Jim McCarty is best known as the drummer of the iconic British band The Yardbirds. He was born in Liverpool but grew up in London. It was at school where he met a fellow student Paul Samwell-Smith who would become the bass player for The Yardbirds. They were one of the most seminal of all the British Invasion bands. Their music was a mix of rock, blues, pop, hard rock and even played a big part influencing punk and psychedelic music. The Yardbirds were more than instrumental in starting the careers of great guitarists Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. Much of that is due to the innovative drumming style of McCarty.

The Yardbirds were on the charts from 1963 - 1968. After they broke up, Jim McCarty was the driving force of at least seven other bands including Renaissance and Illusion. This, not to mention a successful solo artist. Jim has written, provided percussion and/or produced hundreds of songs. 

I tracked him down at his home near the French Riviera. We talked about all the original members of the group, the early days of touring and recording in the U.K. as well as in the U.S. and what life is like for him now after the passing of his beloved wife Elizabeth in 2020. 

Jim McCarty is the only original member of the Yardbirds to appear in every lineup. At 78 years old, he is still playing and touring with The Yardbirds. Tune in for an interesting conversation with Jim McCarty and some of the outstanding music he and The Yardbirds created.

Check out my other episodes including interviews with such icons as Colin Blunstone (The Zombies), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Peter Noone (Herman's Hermits) and more!