The latest edition of Yardbirds is splitting, though stalwart Jim McCarty says he will be working on “other Yardbirds projects” soon.
“There was no bad feeling within the band — just came to that time,” McCarty says, noting the myriad changes he’s seen over group’s five decades. “The Yardbirds as a band has continued to evolve through the years, with great musicians playing all around the world.”
McCarty had been joined by lead guitarist Ben King since 2005, and then David Smale and Andy Mitchell (on bass and vocals, respectively) since 2009. Top Topham, the Yardbirds’ founding guitarist, rejoined in 2013.
“The current line-up of the group will be parting ways at the end of the year, and I will be working on solo ventures and other Yardbirds projects in 2015,” McCarty confirms. “I would like to thank Ben, Andy, Dave and Top for all their support through the years — and wish all Yardbirds fans a great Christmas and prosperous 2015!”
The ailing Chris Dreja was the band’s other longest tenured performer, having performed alongside McCarty from 1963–68, then in 1982–83 and again from 1992–2013. The founding lineup also featured the late Keith Relf and Paul Samwell-Smith. Their legendary string of guitarists in the 1960s included Eric Clapton (1963–65), Jeff Beck (1965–66) and Jimmy Page (1966–68). Gypie Mayo memorably contributed from 1995–2005, as well.
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