Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has expressed his regret for not having spent more time with a quietly influential individual in his life.
In the 1960s, Jimmy Page was a prominent session guitarist, part of the influential scene surrounding Immediate Records. He contributed to numerous hit records, content to remain in the background until he received an invitation from The Yardbirds.
Page joined the band during their psychedelic era, briefly collaborating with fellow guitar legend Jeff Beck.
With Beck leaving the group, The Yardbirds started to center around Jimmy Page, working alongside rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja.
As a key figure in the Yardbirds' narrative, he remained with the band until its conclusion, after which he formed the New Yardbirds, which would eventually evolve into Led Zeppelin.
Fan speculation has long suggested that Chris Dreja was considered for the bass guitarist position in Led Zeppelin, a role effectively filled by John Paul Jones. However, Dreja refuted this in a 2010 interview, stating to Spinner: “I was never asked. John Paul Jones was the best bass player in Europe at that time. He was a perfect fit.”
Instead, Chris Dreja pursued a career in photography. In this respect, he played a subtly significant role in the Led Zeppelin story—he took the group photograph featured on the back of Led Zeppelin’s renowned, globally successful debut album, reportedly being paid £15 for that session.
The two maintained their connection when work brought them together again, including the 1980s Yardbirds reunion project Box of Frogs, where Page contributed guitar. They also collaborated on the live album ‘Yardbirds ’68’ in November 2017.
Tragically, Chris Dreja passed away earlier this week, and one of the most heartfelt tributes came from Jimmy Page, who conveyed a sense of sorrow over the paths that led them apart.
I learned of the passing of musician Chris Dreja, who passionately played rhythm guitar and later bass for the legendary Yardbirds.
I hadn’t seen him in some time, and I regret that. Rest in peace, Chris.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has expressed his remorse for not spending more time with an influential figure who played a significant role in his life. In the 1960s, Jimmy Page was
