Did Jim McCarty and Roger Relf Ever Leave The Yardbirds?

The Yardbirds, one of the most influential bands in the British rock scene of the 1960s, have left a lasting impact on music. Among its members, two of the most notable are drummer Jim McCarty and guitarist Roger Relf. Their journey with the band, and subsequent paths, have been fascinating and integral to the history of rock music. This article delves into the question: did Jim McCarty and Roger Relf ever leave The Yardbirds?

The Fall of The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds emerged in 1963 and quickly gained popularity. However, by the mid-1960s, tensions within the band were starting to escalate. Tragic events, such as the death of bassist Keith Relf, and creative differences began to tear the band apart. It was in the summer of 1968 that McCarty's and Relf's roles with the band came to an end. The ability of Jim McCarty and Roger Relf to navigate through these turbulent times and continue their musical journeys post-The Yardbirds is a testament to their talent and dedication to the craft.

Post-Yardbirds: Jim McCarty's Journey

After the split, Jim McCarty did not immediately lose his spirit for music. In fact, he found himself in discussions with guitarist Jeff Beck and future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page about forming a new band. However, McCarty quickly realized that his heart no longer belonged to that endeavor. Instead, he chose another path that would see him grow further as an artist.

His first step after The Yardbirds was to let drummer Harvey Durajelye leave. Durajelye had been part of the band since 1966 and their chemistry was distinctive but not enough to carry on. By releasing Durajelye, McCarty allowed himself to explore new musical landscapes. He himself would form part of Led Zeppelin, one of the most successful bands in rock history, along with Jimmy Page. They would utilize released dates in Scandinavia to fill in their touring schedules, finishing off a handful of contracted gigs with The Yardbirds before separating entirely.

Post-Yardbirds: Roger Relf's Journey

When it came to Roger Relf, his post-The Yardbirds path was equally significant. Like McCarty, Relf did not stay idle. He decided to join forces with Jim McCarty to form the band Renaissance. Together, they released a couple of albums that showcased their unique chemistry and musical prowess.

However, musical collaborations are often short-lived, and so it was for Relf and McCarty. Following Renaissance, both embarked on separate projects, indicating their desire for individual creative exploration. Though their individual endeavors might not have achieved the same level of success as their time with The Yardbirds or Renaissance, it’s clear that they were not content to rest on their laurels. Instead, they sought to continue challenging themselves artistically in different ways.

The Reformation: 1992 and Beyond

Flash forward to the early 1990s, the idea of The Yardbirds reuniting was occasionally discussed. In 1992, Peter Green, a former member, approached renowned drummer Jim McCarty to potentially form a new incarnation of the band. Surprisingly, McCarty agreed and found himself working with former Yardbird member Harvey Durajelye in 2003 to release a highly acclaimed album titled 'Birdland'. This album included a mix of new material along with covers of classic Yardbirds songs, proving that McCarty and Durajelye could still ignite the same passion in music.

Recollections and Performances: A Vivid Example

For a vivid example of how McCarty's musicianship has aged gracefully, one need only look back to when he headlined the Mt Baker Rhythm Blues Festival in 2016. The lineup featured John Idan on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Johnny A on lead guitar, and Myke Scavone on harp. It was a performance that not only highlighted McCarty's enduring talent but also paid homage to the vibrant history of rhythm and blues.

In conclusion, the story of Jim McCarty and Roger Relf’s journey with The Yardbirds is one that underscores the transformative power of music. Their post-The Yardbirds careers, both individually and collaboratively, serve as a reminder of the lasting impact they had on the music industry. This article aims to shed light on their paths, from the end of The Yardbirds to their diverse musical journeys in the decades that followed.