“The band’s hallmark of top-notch musicianship remains. There are no passengers in this band.” –Goldmine Magazine
Drummer, singer, songwriter, producer and co-founder, said to be one of the driving forces responsible for its haunting sound, Jim McCarty continues to lead this ground-breaking 1960s British ‘invasion’ rock band, providing the crucial link between the blues, British R&B, psychedelic rock, and heavy metal, while pioneering the use of sound innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion.
Since the birth of the band to its 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a 2003 reformation, the Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists who have contributed to the band’s history including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
Its current line-up features top musicians, notably lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend (John Entwistle, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Christopher Cross, Dave Mason and musical director of the Turtles’ Happy Together tour); bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Billy Idol, Derringer, Joan Jett), Myke Scavone (Ram Jam Band and Doughboys), harmonica, backing vocals, percussion; and lead singer/guitarist John Idan who lends his distinct vocals to the Yardbirds’ 2003 “Birdland” album featuring guest appearances from both Steve Vai and Slash.
The current band has recently completed work on an upcoming live album soon to be released.
Yardbirds play select dates on the US East Coast this March: details at http://www.jamesmccarty.com/tour/
Listen to the Yardbirds live in the US here at Singsong Music via this link