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Chris Dreja has died at the age of 79, his family confirmed in a statement released on Friday.
The iconic rock guitarist, best known for The Yardbirds, had been battling health conditions for a number of years.
In a statement announcing his passing, his sister-in-law Muriel Levy announced the news in a post on social media.
She penned: ‘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 had been with the band for its original tenure and was even inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for his contribution to the genre.
Chris Dreja has sadly died at the age of 79, his family confirmed in a statement released on Friday (pictured in 2011)
The iconic rock guitarist, best known for The Yardbirds, had been battling health conditions for a number of years
He had retired from music a decade ago after suffering a number of strokes in 2012 and 2013.
Led Zeppelin star and Chris’ former bandmate Jimmy Page paid tribute on social media, writing: ‘I 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’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.’
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame also paid tribute to the musician, with one post reading: ‘Yardbirds’ innovations in feedback and distortion shaped such diverse genres as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and punk.’
Another said: ‘Dreja co-wrote all the material, including the revolutionary hit ‘Over Under Sideways Down,’ on their self-titled 1966 album and several songs on 1967’s Little Games.
‘His playing was an essential component of the Yardbirds’ hits like ‘For Your Love’ and ‘Shapes of Things’.’
The Yardbirds were founded in 1963 with Anthony Topham, Keith Relf, Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith.
The band had secured the 89th position in Rolling Stone’s prestigious roundup of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
The Yardbirds were founded in 1963 with Anthony Topham, Keith Relf, Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith (pictured in 1967 at Holterhallen in Holte near Copenhagen in Denmark)
Their popularity increased after they released their second album, For Your Love in 1965.
It contained hits tracks such as Heart Full of Soul and I’m a Man.
The Yardbird’s officially disbanded in 1968.
However, in 1992, Chris reformed The Yardbirds alongside Jim McCarty and they continued to play until 2013.
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