Chris Dreja, one of the five original members of the Yardbirds , has died. The guitarist was 79.

His death was confirmed by his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy, 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," 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."

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Dreja was born in Surrey, England, in 1945, and was introduced to guitarist Top Topham by his brother. The duo made their debut live performance at a show by British blues singer Duster Bennett, which also featured Dreja's futur

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