Chris Squire - tribute to a great friend and musician - June 2015
Having just arrived back from Peru today, Jo and I heard the terrible news about Chris Squire. We were travelling back via Madrid when we heard of his passing. I feel I've lost a brother...
Jo and I spent masses of time with Chris and his wife Scotland (Scotty to pals) sharing music and stories of the road, mutual friends, many laughs and so much more...
I can't believe a powerhouse like Chris can be snuffed out like a candle and I believe he's now in spirit where we will all survive once we finally get our promotion! (I didn't call that one time album 'Spectral Mornings' for nothing) Just a reflection or two regarding my pal... As well as our Squackett album which we enjoyed creating so much together, in recent times, Chris joined my band along with John Wetton for a seafaring version of 'All Along the Watchtower' on the last Cruise to the Edge, and he also played bass on Love Song to a Vampire on my album 'Wolflight'. When I was going through a difficult time in my personal life with the divorce a few years back, Chris was a great support. We worked on a number of projects, egging each other on and on. Whenever we were playing or singing together he approached it with all the enthusiasm of a kid in a shiny new toy shop. As the music took hold of him, he seemed to transform and roll with every note and fibre of his being. He was fully engaged with the process of turning musical notes into magic with his extraordinary ability. He was the powerhouse that drove Yes through many campaigns. They reinvented themselves through practically every album. I think like Nelson undaunted Chris was a man who saw no obstacles... He saw no ships... Only opportunities to succeed in the most positive manner. Yes was a band aptly named.
Chris, you've left a stunning legacy for us all to admire for eternity. Your work is an inspiration for legions of musicians and followers. A huge influence on so many, including a little band that followed in your footsteps called Genesis...What a privilege to have listened to you on stage, a thrill to have worked with you and to have shared such sweet times. Chris was the king of the bass, a great band leader with a huge positive personality.
Our hearts go out to wife Scotty, daughter Xilan and all his family.
