The Gonzo Daily: Yes soldiers on despite loss of founding bassist (with podcast)

Monday, 14 September 2015

Yes soldiers on despite loss of founding bassist (with podcast)

Prog rock band Yes (from left): Billy Sherwood (bass), Jon Davison (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Alan White (drums), Geoff Downes (keyboards), will perform on Sept. 12 at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
Photograph by: Gottlieb Bros. , Glenn Gottlieb

With his intricate bass compositions, none so massive as the epic title track to Yes’ masterpiece Close To The Edge, Chris Squire was a pillar that made the British progressive rock band he founded one of the most celebrated acts of the genre.

Fans learned with great sorrow of Squire’s death in June after a drawn out battle with a rare form of leukemia. He was 67.

But Yes, bow without any of its original members, soldiers on. In fact, plans were already in motion for the band’s continuity when Squire fell ill, said Howe in a recent interview with The Vancouver Sun.

“Unlike the public we weren’t as shocked because we saw Chris’ situation getting worse and worse — that he wasn’t strong enough to withstand the treatment he was having,” Howe said. “Obviously we were very sad. Basically the way we deal with it (on Yes’ current tour) is we created an intro to the show that pays tribute to Chris. Before we do anything we pay tribute, and then we carry on. Because, irrespective of why somebody isn’t in the band, like in life itself even if you lose your loved one, you do have to find a way of carrying on. In a way, the music has a healing element and carrying on with Chris in mind is also a worthy challenge.”