Although The Yardbirds shared the stage with their British Invasion contemporaries, they didn’t experience the same level of commercial success. However, the band managed to secure hits and is now recognized as a stepping stone for some of rock music’s most iconic guitarists. This journey commenced when Eric Clapton left the group in 1965.
Eric Clapton, a renowned guitarist who requires no introduction, experienced his initial taste of fame when he joined the blues band in 1963. This band, known as The Yardbirds, included rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, vocalist Kieth Relf, and drummer Jim McCarty. As the Beatles’ popularity surged, so too did their own profile, culminating in their first hit single “For Your Love” in 1965.
Eric Clapton quit the Yardbirds in 1965
On that particular song, Clapton participated, but he despised it. He criticized his fellow bandmates for abandoning their blues roots to pursue pop music, which acts like the Hollies and even the Beatles had become famous with. Displeased, he left and joined the group Cream the year after.
The musician openly acknowledged his appreciation for the wealth and recognition associated with belonging to a well-known group, yet found it challenging to reconcile his professional aspirations with his musical passions. This conflict led to a prolonged spell of deep sadness.
As I grind through nights upon nights, I feel more like a robot than a gamer, playing to meet expectations rather than for pure enjoyment. The pressure is on to get my performance just right, or risk facing the wrath of those in charge. It’s during this time that I start to lose sight of the camaraderie and respect for my fellow artists. Tensions rise, but looking back, I can’t help but feel a sense of understanding rather than resentment towards my former bandmates.
Clapton remained friendly with the band
Keith Relf echoed Clapton’s views during the same Rave interview. He acknowledged that Eric is a genuine blues artist who appreciates experimental, intense music. However, they are shifting towards more accessible R&B now. He admitted to their differences in temperament and overwork being the reasons for the strife, but they ended on amicable terms.
On both sides, they managed to amass considerable success. Eric Clapton, subsequently, gained stardom with Cream and later as a solo artist. Simultaneously, The Yardbirds played a pivotal role in launching the careers of two potential top-tier guitarists – Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. After Clapton’s departure, Beck moved on from the Yardbirds in 1966, and Page stayed with the band until its dissolution in 1968.
In 1992, The Yardbirds got back together with their original drummer McCarty, and they’ve been touring ever since. However, both Beck and Page briefly rejoined the band in 2003 and 2017, but Eric Clapton has chosen not to. He’s stuck by his decision and hasn’t looked back since.
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2025-02-19 23:00