The Yardbirds, the band that spearheaded the British Blues Boom of the 1960s, the band that brought the world Eric Clapton in 1963, Jeff Beck in 1965 and Jimmy Page in 1966 (who played in the band with Beck for four months), the band that continues to inspire artists worldwide, will tour the East Coast starting March 14 in Old Saybrook, Connecticutt.
The current lineup includes critically-acclaimed original drummer/composer Jim McCarty, lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist John Idan, whose tenure with the band began in 1992, bassist Kenny Aaronson, who’s lent his considerable talents to Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Hall and Oates over the years, lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend, an amazing player who has performed with numerous rock luminaries including John Entwistle and Jack Bruce, and Myke Scavone, (who is also lead singer in The Doughboys) on harp, percussion and backing vocals.
Known as much for their strict allegiance to the blues as for their international chart-topping hit “For Your Love,” The Yardbirds have never lost their drive and jet-propelled beat, due mainly to Mr. McCarty. Their “Train Kept A’ Rollin’” inspired Aerosmith to tackle the same song. Their early forays into heavy rock inspired Page to form his own band, originally named The New Yardbirds, but ultimately named Led Zeppelin.
The Yardbirds, electrifying, eclectic and way ahead of their time, melded heavy rock, wild jams, the blues, and an improvisatory feel, and continue to influence generations of bands and artists. Go to a Yardbirds show and you'll find crowds filled with 20-somethings to baby boomers all thrilling to this band's legendary power. Watching The Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock’n’roll history.
The Yardbirds 2019 Tour Schedule:
March 14 – Old Saybrook, CT – Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
March 15 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
March 16 – Albany, NY – The Egg: Sawyer Theatre
March 18 – New York, NY – City Winery
March 20 – Boston, MA – City Winery
March 21 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse
March 22 – Buffalo, NY – Tralf Music Hall
March 23 – Warren, PA – Struthers Library Theatre
March 24 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House
March 28 – Phoenixville, PA – Colonial Theatre
March 29 – Washington, D.C. – City Winery
March 30 – Richmond, VA – Tin Pan
April 2-5 – Time Life Flower Power Cruise
