AS A long-term member of '60s group The Yardbirds, Chris Dreja had a few aces up his sleeve when the band broke up for the first time - relying on his trusty ability as a photographer to make a living.

"When I discovered the blues, I still took a camera with me whenever I was anywhere. I'd sneak off to take pictures and then sell them," he explains.

"From 1968 right up until 2000 I was still involved in photography. I suppose it was from me being part of the great British art school experience, like many musicians, such as Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend."

The Yardbirds were, according to their website, "One of the important bands in the 1960s London blues/pop/rock scene" who can boast Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck as former guitarists.

Clapton left just prior to the release of their most high-profile single For Your Love.

Since splitting in 1968, the various members of the band enjoyed varying levels of recording success.

Paul Samwell-Smith became a music industry producer and Chris stayed with his photography, but Keith Relf died in 1976.

It wasn't until the late 1990s that the remaining key members were asked to reform as The Yardbirds by an agent.

Did Chris have any worries about getting back together after such a long time?

"When we first kicked off, there was a sense of disbelief but, once we established credibility, it was fine.

"I don't sense any bad vibes from people and I'm touched by a lot of that - the moment I go on stage and the moment you have an audience fired up.

"What was nice was in the beginning, we really were pioneering, an independent cult band. But now it's just nice to have an affectionate audience in the UK and USA.

"I would have died if this had all gone wrong - locked myself in my studio. It's a bit of a miracle as I know how much effort has been put into this.

"We still have great energy in the music and, when the band broke up, we thought we'd be remembered for two weeks and that there'd be no getting inducted into the Hall of Fame and still going in 2004. I'd definitely have said 'pull the other one'.

"Post war, we had all those high-energy rock 'n' roll bands. I don't see us as 'nostalgia' in the respect of reunion tours - I think that would be a terrible mistake.

"With all that we've done and been through, I don't think The Yardbirds ever had a business plan."

Is he very aware of the evolution in the music industry since he's been away?

"The internet is a great tool, but a lot of stuff is really manufactured and processed and celebrity orientated. Things are very different now. Obviously the PA systems are much better.

"Hotels are a lot better too, but travelling is still a killer. We fly a lot, the roads are busier - there were no motorways then, it used to take 12 days to get to Wales.

"Of course, one cherishes one's private life, but I do have my cunning techniques to cope with life on the road. I listen to digital radio, read, stare into oblivion or get depressed!"

The Yardbirds (pictured) will play The Anvil in support of the Spencer Davis Group on Sunday at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced from £16.50, are available from the box office on 01256 844244.