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Episode 180 – Chris Squire, bass legend

Chris Squire
Chris Squire – photo by Jeremy North

There has never been a more appropriate time to consider the contribution of Chris Squire to the greatest progressive rock band in the world.

  • What makes Chris Squire’s bass playing unique?
  • What does he add to every Yes track he has been involved with?
  • What will Yes concerts be like this Summer without Chris on bass for the first time since 1968?

Listen to the episode and then let me know what you think!

Show links and notes

Light a candle for Chris Squire

Video about Miguel’s project in support of Chris Squire #playforChris:

miguel@miguelbass.com

Scott O’Reilly blog post about Chris Squire

Kevin Brodie’s favourite Squire moment – Ritual

Preston Frazier’s review of Survival

YesFocus Squire support video

Mark Anthony K’s Progeny photos

Circa’s amazing Yes Medley with Kaye, White and Sherwood

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Theme music

The music I use is the last movement of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. This has been used as introduction music at many Yes concerts. My theme music is not take from a live concert – I put it together from the following two creative commons sources: thanvannispen and archive.org

8 replies on “Episode 180 – Chris Squire, bass legend”

Hello Kevin,
Its been a very somber mood for me being a fan of yes since 1970 makes any news like this hard.
I do believe in the power of prayer and that’s what I will do.
Chris is and will always be Yes and there is no bass player to compare him to its Chris Squire.
Not only his bass but what about his voice…how many people do you know that can sing his range and his soul that he puts into every note..
Chis is a giant and we can never ever have two.
God blessed us and I believe that God will continue to bless him and his family

Cheers

Paul Tomei

Thanks Paul. It must make a difference that so many fans are doing so much to wish Chris well.

Hello Kevin,

Another fantastic episode. I enjoyed listening to your thoughts on Chris Squire and would like to leave some of my thoughts. Chris has always been a big influence on me. Many people who know me find this odd as I’m a guitar player. But his playing, songwriting, singing and leadership skills are all inspiring. He has one of the most identifiable bass tones of any bass player, even more then my other favorite bass player Geddy Lee of Rush. Can you guess who one of his biggest influences is? As I’m writing this I’m listening to the newly released Progeny boxset and it proves to me even more how important and impact full his playing is…even back then. All my prayers are with Chris for a speedy recovery.

Mark Anthony K

I agree whole-heartedly with what has already been said. Chris Squire is the greatest Bass player of all time,
this fact is undisputed. And, despite the seemingly low-profile which the Prog genre has received through the years,
Squire’s influence and inspiration among bass players extends well beyond prog, perhaps even more than Stanley
Clarke. Squire’s influence has cut across virtually every other genre of popular music for over 40 years.

Chris Squire is also the greatest Backup vocalist of all-time. From day one of his association with Jon Anderson,
when both realized they shared a love for the harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel, Chris has played an
indispensable role in augmenting the vocal sound of the band. The combination of Squire’s unique bass tone,
combined with his vocals (in combination with Anderson) has, from the very first album, been the defining factor
that has given Yes its signature sound. A careful listen to any quintessential Yes track bears this out. Chris Squire
isn’t just a “backup vocalist”. He is completely Augmentative to the lead vocals, perhaps as important to the vocal
sound of the band as Garfunkel was to S & G.

I woke this morning to Geoff Downes post about Chris’s passing. t’s difficult to express to others the importance of the music of Yes in my life. Since 1971 they have been a running constant. Their music and the album of a particular period are not just the background music of my life, but I mark time and events with them. Over the years, as the Yes sound morphed and changed it was exciting, fresh and new at every turn. , And they have always been there.

But through all the years, and changes, the one constant. The only member who was there for every single second of it………every note on every album….every concert every performed under the Yes banner is the beloved Co founder of the band, Chris Squire. He forged a sound for the band with his bass playing and singing, as well as his composing contributions which is unmistakable. Even when Yes experimented with changing the very genre of it’s music on a couple of occasions, it always remained instantly recognizable as Yes music. With songs as varied as Heart of the Sunrise to Owner of a Lonely Heart, he comes through loud and clear with the perfection of his playing, and the love of his craft which shows in every measure. I have felt deep loss in music over the years. Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, George Harrison, Dan Fogelberg. These musicians felt like family to me. Since George Harrison passing, this one seems to be getting to me the most. Chris will be missed in ways that haven’t even occurred to me yet. His influence on the music I listen to is incalculable. Many a bass player, and even whole bands owe a large debt of gratitude to our beloved “Fish”.

May our Lord welcome him with open arms, and bring peace and consolation to his family, friends, and the Yes fan community.

Chris: Thank you for sharing this nearly half a century of your life with us in your music. You will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered. Always

” All you’ve got to do is
Hold out your hand
For the treasures of the universe
Are lying at your feet “

Thanks so much for this Steve. Your words are appropriate to all our feelings. Sadness and appreciation of a life creating ‘our’ music needs to be honoured.

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