After suffering a series of strokes in 2012 and 2013, Yardbirds co-founder Chris Dreja has passed away at the age 79.
Following “years of health problems,” his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, confirmed the former musician-turned-photographer’s death, posting:
“It 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…” “I share the pain with my sister Kate who took care of him during all those years and his daughter Jackie… May he RIP.”
Among those to pay tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dreja’s former Yardbirds bandmate Jimmy Page was captioned a throwback picture of him and Chris:
“I heard today of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with the iconic Yardbirds, on rhythm guitar and then the bass.” “I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.” “Here’s Glimpses by The Yardbirds featuring Chris Dreja on bass.”
Now 81 years old, Jimmy famously offered Chris the position of bassist in Led Zeppelin, which he turned down.
As a founding member of The Yardbirds while anchoring the band’s rhythm section with understated precision, Dreja helped launch the careers of three guitar icons – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Starting out on rhythm guitar before switching to bass, Chris’ string work was the foundation behind such hits as ‘Over Under Sideways Down’ and ‘Shapes of Things.’
After The Yardbirds split up in 1968, Chris turned down an offer to join Page’s new project – which would become Led Zeppelin – and pivoted to photography, shooting the back cover of Zeppelin’s debut LP along with the likes of Bob Dylan and Tina Turner. He later reunited with drummer Jim McCarty to revive The Yardbirds in the ’90s, touring and recording with a rotating cast of musicians until stepping back in 2013 due to health issues.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: KRLA Beat magazine – Public Domain