The Yardbirds formed in 1963 with Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, and Eric Clapton. They signed to EMI and released their first major hit, Having A Rave Up With The Yardbirds, in 1965. In 1966, bassist Jimmy Page was replaced by Jeff Beck, who was a sought-after musical prodigy.
The Yardbirds released their fourth album, Little Games, in 1968 and played their last gig on June 1, 1968. Jimmy Page started Led Zeppelin and reformed The Yardbirds in 1992. Keith Relf died in 1976, but The Yardbirds will play at least five gigs in 2022.
About the Song: The Yardbirds showed the world how to turn a classic R&B tune on its head. The song was originally written and released in 1955 by the one and only Bo Diddley. At about 88 beats per minute. The Yardbirds’ studio rendition doubles the speed, adds attitude, and a dirty-sexy crescendo in the last sixty seconds.