All these musicians we grew up with \u2014 the ones who started out in garages, basements, and living rooms before rising to international fame \u2014 became the soundtrack to our lives. They set the bar for every band that followed, inspiring countless young musicians to pick up a guitar and dream.
\nAnd every time one of them leaves us, it feels like a small piece of our own story is gone too.<\/p>\n
Today, that loss is deeply felt: Chris Dreja, the founding guitarist of The Yardbirds and the only member to play on every one of the band\u2019s releases, has passed away at 79.<\/p>\n
Years of health problems
\nChris Dreja, rhythm guitarist turned bassist for the legendary Yardbirds \u2014 and later an acclaimed rock photographer \u2014 has passed away at 79. His death was confirmed by his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, and former bandmate Jimmy Page.<\/p>\n
Page paid tribute on Instagram, writing: \u201cI 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\u2019t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris. Here\u2019s Glimpses by The Yardbirds featuring Chris Dreja on bass.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"