The Yardbirds Fly to Maui Sept.16th

By Madeline M. Ziecker

The Yardbirds, a legendary rock band hailing from the 1960s, will hold a concert at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s Castle Theater Friday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m.

The Yardbirds 2010: Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Jim McCarty (drums, backing vocals), Ben King (lead guitar), David Smale (bass, backing vocals), and Andy Mitchell (lead vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar). Photo Courtesy of The Yardbirds website.

The Yardbirds, now on the scene for 35 years, are well known for their virtuosity in several musical styles and their earlier introduction of ‘fuzz tone’ guitar effects.

The Yardbirds originated in London 1963 and consisted of five members: Keith Reif (lead vocals, harmonica), Anthony Topham (lead guitar), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar), Paul Samwell-Smith (bass, back-up vocals), and Jim McCarty (backing vocals).

Original members Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty continue to carry the spark of the original Yardbirds sound into the current band’s progressive style.

Throughout their career, the group (while rotating members over time) has collaborated with legends Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. In 1992, The Yardbirds were accepted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

A trademark of exceptional rock musicians is the ability to meld poetry with rock & roll. The Yardbirds do exactly that with decades of experience behind them to carry them even further on their flight through time and music.

Sounds like:  Guitars with the classy distortion of cold water running into a metal tub. Andy Mitchell’s lead vocals hint at a cleaner, smoother tone; vocal styling reminiscent to that of Metallica’s James Hetfield.

The Yardbirds at the MACC is also a benefit for Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Jr. Lifeguard Program. Tickets are available at the MACC box office or online.  Ticket prices: $35, $45 and $55. Call 242-7469, or visit www.mauiarts.org.