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Freedy Johnston’s Acclaimed Album “Can You Fly” Re-Released on Vinyl and CD After 25 Years

Eric Alper
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Freedy Johnston’s Acclaimed Album “Can You Fly” Re-Released on Vinyl and CD After 25 Years

Described upon its 1992 release as “a perfect album” by The Village Voice, Freedy Johnston’s seminal Can You Fly is available again for the first time in a quarter-century. Remastered for compact disc and vinyl, including a clear vinyl first pressing, the 13-song Americana-rock classic is re-released by Sunset Blvd Records and out now.

“I just couldn’t be happier that this is happening,” said singer-songwriter Johnston from a tour stop in Tennessee. “And most of the fans’ response is, ‘It’s about time’!”

Originally released on Bar/None Records (of Montreal, Yo La Tengo etc.), Can You Fly earned Johnston a major label deal with Elektra Records, for whom he released four albums, and he was declared “songwriter of the year” by Rolling Stone (just ahead of a certain Kurt Cobain). AllMusic dubbed the album “stunningly accomplished,” while People described it as, “an extraordinary second album, one of the most tuneful, propulsive and penetrating of this or any year.” Can You Fly was also named as one of the ten best albums of 1992 by Fast Folk.

“It was the halcyon days,” recalled Johnston, who was still working as a typist in New York City at the time. “I was taken by surprise, because I’m pretty self-critical.”

A modest man who doesn’t even read his own reviews, Johnston is quick to credit all involved for the success of Can You Fly. Co-produced by Joe Jackson bassist Graham Maby, the album features Maby on bass, drummer Brian Doherty (Ben Folds, They Might Be Giants), and Marshall Crenshaw (“Someday, Someway”). The new Can You Fly re-release was mastered for CD and vinyl by Scott Hull (Steely Dan, John Mayer etc.)

Initially influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and David Bowie while growing up in sleepy Kinsley, Kansas, Johnston’s later love for Elvis Costello is palpable on Can You Fly. But the two albums he was obsessively listening to while writing his sophomore record were The Pixies’ Surfer Rosa and The Mekons’ Honky Tonkin’.

“I was in a good place. I was happy; I was pie-eyed,” said Johnston, who today lives in New Jersey. “It was like, ‘I made it; I’m a songwriter now – I can really do it!'”

Can You Fly includes singles “In the New Sunshine,” for which a visualizer will be released, and “The Lucky One,” accompanied by its original Peter Feldman-directed clip. “The Lucky One” was later covered by Mary Lou Lord, while the album’s “California Thing” appeared on the soundtrack of Heavy, starring Liv Tyler and Deborah Harry. It’s the only record from Johnston’s fourteen-album catalogue of which he still performs every song on stage (other than “Down in Love,” which is a duet with Syd Straw on Can You Fly).

“Can You Fly is kinda the core of my life,” mulled Johnston as he looks forward to a whole new generation experiencing his re-released masterpiece. “I hope that some kid in their basement stealing their parents’ vinyl will maybe steal this one!”

Get it here.

Teenage Bottlerocket Release New Single “Post Mortem Depression” from Album ‘Ready to Roll’

Eric Alper
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Teenage Bottlerocket Release New Single “Post Mortem Depression” from Album ‘Ready to Roll’

Teenage Bottlerocket have just released their new single “Post Mortem Depression,” from their new LP Ready to Roll, the band’s first full length for Pirates Press Records.

ongwriter Kody Templeman says of the new single: “When we came up with the title ‘Post Mortem Depression,’ we all had a laugh. The idea of being depressed after you die is just idiotic. By the time I got around to writing the song, my mom had passed away and what was supposed to be a fun silly song inadvertently became kind of somber.

“It ultimately became a song about death. Dealing with the loss of a loved one and also examining a person’s own mortality. I tried to lighten the mood a bit by including some dumb references to milky eyes and stinking flesh, but it still comes across with some emotion. I guess that’s not a bad thing. I think everyone can relate to some part of the song. It didn’t turn out the way I expected it to, but I’m really happy with the results. Can’t win em all. ENJOY!”

