CHRIS DREJA

Co-founder of The Yardbirds, Chris Dreja - who supported Clapton, Beck and Page on rhythm or bass guitar, then went on to become a photographer - has died, aged 79

- Words Neville Marten

Born in Surbiton, Surrey, on 11 November 1945, Christopher Walenty Dreja was the son of Polish airman Alojzy Dreja and Englishwoman Joyce Guillan. While at Kingston School Of Art, Chris met fellow guitarist Anthony 'Top' Topham. The two jumped on the bandwagon of electric rhythm and blues on which The Rolling Stones were riding high.

Dreja and Topham formed The Metropolis Blues Quartet, adding drummer Jim McCarty, singer/harmonica player Keith Relf and bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, and changed the group's name to The Yardbirds. Still only 15, Topham quit when the others 'turned pro'.

Although overshadowed by three legendary lead guitarists – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page – Dreja was an essential core member who co-wrote many of the band's songs. He was a stabilising influence, hailed for his gentle manner, and, even among these mega talents, his musical contribution was never questioned. He viewed his role as the glue that held the often-fragile elements together.

“I'm part of the rhythm section,” he explained to ClassicBands.com. “My ears have to be open to all the nuances going on with the lead player. I guess like John Lennon and Brian Jones, we're not up front, but we kind of keep it all sticking together.”