Bio: Keith Relf

Love Me Do tells the story of Keith Relf, lead singer with The Yardbirds and later Renaissance, and whose life was cut tragically short.

William Keith Relf was born on March 22, 1943, in Richmond, on the edge of London. He was best known as the lead vocalist and harmonica player for the British pop group The Yardbirds. Keith’s musical journey began in the summer of 1956 when as a precocious 13-year-old he started playing in bands as a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player.

Keith Relf Joins The Yardbirds

Keith Relf of The Yardbirds — Keith Relf in The Yardbirds

Keith joined The Yardbirds in 1963, and his powerful voice and harmonica skills became a defining feature of the band. He co-wrote several of their classic songs, including Shapes of Things, I Ain’t Done Wrong, Over Under Sideways Down, and Happenings Ten Years Time Ago. Keith also performed an early version of Dazed and Confused in live Yardbirds concerts, which was later recorded by Led Zeppelin.

Keith Relf After The Yardbirds

In 1968, after The Yardbirds disbanded, Keith formed the acoustic duo Together with fellow Yardbird Jim McCarty. They soon transitioned into forming the band Renaissance, which also featured Keith’s sister Jane Relf and ex-Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty. Keith’s musical style evolved more towards acoustic and folk music during this period.

Armageddon

Keith continued to explore different musical avenues after leaving Renaissance in 1970. He produced other artists, including Steamhammer, Hunter Muskett, Amber, Saturnalia, and Medicine Head. In 1974, he formed the progressive rock group Armageddon, which included notable musicians like Bobby Caldwell, Martin Pugh, and Louis Cennamo.

Keith Relf’s Tragic Death

Tragically, Keith Relf’s life was cut short on May 12, 1976, when he died from electrocution while playing an ungrounded electric guitar in his home’s basement. He was only 33 years old. Keith had several health problems, including emphysema and asthma, which may have contributed to his inability to survive the electric shock.

Keith Relf’s legacy lives on through his contributions to rock music and his influence on future generations of musicians. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Yardbirds in 1992.