Boris Announce North American Tour Celebrating 20th Anniversary of Landmark Album ‘Pink’

Eric Alper
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Boris Announce North American Tour Celebrating 20th Anniversary of Landmark Album ‘Pink’

In celebration of the 20 Year Anniversary of their landmark album Pink, Japanese legends Boris have announced a North American tour in October + November 2025.

Since their humble beginnings, Boris have fused catchy heavy rock with expansive, experimental soundscapes- two seemingly opposing forces brought into harmony on a single sonic plane. With Pink as a pivotal point, Boris would go on to further evolve and deepen their own definition of “heavy” by releasing an immense body of work while continually expanding the scope of their creative endeavors. Even now, they remain unswayed by convention, honing a singular aesthetic that defies predictability.

This upcoming tour marks the 20th anniversary of Pink and will be performed by the three-piece lineup from that era. Centered around tracks from Pink, the tour will feature the very setlist that once boldly repainted the map of heavy rock with its vivid sonic colors.

Boris comment: “‘Do You Remember Pink Days?’ For those who experienced that era in real time-and for those encountering it live for the first time-this question will echo across personal timelines, bridging past and future alike.

“With a diverse array of guest acts appearing at shows across the U.S., this tour promises to be far more than a simple anniversary celebration. It offers a powerful, immersive glimpse into both the future and multifaceted nature of heavy rock itself.”

Oct. 23 Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up #
Oct. 24 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom #
Oct. 25 Tucson, AZ – La Rosa #
Oct. 27 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger $
Oct. 28 Austin, TX – Mohawk $
Oct. 30 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade $
Oct. 31 Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom $
Nov. 01 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore $
Nov. 02 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer $
Nov. 04 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel %
Nov. 05 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club %
Nov. 06 Montreal, QC – Le National %
Nov. 07 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre %
Nov. 08 Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall ^
Nov. 09 Chicago, IL – Metro ^
Nov. 11 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line ^
Nov. 13 Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre &
Nov. 14 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge &
Nov. 16 Portland, OR – Revolution Hall &
Nov. 17 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile &
Nov. 20 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
Nov. 21 San Jose, CA – The Ritz
Nov. 22 Los Angeles, CA – Belasco ~
# with Suppression
$ with Agriculture
% with Uniform
^ with Bongzilla
& with Cloakroom
+ with special guests
~ with Lack of Interest

In This Moment Announce 2025 ‘Black Mass’ Tour with Special Guests Dayseeker, The Funeral Portrait, and DED

Eric Alper
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In This Moment Announce 2025 ‘Black Mass’ Tour with Special Guests Dayseeker, The Funeral Portrait, and DED

In This Moment announced the 2025 Black Mass Tour featuring special guests Dayseeker on select dates, The Funeral Portrait, and DED. The 23-city tour kicks off on Thursday, September 18 at 1st Summit Arena in Johnstown, PA making stops across the U.S. in Dallas, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, and more before wrapping up in Bethlehem, PA at Wind Creek Events Center on Friday, October 24.

Tickets will be available starting with artist presales beginning Tuesday, June 24. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, June 27 at 10am local time.

In This Moment is also gearing up to release new music via Better Noise Music this summer. Until then, check out the upcoming Black Mass Tour dates listed below:

Thu Sep 18 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena
Sat Sep 20 – Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall Civic Center#
Sun Sep 21 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
Tue Sep 23 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom^
Wed Sep 24 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Thu Sep 25 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
Sat Sep 27 – El Paso, TX – Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
Sun Sep 28 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel^
Wed Oct 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Thu Oct 02 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Fri Oct 03 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 04 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
Tue Oct 07 – Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House & Event Center^
Wed Oct 08 – Spokane, WA – The Podium
Fri Oct 10 – Idaho Falls, ID – Mountain America Center
Sat Oct 11 – Casper, WY – Casper Events Center
Sun Oct 12 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater
Tue Oct 14 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Thu Oct 16 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall^
Sat Oct 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
Tue Oct 21 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy
Thu Oct 23 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Special Events Center
Fri Oct 24 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Events Center
^without Dayseeker
#without The Funeral Portrait

OneRepublic Drop First-Ever Greatest Hits Album Featuring 16 Career-Spanning Tracks

Eric Alper
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OneRepublic Drop First-Ever Greatest Hits Album Featuring 16 Career-Spanning Tracks

Assembling nearly two decades of smashes, Diamond-certified and GRAMMY Award-nominated pop rock band OneRepublic will unveil their first-ever career-spanning album entitled OneRepublic: The Collection out now.

