The rock community is in mourning: Chris Dreja, a founding member of the legendary British band The Yardbirds, passed away on Tuesday, October 2. He was 79 years old and had been dealing with health issues for some time.
His death was announced by his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, in an emotional message on social media: “It is with deep sorrow that I announce that my brother-in-law, Chris Dreja, former member of the Yardbirds—rhythm guitarist and also bassist—has passed away after years of health problems.”
Early Life and Musical Journey
Dreja was born in Surrey, England, on November 11, 1945. He grew up in Kingston upon Thames and embarked on a journey that combined both music and visual art.
With his name already etched into the history of rock music, Dreja was an active member of The Yardbirds since the formation of the band in 1963, alongside Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, Jim McCarty, and Top Topham. He initially played rhythm guitar and later transitioned to bass guitar when Samwell-Smith left the group in 1966.
Legacy of The Yardbirds
The band produced hits like “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul,” along with stunning live performances.
During this period, Dreja collaborated with notable musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page within the same band. Below, you can view a video featuring the band with Page. The music, of course, speaks for itself.
The Talent Behind the Lens
Chris Dreja was not only an instrumentalist. After stepping away from the peak of his musical career, he chose to invest his time in photography and created iconic images. He was responsible for the photography on the back cover of Led Zeppelin’s first album. Additionally, he photographed artists such as Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, and Ike & Tina Turner.
Despite receiving invitations to join the project that would eventually become Led Zeppelin, Dreja appeared to choose his artistic path outside the main musical spotlight.
Recent Years and Farewell
In the early 2010s, Dreja suffered a series of strokes, which hindered his ability to perform on stage. In 2013, he officially announced his retirement from The Yardbirds. Following this announcement, his health continued to decline gradually.
Although the exact date of his death has not been disclosed, records indicate that he passed away sometime between September and October 2025, shortly before he would have turned 80 years old.
Tributes and Remembering Chris Dreja
Condolences and tributes have poured in from various corners. Jimmy Page, his former bandmate, paid his respects by posting: “We may have left the stage, but the music remains.” The rock world is mourning a significant loss; however, Dreja’s name will continue to live on through the music, the photographs, and the memories of those who celebrate the art.
Let his passing remind us of the power of art—one that communicates to the senses and touches the heart.
Fonte: guitarload.com.br
