The Yardbirds @ Infinity Music Hall & Bistro

The Yardbirds are more than a Rock band…they are an institution…which, in the brief period from 1963 to 1968, made an indelible mark on the “Shapes of Things” to come. 

To the casual music fan, The Yardbirds are best known as the band that honed the skills of future “guitar gods” Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page; and for their slew of chart hits, including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul”, “I’m A Man”, and “Over Under Sideways Down”.  However, led by core members and songwriters Jim McCarty (drums), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar/bass) and the late Keith Relf (vocals/harmonica), the band’s experimental explorations also provided the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzz tone, feedback and distortion.  Even their 1968 break-up set the stage for Rock ‘n’ Roll’s future…leading Jimmy Page to form the New Yardbirds, later re-christened Led Zeppelin.

Reuniting decades later, McCarty and Dreja brought The Yardbirds boldy into the 21st Century with the 2003 release of the acclaimed CD “Birdland”, which featured guest appearances from the likes of Brian May, Joe Satriani, Slash and Steve Vai.  And continuing their tradition of developing future British superstars, The Yardbirds debuted a new line-up July 2009 in North America, featuring the raw talents of guitarist Ben King, who has garnered a reputation as one of hottest, most tasteful young guitar players around, bassist David Smale (a much-respected and admired UK-based musician) and vocalist Andy Mitchell, whose sound is straight out of the mid-‘50s Chicago school of blues…all led by the drive and jet-propelled beat of Mr. McCarty (Mr. Dreja is currently on hiatus from touring for health reasons, but looks forward to seeing fans again soon!).

The Yardbirds, electrifying, eclectic and way ahead of their time, melded heavy rock, wild jams, and an improvisatory feel, and continue to influence generations of bands. Go to a Yardbirds show and you'll find crowds filled with 20-somethings to baby boomers all thrilling to this band's legendary power. Watching The Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock’n’roll history.