It releases digitally on all streaming platforms as well as various physical configurations, including CD, a 1LP black vinyl pressing, a limited-edition 1LP “Fruit Punch” color vinyl, and an exclusive 1LP Zoetrope vinyl pressing only be available online through the group’s official D2C store, uDiscover and Sound of Vinyl.

With 16 tracks, The Collection collates some of the band’s biggest hits on one body of work for the very first time. Among many highlights, it features the generational hit “Counting Stars.”

Originally a staple from their 2013 album Native, the latter has only continued to gain popularity over the years, earning a rare Diamond certification from the RIAA and gathering a staggering 3 billion Spotify streams, standing out as one of the “Top 100 Most-Streamed Songs on the Platform.” Additionally, it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Plus, this set includes “I Ain’t Worried.” Originally penned for the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, the 4x-Platinum song figured prominently in the film, playing during the volleyball sequence.

Of course, The Collection also houses OneRepublic’s signature breakout “Apologize.” Certified 4x-Platinum by the RIAA, the latter vaulted to #2 on the Hot 100 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination in the category of “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.” The Collection also showcases collaborations such as “If I Lose Myself” and “I Don’t Wanna Wait”. Speaking to the band’s quiet, yet prevalent influence, they regularly average over 53 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a testament to quality songwriting and musicianship.

PHYSICAL TRACKLISTING
1. I Ain’t Worried
2. Counting Stars
3. Run
4. I Lived
5. RUNAWAY
6. Secrets
7. Apologize (Timbaland Mix)
8. Sunshine
9. Love Runs Out
10. Wherever I Go
11. Rescue Me
12. If I Lose Myself
13. Good Life
14. Stop And Stare
15. All The Right Moves
16. I Don’t Wanna Wait

Pre-order all configurations, here.

Between the Buried and Me Announce Massive Tour Ahead of ‘The Blue Nowhere’ Release

Eric Alper
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Between the Buried and Me Announce Massive Tour Ahead of ‘The Blue Nowhere’ Release

Between the Buried and Me will embark on an extensive North American tour on Sept. 14, just two days after the release of their eagerly awaited new album, The Blue Nowhere (Sept. 12, InsideOutMusic).

The six-week trek is a co-headlining run with Hail The Sun, featuring openers Delta Sleep (Sept. 22-October 30) and The World Is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die (Sept. 14-21). Tickets are on-sale this Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. local time.

“It is with great thrill and anticipation that we’re finally able to announce that we will be hitting the road this fall in support of our brand new album, The Blue Nowhere,” shares guitarist Paul Waggoner. “We always embrace the opportunity to perform for our amazing fans, particularly when we have new music floating around out there!”

Between the Buried and Me and Hail The Sun tour dates:

September 14 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
September 15 Boston, MA Royale
September 16 Ottawa, ON The Bronson
September 18 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
September 19 Montreal, QC Theâtre Beanfield
September 20 Portland, ME Aura
September 21 Albany, NY Empire Live
September 22 New York, NY Warsaw
September 23 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
September 25 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
September 26 Charleston, SC Music Farm
September 27 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
September 29 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
September 30 Orlando, FL House of Blues
October 1 New Orleans, LA The Joy Theater
October 2 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
October 3 San Antonio, TX Kill Iconic Fest
October 4 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
October 7 Phoenix, AZ The Nile Theater
October 8 Riverside, CA Riverside Municipal Auditorium
October 9 Las Vegas, NV 24 Oxford
October 10 San Francisco, CA August Hall
October 12 Portland, OR Revolution Hall
October 13 Seattle, WA The Crocodile
October 14 Vancouver, BC The Pearl
October 16 Edmonton, AB Union Hall
October 17 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall
October 19 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
October 20 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
October 21 Bozeman, MT The ELM
October 22 Missoula, MT The Wilma
October 24 Denver, CO Summit Music Hall
October 25 Wichita, KS TempleLive
October 26 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s
October 27 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre
October 28 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
October 29 Nashville, TN Brooklyn Bowl
October 30 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore

Honeymoon Suite Drop New Single Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down’

Eric Alper
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Honeymoon Suite Drop New Single Ahead of Upcoming Album ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down’

Canadian Rockers Honeymoon Suite are sharing the second single from their upcoming ninth studio album, ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down,’ out via Frontiers Music Srl now. The track, entitled “Ever Leave You Lonely,” is accompanied by a new lyric video.

