"Chris Dreja, the co-founding rhythm guitarist and later bassist of the Yardbirds, has died, reports The New York Times. On September 25, Dreja died of complications of multiple strokes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease while in a London nursing home, according to his daughter, Jacqueline Dreja Zamboni. He was 79. Although the Yardbirds were best known for their trio of all-star guitarists- Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and the late Jeff Beck"
"-sharing the leading spotlight, Dreja's essential role on rhythm guitar helped create an essential backdrop for the group to shine, especially during their extended instrumental passages that would go on to influence countless pillars of classic rock. Dreja co-founded the group in 1963 as a rhythm guitarist until original bassist Paul Samwell-Smith left the band three years later, after which he picked up the instrument until the band's dissolution in 1968."
Chris Dreja, born in 1945, died September 25 at 79 from complications of multiple strokes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a London nursing home. He co-founded the Yardbirds in 1963 as rhythm guitarist and switched to bass when original bassist Paul Samwell-Smith left three years later, staying until the band's 1968 dissolution. Dreja's rhythm guitar provided the essential backdrop for the group's extended instrumental passages and influenced pillars of classic rock. After the split, Jimmy Page invited Dreja to join Led Zeppelin, but he declined to pursue photography, producing notable portraits and the back-cover photo for Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut.
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