Chris Dreja, the legendary bass player from the seminal British Invasion group the Yardbirds, has died.

News of Dreja’s death was announced on Oct. 2, Guitar Player reported. Dreja was 79.

Dreja was a co-founder of the Yardbirds, the hugely rock influential group that at various times featured guitar legends Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.

The Yardbirds remain FM radio and streaming staples, with hits including “Heartful of Soul,” “For Your Love” and “Shapes of Things.”

Dreja founded the group along with guitarist Top Topham. The group included Keith Relf on vocals, Paul Samwell-Smith on bass and Jim McCarty on drums.

Topham was just 15 when the band went professional and was forced to leave. That opened the door for Clapton, Page and Beck to eventually play with the band.

See Full Page