Watch 1963 footage of the Yardbirds performing ‘Louise’ with Eric Clapton on guitar here:

One of the most important bands to emerge from the early Sixties’ British R&B scene, the Yardbirds’ original line-up consisted of Keith Relf (vocals), Anthony Topham (lead guitar), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar), Paul Samwell-Smith (bass) and Jim McCarty (drums). However, Topham soon left and was replaced by Eric Clapton who was to be the first of the stellar guitarists who passed through their ranks. Managed by Giorgio Gomelsky, they took over the Rolling Stones’ residency at the Richmond Crawdaddy and in 1964, broke with convention by making their first album release a live recording, ‘Five Live Yardbirds’, made at the Marquee. They enjoyed a UK No. 2 hit single with ‘For Your Love’, but unhappy at its poppier direction, Clapton left in early 1965. He was replaced by Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page also joined the band a year later. The Yardbirds found greater success in the US than in the UK, but faltered after Beck’s departure in late ‘66. The band finally split in 1968, with Page forming the New Yardbirds to fulfil outstanding obligations; they would soon change their name to Led Zeppelin - and the rest is history.

Did you see the Yardbirds perform live? Who do you think was the best guitarist for the Yardbirds? Share your memories here.