Jimmy Page Pays Tribute to Chris Dreja – Guitarist Remembered
Chris Dreja, Yardbirds Guitarist and Bassist, Dies at 79
This article reports on the death of Chris Dreja, a founding member of the iconic British rock band The Yardbirds. Here’s a summary of the key information:
* Death: Chris Dreja passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 79 after a long illness.
* Role in The Yardbirds: He was a co-founder, initially playing rhythm guitar and later switching to bass.He co-wrote all of the band’s material after joining in the early 1960s, including the hit “Over Under Sideways Down” and tracks on “Little Games.”
* Led zeppelin Connection: He famously turned down an offer to join Led Zeppelin, opting instead to pursue a career in photography.
* Tributes:
* The Rock & Roll hall of Fame announced his passing on Twitter.
* Jimmy Page, his former Yardbirds bandmate, paid tribute on Instagram.
* Fans and peers have shared tributes online, recognizing his legacy and contribution to rock music.
* Early Life: Dreja was born Christopher Walenty Dreja and grew up in Kingston Upon Thames, becoming immersed in rock and roll as a teenager.
The article includes embedded tweets from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Garry Grimshaw, Making Time, Frank Zeppo, and john Dennison, showcasing the outpouring of respect for Dreja.