The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds started out in 1963 as part of the first wave of British blues groups, paying homage to their beloved Chicago blues. After the departure of original guitarist Eric Clapton in 1965, the group turned to a heavier, more psychedelic pop-rock sound. Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page both filled the guitar chair for the group, and after the Yardbirds disbanded, Page continued the heavy blues-rock concept with Led Zeppelin (as did Clapton and Beck, with Cream and the Jeff Beck Group, respectively). Consequently, the Yardbirds remain one of the most influential bands in rock history. Several times since 1992, various versions of the Yardbirds have reunited for concert tours.