As a follow-up to their electrifying 2024 release ‘Alive,’ ‘Wake Me Up When the Sun Goes Down’ marks another exciting chapter in the band’s storied career. Known for their infectious blend of melodic rock, powerful hooks, and captivating lyrics, this legendary Canadian band continues to honor its classic 80s-inspired sound while embracing contemporary production techniques.

The new album showcases the group’s signature style – a fusion of hard-hitting rock energy and smooth, melodic anthems – but with an updated sonic twist, adding a modern touch that fans have come to expect after their previous successes.

Guitarist Derry Greham comments on the new single, “Ever Leave You Lonely”, “I was jamming on a cool open tuning that I use sometimes, and out popped the riff for ‘Ever Leave You Lonely.’ I really love the way this song came out. I think I was channeling a combination of U2 and The Cult if you listen closely. They are 2 of my favourite bands. It’s a real uplifting song with a positive lyric.”

Casinia: Play Safe With Bank-Grade Security, Fast Payouts & Top Games

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

If you value safety as much as excitement, Casinia Casino CZ puts protection first without slowing you down. The site blends modern encryption, transparent terms, and responsible-play tools with a clean interface, fast banking, and a broad mix of pokies, table games, and live dealer rooms designed for smooth play on mobile and desktop.

Security First: Encryption, Fair Play, And Account Protection

Casinia uses up-to-date encryption to secure logins and payments, while the cashier routes transactions through trusted providers. Games are supplied by established studios and come with clear info screens so you can review rules, RTP and features before you stake a cent. Account verification (KYC) helps protect both Czech players and payouts, and support is available 24/7 if you need a hand.

  • Encrypted Connections For Logins And Payments.
  • Verified Accounts (KYC) Before First Withdrawal.
  • Clear Game Info: RTP, Rules, And Features.
  • Responsible Tools: Deposit Limits, Time Reminders, Cool-Off, Self-Exclusion.
  • Manual Review Of Payouts To Catch Fraud Early.
  • Friendly, 24/7 Live Chat And Email Support.

These safeguards run quietly in the background so you can focus on gameplay, not paperwork, while keeping your details and winnings protected.

Fast & Secure Banking: Methods, Limits, And Timings

Deposits land quickly and withdrawals move as soon as your account is verified. Pick the method that fits your priorities—speed, simplicity, or traditional banking—and keep everything for fewer surprises.

MethodDeposit TimeTypical Min/Max ($)Withdrawal Speed After ApprovalNotes
Visa / MastercardInstant20–4,0001–3 business daysFamiliar and straightforward; use the same card for faster reviews.
Bank Transfer (NPP/Osko)1–24 hours30–20,0001–3 business daysReliable for larger amounts; bank posting times may vary.
E-Wallets (Skrill/Neteller/Jeton/MiFinity)Instant20–5,000Minutes–24 hoursFastest route once verified; great for frequent players.
Prepaid Voucher (Neosurf/Flexepin)Instant10–500—Deposit-only option; ideal if you don’t want to share card details.
Crypto (BTC/ETH/LTC/USDT)10–30 mins~30–10,000+0–2 hoursNetwork-dependent; useful for quick cashouts and privacy-minded users.

Complete KYC early (photo ID + recent bill) and stick to the same method for deposits and withdrawals to minimise extra checks—simple steps that typically shave days off your first cashout.

Favourite Games With Transparent Info

Security doesn’t mean dull. Casinia’s lobby is big on variety—pokies with free spins and multipliers, European Roulette and Blackjack with clear rules, and live dealer rooms that run smoothly on mobile. If you like familiar hits, look for crowd-pleasers such as Starburst (NetEnt), Book of Dead (Play’n GO), Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming), Immortal Romance (Games Global/Microgaming), and Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt). Each title includes an info panel where you can check RTP and features at a glance before you play, helping you pick steady pacing or higher-volatility thrills in seconds.

