The Yardbirds were an English rock band formed in London in 1963. They are best known for their innovative and influential music that bridged the gap between blues and rock. The band had a number of highly talented guitarists throughout their career, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, who went on to achieve fame with other bands.

The original lineup of the Yardbirds included Keith Relf on vocals and harmonica, Chris Dreja on rhythm guitar, Paul Samwell-Smith on bass, Jim McCarty on drums, and Anthony "Top" Topham on lead guitar. However, Topham was quickly replaced by Eric Clapton, who was already gaining a reputation as one of the best guitarists in London.

With Clapton on board, the Yardbirds released a series of classic blues-based singles, including "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," and "Shapes of Things." However, Clapton left the band in 1965 over musical differences, and was replaced by Jeff Beck.

Under Beck's leadership, the Yardbirds continued to push the boundaries of rock music, experimenting with feedback and distortion in their live performances. However, Beck's tenure was also short-lived, and he left the band in 1966.

The Yardbirds continued on with Jimmy Page as their lead guitarist, and it was during this period that they began to experiment with heavy, riff-driven rock that would later become known as "heavy metal." However, the band was short-lived, and they disbanded in 1968.

Despite their relatively brief career, the Yardbirds were highly influential, and their music helped pave the way for the blues-rock and heavy metal genres that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s. Many of their songs, including "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," and "Shapes of Things," have become classics of rock music, and their innovative approach to guitar playing has inspired countless musicians over the years.

Originally called The Most Blueswailing Yardbirds. -GSH

• Keith Relf - vocals/harmonica - b. March 22, 1943, London, England; d. May 14, 1976, England (from electric shock).
• Chris Dreja - rhythm guitar - b. November 11, 1946, London, England.
• Jim McCarty - drums - b. July 25, 1943, Liverpool, England.
• Paul Samwell-Smith - bass - b. May 8, 1943, England
• Anthony "Top" Topham - guitar - b. England.