An original member of a legendary rock band is dead at age 79.

The Yardbirds guitarist Chris Dreja has died, his sister-in-law Muriel Levy announced on social media. A cause of death was not named.

“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,” she wrote. “I share the pain with my sister Kate, who took care of him during all those years, and his daughter Jackie. ... May he RIP.”

Dreja was an English guitarist best known as an original member of The Yardbirds, the blues-rock band that launched the careers of famous guitar players Eric Clapton (who was a member from 1963-1965), Jeff Beck (1965-1966) and Led Zep

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