Chris Dreja, English guitarist and founding member of the pioneering rock band The Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79.
Last Updated on 5 days by Vijay Kumar
Chris Dreja, the English guitarist and founding member of the pioneering rock band The Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79. His family confirmed that he died in late September after a prolonged illness.
Dreja’s sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, shared the news on social media, writing, “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, rhtym 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 thoses years and his daughter Jackie…May he RIP ❤️”
Legendary guitarist and Led Zeppelin founder, Jimmy Page wrote on Instagram, “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.”
Dreja is survived by his wife, his two children, and extended family members, who described him as a “gentle soul, a true artist, and a beloved family man.”
Chris Dreja, co-founder of The Yardbirds, was one of the most consistent forces in the legendary rock band’s ever-changing lineup. Beginning as a rhythm guitarist in the early 1960s, he later switched to bass after Paul Samwell-Smith’s departure. Throughout the Yardbirds’ run, Dreja performed alongside guitar icons Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, and became the only member to appear on all of the band’s recordings — including timeless hits such as For Your Love and Shapes of Things.
Beyond music, Dreja built a remarkable second career as a professional photographer. In 1968, when Jimmy Page was forming what would become Led Zeppelin, Dreja was invited to join the group. Instead, he declined, choosing to pursue his passion for photography. His work went on to capture striking images of musicians, most famously the back cover photo of Led Zeppelin’s debut album.
In recognition of his impact on rock history, Dreja was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of The Yardbirds.
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