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Steve Nardelli talks about Chris Squire, Peter Banks, The Syn and Syndestructible – 362

Syndestructible

Produced by Jeffrey Crecelius, Wayne Hall, Preston Frazier and Bill Govier

In our somewhat delayed episode, Mark and I speak to The Syn front man, Steve Nardelli this week. It was an amazing conversation which delved deeply into all parts of The Syn’s story including a residency at The Marquee Club, supporting Jimi Hendrix,  inventing the Rock Opera, trying to get Chris Squire to turn up to gigs on time and the influence of Peter Banks amongst many other topics.

Also this week, I announce the dramatic changes to the Yes Music Podcast which are planned for 2019. You can’t afford to miss this information. Next year is going to be very special.

  • What were Chris Squire and Peter Banks like to work with?
  • Which Welsh icon was kind to the band?
  • Why couldn’t The Syn get out of their dressing room on the night Jimi Hendrix came to town?

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Jeffrey Crecelius | Preston Frazier | Bill Govier | Wayne Hall |

Robert Nasir | Joseph Cottrell | Michael O’Connor | Paul Tomei | Geoffrey Mason | Lobate Scarp | Fergus Cubbage | Steve Dill | Steve Scott | Peter Hearnden  | Aaron Steelman | John Thomson |

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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

3 replies on “Steve Nardelli talks about Chris Squire, Peter Banks, The Syn and Syndestructible – 362”

Excellent interview with Steve. I really enjoyed hearing Steve’s recollections of his time in The Syn with Chris and Peter, and his stories about the London music scene at the time. Fantastic story about supporting Jimi Hendrix at the Marquee Club. I think Steve should consider writing a book about his experiences on the music scene. It would be fascinating!

It was very entertaining though I couldn’t help feeling that many of the details were grossly exaggerated due to the tricks that memory plays. Why let facts get in the way of a great story.

I did have a goosebump moment. I bought my Rickenbacker bass in Denmark Street. As I’m left handed it was the only place I could find one. I didn’t think at the time (in around 2000) that it had a Yes connection.

I saw the Syn at Martyr’s in Chicago on January 11, 2006. It’s a really small music venue (capacity of around 300), and it was not full that night. I got there early and staked out a spot in the front row directly in front of Chris. It was mind-blowing and mesmerizing. Having seen Yes just 18 months-or-so earlier at an arena, it was surreal to be this close to the legend. From his bass playing to his breathtaking harmonies, it was amazing to be just a two or three feet away from the maestro (the stage at Martyr’s is only around a foot or two tall).

I remember that only a few weeks before the tour began, the Stacey brothers were supposed to be joining them, but something happened and they had to drop out. To say that I was excited that Alan would be behind the kit instead is an understatement. For such short notice, he did a great job, and brought his signature style to the songs. The fill-in guitarist, Shane Theriot did a nice job as well.

Afterward, the entire band sat at a table, had some drinks, told stories, signed autographs, and took photos with the fans. I was able to get all five to sign a flyer and my ticket (now framed in my home), and get photos with everyone. Chris was in fine spirits, enjoying a glass of wine and filling the room with his infectious laugh. Steve and Gerard were very kind and open with everyone as well. I have a handful of photos that I’d be happy to share!

Side note: As I mentioned last time, I’m also listening to the Classic Feed. I’m now up to episode 165.

Thanks for the amazing podcast.

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