Chris Dreja, founding guitarist with The Yardbirds – and the only musician to play on all their releases – has died at the age of 79. The news was broken on social media by his sister-in-law, Muriel Levy.

"It 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," Levy writes. "I share the pain with my sister Kate, who took care of him during all those years, and his daughter Jackie. May he RIP."

Born in Surbiton, Surrey, in 1945, Dreja founded The Yardbirds in 1965 alongside vocalist Keith Relf, lead guitarist Top Topham, bassist Paul Samwell-Smith and drummer Jim McCarty. He would remain in the band until they broke up in 1968, playing alongside Eric Clapton (who replaced Topham within months), Jeff Beck (who replaced Clapton in 1965) and Jimmy Page, who initially joined to play bass in 1966. Page and Dreja soon swapped instruments, and Dreja continued on bass as Jeff Beck departed, keeping the role until The Yardbirds disbanded.

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In 1992, The Yardbirds were inducted into the US Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and, although they didn't perform at the ceremony, they did reunite three years later, when Dreja and McCarty were persuaded to put a new lineup together with bassist Rod Demick and guitarist John Idan.

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