March 22

 Keith Relf

March 22, 1943 – May 12, 1976. The Yardbirds featured William Keith Relf as their lead vocalist and harmonica player until their 1968 dissolution. Following that departure, he pivoted toward a folk-inspired sound by forming Renaissance, where he contributed vocals and acoustic guitar. This experimental phase allowed him to explore progressive arrangements before moving into a production role for various underground acts.

In 1975, the heavy rock outfit Armageddon recruited him as their singer and harmonica player. He moved to California to record their self-titled debut, showcasing a powerful, hard-driving sonic direction.

Keith Relf died on May 14, 1976, within his home studio. While practicing his electric guitar, he suffered a fatal electric shock. This tragic accident was attributed to the instrument being improperly grounded, ending the life of the thirty-three-year-old vocalist while he was developing new material for a Renaissance reunion.

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