4 APRIL 1966
The Yardbirds’ psychedelic rock song ‘Shape of Things to Come’ was at its peak UK chart position of #3. The record reached #11 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
This was the Yardbirds' first hit to go beyond their usual bluesy material, and was in fact one of the first psychedelic rock singles, featuring anti-war lyrics with an Eastern-sounding and feedback-laden guitar solo. The Yardbirds were famously the band that made stars of their various lead guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. The freak-out solo here was performed by Beck.
B-side: 'You're a Better Man Than I'
Released: 25 February 1966
Highest chart position: #3 (UK), #11 (US)
Recorded: December 1965 - January 1966
Length: 2:31
Label: Columbia
Producer: Giorgio Gomelsky
