Chris Dreja, co-founder of influential English rock band the Yardbirds and co-writer on many of the band’s memorable songs, died at 79. His death was announced by his former bandmate Jimmy Page .

“I heard today of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with the iconic Yardbirds, on rhythm guitar and then the bass,” Page wrote on Instagram. “I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.”

The news was confirmed by Dreja’s sister-in-law Muriel Levy, who wrote on Threads , “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 dur

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