Overview

• His sister-in-law Muriel Levy announced his death on Threads, citing years of health problems, with Jimmy Page and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame posting remembrances.
• An original member since 1963, Dreja started on rhythm guitar and moved to bass after Jimmy Page joined in 1966.
• He co-wrote many Yardbirds songs and drew the distinctive cover art for the 1966 album often known as Roger the Engineer.
• Following the Yardbirds’ 1968 split, he declined Page’s invitation to join the group that became Led Zeppelin and built a photography career, including the back-cover photo for Led Zeppelin’s debut.
• A series of strokes in 2012–2013 led to his retirement from performing, and his passing leaves Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell‑Smith as the surviving original Yardbirds members.