Christopher Walenty Dreja, Founding Member of The Yardbirds, Dies at 78

Christopher Walenty Dreja, renowned musician, photographer, and founding member of The Yardbirds, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 78 after a long illness.

As rhythm guitarist for The Yardbirds, Dreja helped shape the sound of modern rock, playing alongside Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. His steady, powerful playing and artistic vision were central to the band’s groundbreaking style. He also contributed the cover art for their landmark 1966 album Roger the Engineer, cementing his reputation as both a musician and an artist.

Born in Surrey, England, Dreja studied at Kingston Art College before devoting himself to music. After the Yardbirds disbanded in 1969, he transitioned into a successful career as a commercial photographer, with subjects ranging from Led Zeppelin to Andy Warhol. He later returned to music with Box of Frogs in the 1980s and with the re-formed Yardbirds from the 1990s into the 2000s.

Dreja’s contributions to music and photography spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.