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Legendary rhythm guitarist and bassist for the Yardbirds Chris Dreja has died at the age of 79, just weeks before his 80th birthday, following a long health struggle. the news was confirmed by his sister-in-law Muriel Levy in a post on Threads. Alongside throwback pictures of the iconic musician she wrote: "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, rhythm 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 those years and his daughter Jackie... May he RIP."

Chris was a founding member of the band who formed in the south-west London suburbs in 1963. The original line up also featured Anthony "Top" Topham, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith and Jim McCarty. Chris continued to play with a version of the group until just over a decade ago when a series of strokes in 2012 and 2013 left him unable to play and forced his retirement. 

The Yardbirds are one of the most influential bands of their era. They first found success with Eric Clapton on guitar for their first major hit, For Your Love” in 1965. Eric left the band shortly after their breakthrough and was replaced by Jeff Beck

In 1966, a pre-Led Zepplin Jimmy Page joined the group, initially as bassist before switching to twin lead guitar with Jeff. When Jeff left Jimmy took over as the sole guitarist but by 1968 the group was dissolving and Jimmy regrouped them as Led Zeppelin. 

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