Czech Bonuses Built For Value—With Clear Terms

Promotions at Casinia are designed to extend your playtime without hidden catches. A typical welcome is 100% up to $500 + 200 spins, with 50% weekend reloads, 10% weekly cashback on selected losses, and rotating leaderboards offering $5,000–$50,000 prize pools. Always scan the key points—minimum deposit (often $20–30), wagering (~30–35× bonus), max bet during wagering (commonly $5), game weighting, and expiry (usually 7–10 days). Used smartly, these offers provide more spins and rounds without complicating withdrawals.

Mobile Security & Performance You Can Trust

There’s no app to install—Casinia runs in your browser with encrypted sessions, quick search, and thumb-friendly navigation. Whether you’re on 4G during the commute or at home on Wi-Fi, games load fast and controls stay responsive, so security and performance keep pace with your play.

FAQs

How Does Casinia Protect My Data?

Your connection and payments are encrypted, and account verification helps prevent unauthorised access. You also have self-service tools like limits, reminders, and self-exclusion to stay in control.

How Fast Are Withdrawals At Casinia?

Once verified, e-wallets and crypto are often the quickest (minutes to 24 hours). Cards and bank transfers typically arrive in 1–3 business days after approval.

Are The Games Fair At Casinia?

Games come from established studios and include transparent info screens. You can check RTP, rules, and features before you play to choose the balance of volatility and value you prefer.

Can I Use Bonuses Safely At Casinia?

Yes—read the key terms (minimum deposit, wagering, max bet, expiry) and complete wagering before requesting a cashout. This avoids delays and keeps payouts straightforward.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

10 Best Closing Tracks on Any Album

Eric Alper
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10 Best Closing Tracks on Any Album

There’s something magical about a great closing track — that final curtain call that leaves you in awe, reflection, or joy. These songs don’t just end an album; they complete it. Here are ten of the finest farewells ever pressed to vinyl, wrapped in sound and soul, from artists who knew exactly how to leave the stage.

“A Day in the Life” – The Beatles (‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’)
The final note rings for over 40 seconds, a full-orchestra crescendo that feels like the sound of the universe expanding. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s haunting masterpiece closes one of the most influential albums ever made — timeless, surreal, and endlessly replayable.

“All Apologies” – Nirvana (‘In Utero’)
Kurt Cobain’s voice floats between ache and acceptance, a lullaby for everything he ever questioned. The cello swells, the drums fade, and the album ends with one word echoing in the air: “All in all is all we are.”

“Champagne Supernova” – Oasis (‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’)
Sweeping guitars, cryptic lyrics, and a dreamlike wall of sound give this closer the feeling of drifting toward the horizon. It’s Liam Gallagher at his most anthemic, Noel at his most cinematic, and Britpop at its highest altitude.

“Desolation Row” – Bob Dylan (‘Highway 61 Revisited’)
An eleven-minute fever dream of characters, poetry, and wisdom that turns chaos into rhythm. Dylan’s surreal storytelling paints every verse like a scene in an endless film that you never want to end.

“Eclipse” – Pink Floyd (‘The Dark Side of the Moon’)
A perfect finale to one of rock’s most unified visions. “All that you touch, all that you see…” whispers over heartbeat drums — a reminder that everything connects in the vastness of sound and space.

“God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys (‘Pet Sounds’)
Brian Wilson’s masterpiece closes with layered harmonies that shimmer like sunlight through stained glass. It’s a love song that transcends romance — the sound of vulnerability turned divine.

“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – Marvin Gaye (‘What’s Going On’)
The bassline grooves deep, the vocals plead softly, and the song loops back into the album’s opening track like a circle of reflection. Marvin’s closing message remains one of soulful truth and unity.

“The Last Goodbye” – Jeff Buckley (‘Grace’)
Angelic vocals and sweeping emotion flow through this tender farewell. Buckley delivers each lyric like a whispered confession to eternity, his voice lingering long after the music fades.

