Bio: The Yardbirds

Love Me Do tells the story of British group The Yardbirds, who were a mix of rock, blues, pop and psychedelic influences with hits like For Your Love.

The Yardbirds were one of the most influential and innovative groups of the 1960s, known for their pioneering contributions to rock and blues music. Formed in London in 1963, they are famous for launching the careers of three of the greatest guitarists in rock history: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Here’s a potted history of The Yardbirds.

Early Years of The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds were formed in 1963 by Keith Relf (vocals), Paul Samwell-Smith (bass), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar), Jim McCarty (drums), and Anthony ‘Top’ Topham (lead guitar). However, Topham was soon replaced by Eric Clapton due to personal reasons. The group’s name was inspired by American blues and jazz artists who were known as yardbirds in the 1930s and 1940s.

The Yardbirds’ Rise to Fame (1963-1965)

The Yardbirds quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and their innovative blend of blues, rock, and experimental sounds. They became the house group at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, London, following the departure of The Rolling Stones.

In May, 1964, they released their debut single, I Wish You Would, followed by Good Morning Little Schoolgirl in October. Their breakthrough came with the release of For Your Love in March, 1965, which reached the Top Ten in both the UK and the US. However, Clapton, who preferred a more traditional blues sound, left the group and was replaced by Jeff Beck.

The Jeff Beck Era (1965-1966)

With Jeff Beck on board, The Yardbirds entered their most experimental phase. Beck’s innovative guitar work and the group’s willingness to push musical boundaries resulted in a series of groundbreaking recordings. Their 1965 album, Having a Rave Up with The Yardbirds, included hits like Heart Full of Soul and Shapes of Things, along with some blues covers including Smokestack Lightning and Bo Diddley’s I’m a Man.

In February, 1966, the group released Shapes of Things as a single and it reached Number 3 in the UK charts and is often regarded as one of the first psychedelic rock songs. Beck’s use of feedback and distortion became a hallmark of the group’s sound during this period. However, internal tensions and Beck’s erratic behavior led to his departure from the group in 1966.

The Jimmy Page Era and Disbandment (1966-1968)

By the time of Beck’s departure Jimmy Page had already joined The Yardbirds, at first playing bass alongside Beck’s lead guitar. Beck soon left to form the Jeff Beck Group. Under Page’s leadership, The Yardbirds continued to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of hard rock and proto-metal.

Yardbirds Little Games CD — Little Games

Their 1967 album, Little Games, showcased this new direction but failed to achieve significant commercial success. The group’s live performances during this period, however, were unreal, with Page’s virtuosity and use of the violin bow on the guitar becoming legendary. You can get a sense of their live sound on the excellent Live Yardbirds LP.

Despite their innovations, The Yardbirds struggled with internal conflicts and changing musical landscapes. The group officially disbanded in 1968, but Jimmy Page went on to form Led Zeppelin, continuing the legacy of The Yardbirds’ pioneering spirit.

Live Yardbirds featuring Jimmy Page CD — Live Yardbirds featuring Jimmy Page

The Yardbirds’ Legacy and Influence

The Yardbirds’ influence on rock and blues music is profound, though they remain one of the most under-rated groups of the sixties. They were instrumental in the development of rock guitar techniques, and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles like heavy metal and psychedelia set the stage for future generations of musicians. The careers of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, three of rock’s greatest guitarists, were launched with The Yardbirds.

The group’s music continues to be celebrated through reissues, compilations, and tributes. Their contributions to the evolution of rock and their role in shaping the sound of the 1960s are increasingly recognized by fans and critics alike.