Also this month (May) comes this about legendary band leader and creative enigma: KEITH RELF

 On the 14 of this month back in 1976, Keith Relf was electrocuted.

"The former frontman and singer with The Yardbirds was in his basement studio when an ungrounded amp resulted in a bizarre almost Spinal Tap-like rock casualty. Relf was only 33.

In the years since the Yardbirds went their separate ways having featured both Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck in 1968, Relf stayed musically active; first with the duo Together, then immediately thereafter with the art-prog group Renaissance. Both acts included Yardbirds drummer/multi-instrumentalist Jim McCarty, while the latter act included Relf’s sister Jane. Posted above (see below)  is some live footage of the act, prior to Keith’s departure.

In 1974, Keith founded Armageddon with ex-members of Steamhammer and Captain Beyond. They released a single self-titled album in 1975; it was well-received but Relf’s health issues (he was developing emphysema) and managerial issues led to its dissolution before a single tour had been staged, making their high quality work swiftly forgotten (but you can read about it and hear it here: 

https://metalstorm.net/pub/article.php?article_id=1218

Keith was making plans to work again with members of Renaissance (in an act eventually called Illusion) at the time of his death. He left a wife and two sons."

Renaissance - Kings and Queens

the link as shared by the source doesn’t play in the UK so this version is equally good and interesting . . . . . .a transitional era for the band and for Relf remained a something of an enigmatic character from the R’n’B source with the Yardbirds (from which Led Zeppelin arose like a phoenix) but Relf never seems to settle and his vocals at time limited (the recording live quality of the sixties letting him down) but that he was a band leader and catalyst is undeniable! Not widely known for his guitar work here he showed forth and why would have previously featuring future stars like Page and Beck!? Extraordinary and at once a tragic end to a man possessed of great creative powers. He was survived by his wife and children

Over Under Sideways Down anyone?

Renaissance - Island [feat Keith Relf and sister Jane Relf]