The group initially performed under several names before settling on “The Yardbirds,” reportedly inspired by the writings of author Jack Kerouac, who used the slang term “yardbird” to describe a drifter or someone living on the margins of society.
The Yardbirds emerged from the vibrant rhythm and blues scene that flourished in London during the early 1960s, becoming one of the most influential British bands of the decade. Although they would later gain worldwide recognition for helping launch the careers of three legendary guitarists—Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page—
With a few red lights, a few old beds
We made a place to sweat
No matter what, we get out of this
I know, I know we’ll never forget
Deep Purple emerged in 1968 as one of the pioneering forces of what would soon be labeled hard rock and heavy metal, although their earliest recordings reflected a far broader and more experimental musical identity. The band was formed in Hertford under the initial name Roundabout,
