Chris Dreja, Co-Founder of The Yardbirds, Passes Away at 79

## Chris Dreja: A Rock Legend Passes Away

Chris Dreja, a pivotal figure in the renowned English rock band the Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79. His former bandmate, Jimmy Page, shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on their shared history.

### A Tribute from Jimmy Page

“I heard today of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with the iconic Yardbirds, on rhythm guitar and then the bass,” Page wrote. His heartfelt message expressed sadness and nostalgia, stating, “I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.”

### Confirmation of His Passing

Muriel Levy, Dreja’s sister-in-law, confirmed the news on Threads, sharing her deep sorrow. She stated, “This is with a deep sadness that I have to announce that my brother-in-law Chris Dreja… has passed away after years of health problems.” She acknowledged the support his family provided during his struggles, wishing him peace.

## Early Life and Musical Journey

Christopher Walenty Dreja was born on November 11, 1945, in Kingston upon Thames, England. He was drawn to music from a young age, influenced by his brother’s connection to original Yardbirds guitarist Anthony “Top” Topham. Dreja and Topham quickly began collaborating and, by 1963, teamed up with Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty to form the Metropolitan Blues Quartet, later rebranded as the Yardbirds.

### Rise to Fame

Throughout 1965 and 1966, the Yardbirds gained acclaim, and in 1966, they released “Shapes of Things,” recognized as a pioneering psychedelic rock classic. The same year, they put out their self-titled album. After Samwell-Smith departed, Page joined on bass, and Dreja transitioned to guitar, forming a legendary lineup with Jeff Beck and Page. Their song “Stroll On” was featured in Michelangelo Antonioni’s film *Blow-Up*, marking a significant moment in their career.

## Later Career Endeavors

After Beck’s exit, Page became the sole guitarist with Dreja on bass. The group released the album *Little Games* in 1967 before disbanding in 1968. Page moved on to create Led Zeppelin, while Dreja pursued photography, capturing iconic figures like Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan.

### Return to Music

In the 1980s, Dreja rekindled his musical career with former bandmates in Box of Frogs and later led a Yardbirds revival in the 1990s. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his band in 1992. The Yardbirds released *Birdland* in 2002, featuring collaborations with notable musicians like Brian May and Slash.

## Reflections on His Career

Dreja once stated, “At art school I had got involved with photography. I obviously had no idea that Led Zeppelin was going to be as huge as it was.” He expressed no regrets about his career, emphasizing his dual passions for music and photography.

### Health Struggles

In 2012 and 2013, Dreja faced a series of strokes, ultimately retiring from the Yardbirds in 2013, with Topham taking his place. In a reflective interview, he expressed satisfaction with his life choices, stating, “I have no regrets… The passion, the love for the art form did provide me with a living, and that’s all you need really.”

## A Lasting Legacy

Chris Dreja’s contributions to music and photography have left an indelible mark on the industry. His journey—from the Yardbirds to his ventures in photography—showcases his versatility and passion for the arts.

As we remember Dreja, what memories or songs come to mind that resonate with you from his time in the Yardbirds?