ROCKER GONE Iconic Brit rocker Chris Dreja who founded The Yardbirds 𝘋𝘐𝘌𝘚 aged 79 after health battle

CHRIS Dreja, the co-founder of the influential 1960s band The Yardbirds, has 𝘋𝘐𝘌𝘚 at the age of 79.

His sister-in-law shared the tragic news online.

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Chris Dreja of The Yardbirds performs onstage at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza in 2009Credit: Getty

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Chris was part of the original line-up of the 1960s rockersCredit: Getty
The rocker was part of the band for its entire original life and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with the group.

Muriel Levy said Chris had been battling health issues for a number of years.

She said: “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.”

Dreja, along with Anthony Topham, Keith Relf, Jim McCarthy and Paul Samwell-Smith, founded The Yardbirds in 1963.

The line-up would go on to feature such guitar heroes as Eric Clapton, who replaced Topham, Jeff Beck, who took over from Clapton and Jimmy Page, who would form Led Zeppelin.

Tributes have already been pouring in.

Page wrote: “I heard today of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played with the iconic Yardbirds, on rhythm guitar and then the bass.

“I hadn’t seen him in a while, and I wish I had. RIP Chris.”

One person wrote: “Oh this is horrible news. I am so very sorry. My schoolgirl fave band was the Yardbirds. RIP Chris.”

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Another posted: “My condolences to you and your family at this sad time, rest in peace.”

While a third added: “So sorry to hear the very sad news about your super talented brother.”

A fourth commented: “I am so sorry for your loss. The Yardbirds music was awesome, thanks.”

The band quickly became massively popular thanks to their second album For Your Love, which featured the huge hits like Heart Full of Soul and I’m a Man.

The follow-up, Over Under Sideways Down, also contained two big chart hits.

Both Over Under Sideways Down and Having a Rave Up gained spots in the Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

They also secured the 89th position in Rolling Stone’s roundup of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The group was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Born Christopher Walenty Dreja in 1945, he was raised in Kingston, Surrey.

After Page went on to form Led Zeppelin, he invited Dreja to join as bassist – a role he declined.

Dreja was also a keen artist and photographer, with his photo of Led Zeppelin appearing on the back of their debut album.

Dreja and McCarty reformed The Yardbirds in 1992 and they continued to perform and record until 2013.

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The guitarist had been battling health issues for a number of years, his sister-in-law saysCredit: Getty