"He was the backbone of the band": Jeff Beck recalls Paul Samwell-Smith's impact on The Yardbirds

Musician Jeff Beck is recalling Paul Samwell-Smith’s impact on The Yardbirds.

In an interview with Far Out magazine, Beck highlighted how Smith played a significant role in their band. He described him as the “backbone of the band” and said:

“He was the backbone of the band. He was one of these guys that gave such depth by playing four-string chords, letting it ring on, you know, sound like an earthquake going on. They said, ‘What are we going to do?’ I said, ‘Well, Jimmy Page?’ I was always trying to push to get my best mate in the band. It was an absolute disaster ‘cause he can’t play bass for toffee.”

For the unversed, Smith was one of the founding members of the band, which was formed in 1963. He left The Yardbirds in June 1966 and was replaced by Jimmy Page. Besides Smith and Jeff Beck, the original lineup included Keith Relf (vocals), Anthony "Top" Topham (lead guitar), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar), Paul Samwell-Smith (bass), and Jim McCarty (drums). Jeff Beck joined as a guitarist later.

Keep reading to know more.

When did Jeff Beck join The Yardbirds?

In 1965, Jeff Beck became the lead guitarist of The Yardbirds, replacing Eric Clapton, as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock.

In a 2010 interview with Rolling Stone, Beck said:

“When I joined the Yardbirds, all I kept hearing was stories in the van: 'Eric wouldn’t have done this. Eric wouldn't have done that.' I went, Shut the f*ck up. Eric isn’t in the band.”

During his time with The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck produced multiple hits for the band. He helped and motivated his group towards a more experimental form of psychedelic sound.

In another conversation with Ultimate Classic Rock in 2021, Beck said:

“The general buzz of the band was that they though they were finished when Eric left. At my debut with the Yardbirds at the Marquee [in London], I showed them what was what, and I got a standing ovation, so that was the end of that.”

He added:

“Two months after that, things took off in the States, which pissed Eric off big-time. I think he was hankering after going there - like we all were. That was our holy grail, going to America to see the blues players. Within a week, we were down in Chicago looking at Howlin’ Wolf.”

Beck left the band in 1966, citing health reasons. His departure was also influenced by tensions and frustrations during a demanding U.S. tour. He was also reportedly in a conflict with the band’s frontman, Keith Relf, during that time.

During his appearance on Something Else! Sit down, Jim McCarty said that Beck “was a great addition to the band after Eric had left.” He continued:

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“He was a pretty wild character, very highly strung and unpredictable. When it worked with him it was great, but could be very difficult.”

Roger the Engineer, which was released on July 15, 1966, was Jeff Beck’s last album with The Yardbirds.

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