Chris Dreja at ZepFest

When ZepFest rolls around later this month, there will be a number of special guests. Among them, Yardbirds rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja.  Dreja was an original member in 1963, playing rhythm guitar behind Top Topham, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. While Jimmy Page originally joined the Yardbirds as a bass player, he soon joined Beck on guitar and Dreja moved to bass.

When he was forming Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page reportedly offered the bass job to Dreja, who declined in order to concentrate on a career in photography. He did, however, shoot a number of pictures of the Led Zeppelin members, including the back cover picture on their first album, Led Zeppelin I.

While he is at ZepFest, Dreja is bringing a number of pictures which he will sell at a merchandise table. One picture of Jimmy Page, signed by Dreja and Page will be sold at the show.

Tickets for ZepFest can be purchased at their website.

Chris Dreja Photography can be found here.