He's a 'Bird

Today in rock history, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds in 1965 due to musical differences with the other band members. Clapton wanted to continue in a bluesier mode, while the rest of the group preferred the more commercial appeal of the soon-to-be-released, “For Your Love.” The band proved to be a fertile breeding ground for lead guitarists Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, who all got their start there. I think at one time, in 1966, Beck and Page were in the group at the same time, resulting in the single "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago”, which features their twin lead guitar attack (with future band mate John Paul Jones brought in to play bass). Unfortunately, no other recordings exist that showcase their twin lead artistry, and Page ended up playing bass on some of their recordings and live shows. What a waste! Jim McCarty and Chris Dreja reformed the Yardbirds in the 1990s, with John Idan handling bass and lead vocals, and touring regularly since then with a number of guitarists and harmonica players passing through their ranks. According the Total Rock website, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page are to possibly rejoin the Yardbirds for a reunion tour some time in 2008, and wouldn’t that be cool! Here is a sample of the “new” Yardbirds. Thanks to www.garylessard.com and www.wikipedia.org for the trivia, and keep on rockin’!