The Yardbirds

British rock band, formed in London in 1963. Noted for their exploration of blues, rhythm and blues, and rock music, the group consisted of Keith Relf on vocals and harmonica, Paul Samwell-Smith on bass, Chris Dreja on rhythm guitar and later bass when Samwell-Smith left the band, and Jim McCarty on drums. A defining characteristic of the band was its revolving lineup of lead guitarists, starting with in 1963, followed by Eric Clapton (1963-1965), Jeff Beck (1965-1966), and lastly, Jimmy Page (1966-1968).