Sanderson Rasjid ‘Top’ Topham

25 January 2023 - Press release

3rd July 1947 – 23rd January 2023

Sanderson Rasjid, born Anthony ‘Top’ Topham passed away peacefully on Monday January 23rd surrounded by his family. Born in London on July 3rd 1947, he was 75 years old and had been fighting dementia in his final years.

A founder member of the Yardbirds when they formed in May 1963, Top was their original guitarist and preceded Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page in the role. He went on to play guitar with artists including Christine McVie, Duster Bennett and Peter Green among others, and was considered by many as one of the UK’s most original blues guitarists. He was also a talented mural and fine artist and interior designer.