“Street Spirit (Fade Out)” – Radiohead (‘The Bends’)
A hypnotic, melancholic closer carried by delicate arpeggios and Thom Yorke’s ghostly tone. The song floats in slow motion — an exhale that turns into a prayer.

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – The Rolling Stones (‘Let It Bleed’)
A choir opens the song in gospel splendor before Mick Jagger strolls in with the ultimate philosophical singalong. It’s the sound of acceptance, satisfaction, and the perfect fade into rock ‘n’ roll history.

20 Amazing Facts About Chris Dreja: The Yardbirds’ Quiet Architect of Rock and Roll

Eric Alper
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20 Amazing Facts About Chris Dreja: The Yardbirds’ Quiet Architect of Rock and Roll

On September 25, 2025, the world said goodbye to Christopher Walenty Dreja — musician, photographer, and one of the unsung heroes of British rock. Best known as rhythm guitarist and later bassist for The Yardbirds, Chris stood shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. But his story went far beyond the fretboard — spanning art, photography, and a lifelong passion for creativity. Here are 20 amazing, heartwarming facts about the man who helped shape rock’s electric revolution.

1. He was a founding member of The Yardbirds.
Chris helped form The Yardbirds in the early 1960s, blending blues, rhythm, and a spark of something entirely new — the sound that would ignite British rock.

2. He played alongside three guitar gods.
Only Chris Dreja can say he played with Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page — all in the same band’s lifetime.

3. His father was a World War II pilot.
Alojzy Dreja, Chris’s father, was a Polish pilot exiled to Britain during WWII, inspiring Chris’s deep sense of discipline and artistry.

4. His art school roots shaped his creative mind.
Before music, Chris studied art — a love that never left him and later merged beautifully with his photography career.

5. He helped design the cover for ‘Roger the Engineer.’
That quirky, hand-drawn Yardbirds album cover? That was Chris. It became one of rock’s most iconic pieces of sleeve art.

6. He switched from rhythm to bass mid-career.
When Paul Samwell-Smith left The Yardbirds, Chris picked up the bass without hesitation — proving his versatility and dedication to the band.

7. He almost joined Led Zeppelin.
Jimmy Page invited him to play bass in a new project — the band that would become Led Zeppelin — but Chris turned it down to pursue photography.

8. He photographed Led Zeppelin’s debut album.
Chris took the famous back-cover photo of Led Zeppelin’s first record — tying his past and their beginning together forever.

9. He worked with Andy Warhol.
In New York, Chris found himself behind the camera with none other than the Pop Art legend himself.

10. His photography career flourished quietly.
From Bob Dylan to Ike & Tina Turner, Chris captured some of music’s most iconic faces, all while keeping his Yardbirds fame under wraps.

11. He was known for his modesty.
Despite his fame, most people he worked with never realized he was that Chris Dreja — and he preferred it that way.

12. He helped invent the psychedelic sound.
With The Yardbirds’ experimental riffs and feedback, Chris helped shape the psychedelic rock era that birthed countless bands.

13. His basslines were pure groove.
Songs like “Over, Under, Sideways, Down” and “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” owe their drive to Chris’s steady, inventive playing.

14. He reunited with The Yardbirds in the ’90s.
Chris returned for the band’s revival in 1992, helping record Birdland (2002) — a nod to their past and future.

15. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1992, Chris entered rock’s most hallowed hall with The Yardbirds — a well-deserved honor for his lifelong contributions.

16. He loved Les Pauls.
On stage, Chris favored his trusty Gibson Les Paul, giving The Yardbirds their trademark bite and warmth.

17. His Polish heritage was a point of pride.
Though born in Surrey, Chris carried his father’s Polish roots with quiet dignity and deep gratitude.

18. He had an eye for storytelling through the lens.
His photos weren’t just portraits — they told stories, catching artists in moments of honesty and joy.

19. He weathered illness with strength and grace.
Even after strokes forced him to retire from performing, Chris remained upbeat, creative, and connected to the music world he helped build.

20. He leaves behind a legacy that hums on every amp.
From smoky blues clubs to arena anthems, the DNA of Chris Dreja’s playing and vision still resonates through rock and roll.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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