Chris Dreja, who co-founded the Yardbirds and played rhythm guitar before switching to bass, died on September 25, 2025, aged 79. His daughter, Jacqueline Dreja Zamboni, attributed his death to complications of multiple strokes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Pitchfork’s October 6, 2025 report.
How did Chris Dreja die?
Dreja died in a London nursing home, according to Pitchfork. His daughter said the cause was complications of multiple strokes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reported cause is attributed to his family; it should not be read as a separate medical finding.
What was Chris Dreja’s role in the Yardbirds?
Dreja co-founded the group that became the Yardbirds in 1963. He began as its rhythm guitarist, providing the band’s supporting guitar part while its lead-guitar role drew attention through players including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. After bassist Paul Samwell-Smith left in 1966, Dreja moved to bass and remained with the original band until it broke up in 1968.
Dreja later recalled that “Shapes of Things” was among the ideas he was proudest of, describing the 1966 recording session as the first time a studio had given the band such a great sound. Repertoire Records published the recollection in its October 11, 2025 tribute. The same tribute quotes him calling Jeff Beck “the best thing that happened to the band,” praising Beck’s originality and the music of his period with the group.
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- 【Product Content】 This set includes 1 glittery black Happy Birthday banner with adjustable letters and 1 colorful vinyl record garland featuring 7 unique vinyl styles. Perfect for retro music themed party decorations and easy to assemble for your 50s, 60s, or 70s party vibes.
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What did Dreja do after the original Yardbirds ended?
Photography and Led Zeppelin
After the Yardbirds’ 1968 breakup, Jimmy Page invited Dreja to join the band that became Led Zeppelin. Dreja chose photography instead. He took the group photograph printed on the back of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut album, a lasting connection to the band even though he did not join it.
Return to the Yardbirds
Dreja later joined the re-formed Yardbirds. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and its reunion-era album Birdland was released in 2003. This was a Yardbirds album, not a Dreja solo record. After suffering strokes, Dreja retired from the re-formed group in 2013.
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- Rock & Guitar Themed Collection: Includes 50 unique, non-repeating guitar stickers featuring electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, and rock-themed designs, perfect for showcasing your love for rock music.
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Tributes to Chris Dreja
Jimmy Page paid tribute to Dreja, recalling his passionate playing on rhythm guitar and bass with the Yardbirds. Page also said he wished he had seen Dreja again before his death. The Independent reported Page’s remarks in its October 2, 2025 report.
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- 1950S Party Decorations: you will get 3 pcs vinyl record decorations set, which contains a glittery happy birthday banner and 12 vinyl records cutouts; These vinyl records garland banners are ideal retro party decorations for record birthday, 1950s 60s 70s 80s party, rock and roll music party
- Vinyl Records Rock and Roll Design: our happy birthday vinyl record banner features rock and roll theme, the "Happy Birthday" text, along with music notes, vinyl records, guitars, musical notes, microphones, making people more relaxed and enjoy the moment of 1950s 60s 70s 80s celebrations
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- Note: 1950’s rock and roll music party decorations record cutouts are made of paperboard, NOT vinyl or plastic; Hope these vivid colors and chic designs can build fun memories for your party
- Package includes: 35 pieces record signs cutouts in 7 different fashion design with 40 pieces glue points, each cardboard features colorful and vivid; These record sign cutouts are great props to decorate your party or activities
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Rank #3
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