From American Songwriter · Clayton Edwards · · 1m
Chris Dreja: Yardbirds Founder
Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer.
In brief
Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer. Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Birth and Early Life
Chris Dreja was born on November 11, 1946, in Surbiton, Surrey, England.
Forming the Yardbirds
Dreja formed the Yardbirds with Top Topham in his teens, later adding Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page.
Early Success
The Yardbirds scored their first top 10 hit in the UK and US in 1965 with 'For Your Love.'
Band Lineup Changes
Eric Clapton left in 1965, Jeff Beck joined, and Jimmy Page took over bass in 1966.
Final Album and Split
The Yardbirds released their final album, Little Games, in 1967 before splitting in July 1968.
Later Life
Dreja retired in 2011 after strokes and died in September 2025 at age 78.
The bottom line
Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer.
