The Yardbirds (Photo courtesy the band)
The Yardbirds — the band that spearheaded the British Blues Boom of the ’60s, the band that brought the world Eric Clapton in 1963, Jeff Beck in 1965 and Jimmy Page in 1966 (who played in the band with Beck for four months) — will perform at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The current lineup includes critically acclaimed original drummer and composer Jim McCarty; lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist John Idan, whose tenure with the band began in 1992; bassist Kenny Aaronson, who has lent his considerable talents to Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Hall and Oates over the years; lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend, an amazing player who has performed with luminaries including John Entwistle and Jack Bruce; and Myke Scavone (lead singer of The Doughboys) on harp, percussion, and backing vocals.
Watch The Yardbirds perform “For Your Love” live in 1965 on YouTube:
Known as much for their strict allegiance to the blues as for their international chart-topping hit “For Your Love,” The Yardbirds have never lost their drive and jet-propelled beat, due mainly to Mr. McCarty. Their “Train Kept A’ Rollin’” inspired Aerosmith to tackle the same song. Their early forays into heavy rock inspired Page to form his own band, originally named The New Yardbirds, but ultimately named Led Zeppelin.
The Yardbirds, electrifying, eclectic, and way ahead of their time, melded heavy rock, wild jams, the blues, and an improvisatory feel, and continue to influence generations of bands and artists. Go to a Yardbirds show and you’ll find crowds filled with 20-somethings to baby boomers all thrilling to this band’s legendary power. Watching The Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock ’n’ roll history.
The Yardbirds
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
Rockville, Maryland
Thursday, Oct. 10
Show @ 8pm
$55
All ages