Many great artists have lost their lives in music history due to tragic incidents. An enraged fan murdered the Beatles’ John Lennon, Dimebag Darrell was shot on stage by a fan who was angry about Pantera’s split, and Metallica’s iconic bassist Cliff Burton lost his life when the band’s tour bus crashed. They were highly influential musicians who left a timeless legacy behind, so it was challenging to cope with their loss.
The Yardbirds kickstarted the careers of three famous guitarists; Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. These three names are still active in the rock scene and have continued to influence other musicians’ careers throughout the years. Although his contributions to the Yardbirds were pivotal, the band’s frontman Keith Relf had remained out of the spotlight since the band’s split in 1968. Unfortunately, just like Cliff Burton, Relf also passed away due to a tragic accident in 1976.
Who Was The Yardbirds’ Singer Keith Relf?
Keith Relf was born on March 22, 1943, in Richmond, a town in southwest London. The musician’s father was a builder, while his mother stayed home with him and his sister Jane. Thus, Relf family wasn’t particularly interested in music. Still, he decided to embark on a music career and began playing in bands in the summer of 1956 as a vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player.
Relf played with his future Yardbirds bandmate Paul Samwell-Smith in a band named the Metropolitan Blues Quartet. Later, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, and Top Topham joined them. In May 1963, they played at Kingston Art School as the backing band for Cyril Davies and began performing as the Blue-Sounds after this show. Following several gigs, the band changed their name to the Yardbirds at Relf’s suggestion.
Throughout his career with the Yardbirds, Keith contributed to the band with his harmonica playing, blues harp, and soulful vocals. His musical efforts were vital in creating the Yardbirds’ sound. The frontman co-wrote the Yardbirds hits titled ‘Shapes Of Things,’ ‘I Ain’t Done Wrong,’ ‘Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,’ and ‘Over Under Sideways Down.’ Relf also sang an early version of ‘Dazed And Confused,’ later recorded by Led Zeppelin.
Following the disbandment of the Yardbirds in July 1968, Keith Relf formed the acoustic duo Together with Jim McCarty and founded Renaissance, which featured his sister Jane Relf. In 1970, the musician left Renaissance and started producing with other artists like Steamhammer, Hunter Muskett, Amber, Saturnalia, and Medicine Head. In 1974, Keith formed the progressive rock band Armageddon, which released a self-titled debut in 1975.
How Did Keith Relf Pass Away At An Early Age?
Throughout his music career, Keith Relf failed to gain much recognition with his musical efforts. While he was still a member of the band, he released a debut solo single titled ‘Mr. Zero,’ but it only climbed to number 50 on the UK Singles Chart. During the period he formed bands and produced other artists, he didn’t achieve considerable success either. However, Relf didn’t lose his passion for music and continued making musical efforts.
During the period he was an active musician, Keith Relf struggled with some health issues, such as chronic asthma and emphysema. The musician regularly used medication to treat those diseases, but they still negatively affected his life. Sadly, Relf’s cause of death was something more tragic. He died while doing the thing he loved the most: making music.
At the time of his death, Keith was practicing guitar in his cellar while standing on a gas pipe. The instrument was ungrounded, and the electrical current caused him to be electrocuted. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the musician was found dead by his eight-year-old son. Following Keith Relf’s passing, his family remained private about his death. Although his former Yardbirds bandmates outshined him, Relf also left a significant legacy behind with his contributions to the band and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992 posthumously.
