Posted on 06/28/2015 11:22:49 AM PDT by a fool in paradise
Chris Squire—the bassist, vocalist, and founding member of Yes—died last night following his battle with leukemia, according to a statement from the band. Since he started the group with Jon Anderson in 1968 until he was diagnosed with Acute Erythroid Leukemia in 2015, Squire was the only constant member of the group. He was 67.
Squire grew up in central London, where, in 1964, he was suspended from school for having long hair. He played in a few bands in the 1960s, including the Selfs, the Syn, and Mabel Greer's Toyshop. It was through that last band that he met Jon Anderson. The two bonded over Simon and Garfunkel's music. They formed Yes and released their debut album in 1969.
Squire later released solo records and was a member of the short-lived supergroup XYZ, which featured Squire, Yes' Alan White, and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.
Yes' statement reads:
For the entirety of Yes’ existence, Chris was the band’s linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years. Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists. Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes’ most endearing music, as well as his solo album, Fish Out of Water.
Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan. With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many … including each of us. But he wasn’t merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him.
Bummer - Yes is probably one of my all-time favorite groups.
YES - Changes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3VLRfNiAY
YES - Hold On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgAPIUMqMCg
YES - Si
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaasXl8z1fs
YES - Solly’s Beard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QTBr_Z8N1c
YES - Soon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFch2UDpoGM
(live symphonic version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFj42skgk1c
Hey Brainiac...
My post stated “it sounds like” - i.e. “it appears to be”...much different than stating a position categorically one way or another.
Next time read posts S-L-O-W-L-Y to grasp the essence of the post.
Sheeesh...
Yep. Was my favorite band for many years, saw them live maybe half a dozen times. We’re all getting older. RIP, Chris, and thank you for sharing your talent.
Same ones that name them “Apple,Ireland,Paris,Lettice etc....”
Still, you have to admit you really stuck your foot in your mouth on that one.
I think I first saw Yes, perhaps with the Who, in 1970 or 1971 at Winterland in SF. Chris was dressed in a glittery mylar or lame outfit with Spock-like points on his shoulders shoes and of course the band was mind-blowing. Wild.
RIP to a long, long time veteran.
“Long Distance Runaround”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ0YIfW2BUI
Chris Squire RIP. A great artist.
One of the most influential rock bassists ever. I was lucky enough to get a chance to speak with him at an after show meet & greet in 2009, and he was very gracious and kind.
Of course, everyone knows his work with Yes, but he had a number of side projects as well. In the mid-70s he had a solo album that is amazing, “Fish Out of Water.” While he never did a followup solo album, he had a side band “Conspiricy,” with long time collaborator, Billy Sherwood.
Chris did get “back to his basics” of choral & choir music, with the Christmas album, “Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir,” the song “Silent Night, Night of Silence” is amazing. That album featured Steve Hackett of Genesis, which eventually led to a wonderful collaboration, “Squokett.”
An incredible artist, I will greatly miss any new music from him, but am so thankful for his time on earth, and the gift of his music. May The Lord bless and comfort his loved ones, and grant him eternal peace.
Chris Squire’s Solo works, Hold Out Your Hand / You By My Side (featuring Bill Bruford & Patrick Moraz)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyG08QMKt8o
Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knmWhvn1Fuk
Finally, Miguel Falcao, the YouTube master of Chris Squire bass covers, sent out requests world wide for fans of Chris during his illness, and thankfully Chris lived long enough to be able to see it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMhI0fQEdrI
Mark
With all due respect ** NONE AT ALL **, STFU!!!!!
Do a little bit of research before you slander someone! OTOH, if you’re looking for a job, I hear they’re hiring at MSNBC!
Mark
Yes’s first big concert was as the opening act for Cream’s Farewell concert!
Mark
Yikes! You sound like some intolerant “poofter” defending the cult of homosexuality...and lacking the ability read & intellectually grasp the written word.
Bye-Bye...
Gentle Giant. Such a talented group of musicians.
Tagline.
Love it!
Seems like I’ve read that he was one of the first guys to use roundwound strings on his bass, which was part of his zingy tone.
I liked that drummer, too. He kept time much better than my son did when he was drumming for our band. “Yo, Bill, the song is in 3/4.” “How could I tell? It’s in Spanish!”
Once upon a time the same would have been said of Virginia, Caroline, Georgia, and Florida.
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