The Sad Part Of The Yardbirds’ Career

To many, the Yardbirds didn’t quite receive the rightful recognition they deserved. However, no one can argue that they had a unique impact on rock. With three guitar legends in the group, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, the band played a key role in shaping rock music today. But despite their talent, the band faced several challenges in their career which ultimately led to their breakup. Here’s a look at some of the lows that influenced their music career.

A Band of Rising Stars, and Early Challenges

Eric Clapton who became the first of Yardbirds’ renowned guitarists was quick to gain fandom.
He was even nicknamed “God” for his superb talent. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page later joined and brought their unique styles to the group. Even with these talented musicians, the Yardbirds struggled to maintain stability. The band dealt with constant setbacks, from health problems to conflicts that led to frequent lineup changes.

Keith Relf, the group’s lead singer, battled health issues his entire life. Chris Dreja, Yardbirds’ rhythm guitarist remembers how Relf suffered a collapsed lung during their first U.S. tour in 1964.

Reif was he was only in his twenties back then. Despite his struggles taking a toll, Relf’s determination kept him going. But not until the pressures of fame later led him down a dangerous path.

Top Topham’s Forced Departure

Original guitarist Top Topham left the Yardbirds early on, pressured by his parents who didn’t see a rock music career as stable enough. According to drummer Jim McCarty, Topham’s family urged him to leave, fearing a future of financial insecurity. Even though Topham showed great promise, he left to pursue a more conventional career path. His departure paved the way for Clapton to join, setting in motion the Yardbirds’ era of legendary guitarists.

Eric Clapton’s Loneliness in the Group

Clapton, being a blues purist, quickly discovered he didn’t share the same musical vision as the rest of the Yardbirds. The band was into more commercial sounds which left Clapton increasingly isolated, especially from their bassist Paul Samwell-Smith. His friend and roommate, Chris Dreja, often noticed his growing dissatisfaction which led him to exit the band in 1965. Recalling his career with the Yardbirds, Clapton later described feeling “alone in a crowd.”

Jeff Beck’s Health Scares

After Clapton left, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page joined forces as dual lead guitarists. Beck brought a fresh sound but also struggled with health issues. During a tour in Marseille, he suffered from food poisoning and tonsillitis. One night, he fainted and fell down a set of concrete stairs backstage. Rushed to the hospital, he had to take time off to recover before rejoining the tour.

Keith Relf’s Struggle with Addiction

As the Yardbirds’ popularity grew, lead singer Keith Relf found himself struggling to cope with the pressures of fame. Turning to drugs and alcohol, he started a downward spiral. Relf’s substance abuse worsened his health and deepened his insecurities, which eventually led to depression. His friend Chris Dreja recalled how the road took a toll on Relf, leading him to self-destructive behavior that affected both his personal life and his role in the band.

Jeff Beck’s Tumultuous Exit

Jeff Beck’s time with the Yardbirds ended on a rough note. With the pressures of constant touring and an increasingly negative attitude, Beck had a breakdown and smashed his guitar before taking off for Los Angeles. His actions frustrated the rest of the band, and they decided to part ways with him. Although Beck hadn’t intended to leave permanently, he was crushed to learn he’d been fired. This low point hit hard, especially as he watched other musicians, like Jimi Hendrix, rise to stardom.

The Beginning of the End

The Yardbirds’ popularity started to decline in the late 60s. Their single “Happenings Ten Years Ago” which didn’t break into the Top 40 was a signal of the band’s decline. Though they tried to adapt and released Little Games in 1967, the album was only marred with criticism. According to Jeff Beck, the album was “not good.” At that time, the group was also struggling to compete with emerging acts like Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Who. These new 60s sounds that were emerging became a challenge for the band to keep up, especially in the UK.

Producer Mickie Most and the Band’s Decline

The Yardbirds’ producer, Mickie Most, was known for his work with popular artists, but he wasn’t able to achieve the same success with the Yardbirds. Though a skilled producer, Most’s efforts to guide the band’s sound proved ineffective. With dwindling sales and a failure to capture the attention of evolving audiences, the Yardbirds couldn’t regain their momentum, and this played a significant role in their eventual disbandment.

The Yardbirds Disband

In 1968, after a series of struggles, the Yardbirds decided to call it quits. The departure of Jeff Beck, Keith Relf’s addiction, and the rise of other rock acts made it hard to sustain the band’s momentum. Their final concert took place on July 7, 1968, in Luton, England, marking the end of an era. Although they disbanded, the Yardbirds’ music remains influential and celebrated today, a testament to their impact on rock.

Keith Relf’s Tragic Death

Keith Relf’s story ended tragically in 1976. Battling substance abuse, he was electrocuted while playing guitar in his basement, where his equipment wasn’t properly grounded. Only 33 years old, Relf’s death was a heartbreaking loss, not just for the Yardbirds, but for the music world. Despite his personal challenges, Relf’s contributions to the Yardbirds and to rock music are fondly remembered.

Overshadowed but Not Forgotten

Other iconic bands often overshadow the Yardbirds, but their contributions to rock should not be underestimated. With rivals like Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Who transforming the music scene, the Yardbirds found it challenging to stay relevant. While they toured extensively in the U.S., their lack of chart-topping singles and declining popularity led to them being somewhat forgotten in the UK.

Jeff Beck’s Final Bow

The Yardbirds’ legacy took another hit in 2023 with the sudden passing of Jeff Beck, who died of bacterial meningitis. This brief illness quickly worsened, leading to Beck’s unexpected death. Close friends and family, including Johnny Depp, were able to visit him in his final days. Depp, who had toured with Beck just a year before, was devastated by the loss of his close friend.