By Shawn Perry
Photo by Brian Tierney
Approaching their 45th anniversary, Yes has gone through a myriad of changes, musically and personally. One thing about Yes, however, has never changed: their bass player, Chris Squire. The lanky Englishman is no mere bass player either. Squire’s unique attack and touch, along with his backing vocals, are very much cornerstones of the Yes sound. Even when they transitioned from a proggy 70s to a more mainstream 80s style, Squire’s foundation defined the very essence of Yes. And it continues to this very day.
In more recent years, Yes has become a touring machine. Depending on whom you ask, Jon Anderson either quit or was fired from the band in 2008. They hired Benoît David as a replacement and made a new album, but they let him go at the end of 2011. Now with singer Jon Davison, Yes is planning to play three classic albums in their entirety — at each show on their 2013 Spring tour. You’ll have to read the interview to find out what they have planned after that.
In addition to his full-time job with Yes, Squire filled us in on Squackett, his band with guitarist Steve Hackett. He also shared his views on the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and Jimmy Page’s recent comments about music he, Squire and Alan White made over 30 years ago. And he said he stays in touch with Jon Anderson. You’ll know soon enough what else he has to say about that.
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