The Yardbirds legend and Eric Clapton's bandmate tragically dies aged 79

Chris Dreja, the legendary rhythm guitarist and bassist for the Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79 after a long health battle.

His sister-in-law Muriel Levy confirmed the sad news on Threads, sharing vintage photos of the iconic musician and writing, "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 during all those years, and his daughter Jackie... May he RIP."

Chris was a founding member of the Yardbirds, which formed in the suburbs of south-west London in 1963. The original lineup included Anthony "Top" Topham, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty.

Despite suffering a series of strokes in 2012 and 2013 that forced him into retirement, the musician continued to play with a version of the group until just over a decade ago.

The Yardbirds are hailed as one of the most influential bands of their time. They first rose to fame with Eric Clapton on guitar for their 1965 hit, "For Your Love."

Clapton left the band shortly after their breakthrough, and Jeff Beck stepped in to replace him, reports the Express.

In 1966, Jimmy Page joined the band, starting out on bass before moving to dual lead guitar alongside Jeff. After Jeff's departure, Jimmy became the only guitarist, but by 1968, the group was falling apart, and Jimmy reformed them into Led Zeppelin.

Chris declined the chance to join them because he wanted to focus on his photography career. He would go on to shoot Led Zeppelin for the back cover of their first album.

Throughout his professional journey, his camera also captured artists like Bob Dylan, the Righteous Brothers, and Ike and Tina Turner.

During the 1980s, he performed with Yardbirds offshoot group Box of Frogs and remained with the reunited Yardbirds from 1992 through 2013. The Yardbirds received Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition in 1992, with almost all surviving members from the band's golden era, including Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, attending the induction ceremony.

They put out a fresh album called Birdland in 2002.

Fans poured out heartfelt messages as word of his passing spread.

"I'm Sorry to hear this sad news. I saw The Yardbirds a few years ago with The Zombies. It was a wonderful evening and no mere nostalgia trip. RIP," one fan wrote.

Another posted on Threads, "A guitarist in one of the most underrated bands of their time IMHO and a favourite of mine. He'll be playing melodies with Jeff now in heaven."

"Sorry to hear it. They were an original supergroup - with so many legendary guitarists passing through their lineup," one fan added. Another chimed in: "He was awesome and the Yardbirds meant the world to me. They opened my teenage mind to the "Rave Up" and my teenage years were spent learning every song, searching for "Golden Eggs" and adoring Jeff, Chris, Paul, Keith and Jim. RIP Chris Dreja."

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