Yardbirds THEN & NOW: Happenings Ten Years Ago (1966) 🎸

The Yardbirds are an English rock band formed in London in 1963. Widely recognized as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, they pioneered psychedelic rock, blues rock, and early hard rock. The group became legendary for launching the careers of three of the greatest guitarists of all time—Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Founded by Keith Relf on vocals and harmonica, Chris Dreja on rhythm guitar, Paul Samwell-Smith on bass, Jim McCarty on drums, and Top Topham on lead guitar (soon replaced by Eric Clapton), the band first gained fame for their raw blues sound and energetic live performances at venues such as the Crawdaddy Club. In 1965, they had their first major hit with “For Your Love,” but the single’s pop-oriented style caused Clapton to leave the band. He was replaced by Jeff Beck, whose arrival marked a turning point in the Yardbirds’ sound. With Beck as lead guitarist, the band explored experimental techniques including fuzz effects, feedback, and Eastern-inspired melodies, helping to push rock music into psychedelic territory. During this era, they recorded some of their most iconic tracks, including “Heart Full of Soul,” “Shapes of Things,” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” This lineup is often regarded as the classic Yardbirds formation. In 1966, Jimmy Page joined the band, initially as a bassist before moving to lead guitar alongside Beck, creating a powerful twin-guitar lineup. The single “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,” featuring both Beck and Page, is considered a precursor to heavy rock and hinted at the sound that would later define Led Zeppelin. Beck departed later that year due to internal tensions and health issues, leaving Page as the sole guitarist. The Yardbirds’ sound grew heavier, foreshadowing the hard rock style that Page would fully develop in Led Zeppelin. Despite their groundbreaking contributions, the Yardbirds disbanded in 1968. Jimmy Page subsequently formed Led Zeppelin, initially using the name “The New Yardbirds.” The Yardbirds’ legacy lies in their innovative use of guitar feedback and distortion, their fusion of blues roots with psychedelic and hard rock elements, and their improvisational live performances that pushed the boundaries of rock music.
Band 1966 then and now: Keith Relf, Chris Dreja, Jeff Beck, Paul Samwell-Smith, Jim McCarty,
Their best-known songs include “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Shapes of Things,” “Over Under Sideways Down,” “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,” “I’m a Man,” and “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” The band’s influence on future rock music is immeasurable, cementing their status as a cornerstone of rock history.
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