The Yardbirds

Before touring became big business for promoters who elevated rock shows to an art, even name-brand bands played pretty much anywhere.

Like many artists of the era, they went through some major creative changes in 1966.

Jimmy Page had already turned down the Yardbirds … twice.

Despite being outlived by former bandmates, he's remembered as the one of the indelible voices of the British Invasion.

Giorgio Gomelsky showcased the Rolling Stones in their first house-band gig, and later produced the initial two albums by the Yardbirds.

Yardbirds fans have seen the band's Facebook page take a surprising — and decidedly NSFW — turn over the past several weeks.

If you find yourself in Toronto and you come across somebody who looks a lot like legendary Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty, chances are good that it might actually be the real deal.

In this installment of 'Everything You Need To Know About,' we focus on the Yardbirds – a band that carries the distinction of being both celebrated and yet under-appreciated at the same time. 

They initially approached a session guitarist as a possible replacement. Jimmy Page suggested someone else.

The Yardbirds will head back on the road this spring with a new lineup that includes some familiar faces.