja, co-founder of the influential 1960s band The Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79. The sad news was announced by his daughter-in-law.

Creative journey and legacy

Chris was an integral part of the band during its original existence and received the title of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee along with the group. Muriel Levy noted that Chris had been suffering from health problems in recent years.

“It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the death of my brother-in-law Chris Dreja, former member of the legendary band The Yardbirds, rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist, who passed away after prolonged health issues,” she said.

“I share the pain with my sister Kate, who cared for him all this time, and his daughter Jackie. May he rest in peace.”

Dreja founded The Yardbirds in 1963 along with Anthony Topham, Keith Relf, Jim McCarty, and Paul Samwell-Smith. The band included such guitar heroes as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.

Tributes and memory

Tributes are already pouring in from all sides. Jimmy Page wrote:

“Today I learned of the death of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with Yardbirds on rhythm guitar, and then bass. I haven't seen him in a long time, and it's a shame I didn't meet him.”

Another person commented:

“Oh, this is terrible news. I am so sorry. My favorite school band was The Yardbirds. May he rest in peace, Chris.”

The band quickly gained popularity with their second album “For Your Love,” which included hits such as “Heart Full of Soul” and “I’m a Man.”

The Yardbirds were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992. Chris, who was born in 1945 in Kingston, Surrey, had also received an invitation from Jimmy Page to join Led Zeppelin as a bassist but declined.

Additionally, Dreja was a talented artist and photographer. His works with Led Zeppelin can be seen on the back of their debut album. In 1992, he, along with McCarty, revived The Yardbirds, and the band continued to perform and record music until 2013.

Chris Dreja left a significant mark on the world of rock music, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and future generations of musicians.