• Blues Rock
• Blues

From humble beginnings in Richmond during 1963 the YARDBIRDS, then titled METROPOLITAN BLUES QUARTET, would arguably provide the spark that would launch the Hard Rock movement in Britain almost single handedly. The pedigree of the guitarists to have made the band their stepping stone into the public eye is beyond par with ERIC CLAPTON, JEFF BECK and JIMMY PAGE all boasting membership.

The band, with original guitarist Anthony Topham, made their London debut backing legendary Blues man SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON at his residency at the equally renowned Crawdaddy club. This exposure secured a deal with Columbia Records. Topham left to record a solo album before joining ROAD.

The YARDBIRDS at this juncture comprised of vocalist Keith Relf, ex-ROOSTERS and CASEY JONES & THE ENGINEERS guitarist Eric Clapton, rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, bassist Paul Samwell Smith and drummer Jim McCarty.

A brace of R&B flavoured singles ensued before 1964's 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' gave the band their first, albeit lowly, chart placing. The band's placings in the charts did not represent their following on the London club scene though where the YARDBIRDS were packing out venues on a regular basis...