While I consider myself a big fan of the Yardbirds, it is too much to say they can be considered for being the most important rock group ever after the Beatles. The mere connection of Clapton Beck and Page to the group did not mean their experience in it was their most significant work or even that such experience was for each the most formative. Clapton after all was chosen for the group because he already was an acknowledged follower of the blues, and he did not really hone is style until later, with both Mayall and Cream. talking about guitar sounds and technique, it was not until his stint with Mayall covered on the Beano album that he first used the Gibson Les Paul through the then new Marshall amp, creating the signature sound soon followed by blues rock guitar players everywhere. And in Cream that we saw him take the power trio supergroup concept to such a high level.
Beck's time in the Yardbirds concededly was more significant, in part because it lasted longer, and skep is accurate in noting the use of feedback and other creative effects. Jimi Hendrix also did credit Beck with being a huge influence on him. But imo the music of the Yardbirds only developed so far during this period, and was not really all that influential on those who would carry psychedelia into what became acid rock. That was more the work of the San Francisco bands such as the Jefferson Airplane, and I do not recall them saying much about the Yardbirds. Or Jerry Garcia and the dead doing so, either.
Jimmy Page was a widely known, used and accomplished session man before he joined the Yardbirds. And most of his development after his session work was in Led Zeppelin. I am aware of the connection, literally including bassist John Paul Jones in a late iteration of the Yardbirds. But there just was not all that much carried over.
But my main point about the Yardbirds is that while Clapton Beck and Page all played for them, there was not much in the way of synergy or overlap among them. Beck and Page did play together, including in this film. But it was brief and I do not note much beyond A Train Kept a Rollin as any notable work they did together. Beck for one went on to his own group where he didn't even have a rhythm guitarist, let alone a deal where he traded off with another lead. In other words I don't know how much his time with Page influenced him, and the same can be said of Page when he went to LZ. Clapton never played in the group with either Page or Beck.
So, a great group, but most influential is too much overstatement.
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tika313
9 years ago
I agree with your comment. I do think Jimmy's time in The Yardbirds was the first and most significant step in creating Led Zepplin. It's been endlessly documented that more than one song sprang from Page's exposure to bands and artists who were on the same bill with The Yardbirds. He filed these songs and ideas away for a later date and then presented them to the other members who made their contributions. Dazed and Confused is a perfect example. I don't think anyone would dispute the influence Led Zepplin has had on modern music. So it's probable that without The Yardbirds, there may not have been a Led Zepplin. I don't like the terms " best, or most" since they are subjective. You simply cannot win an argument regarding opinions. When I'm required to rate something I use the word "one". I make my opinion known without overstating or discounting anyone else. In my opinion The Yardbirds are "one" of the most influential bands from the twentieth century. It's been exciting to have been a witness to all of this unbridled creativity. Kids don't know what they missed.
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