Chris Squire

Chris Squire, the legendary bassist and co-founder of the pioneering progressive rock band Yes, carved out a distinguished career characterized by innovative musicianship and artistic audacity. Born Christopher Russell Edward Squire on March 4, 1948, in Kingsbury, London, his journey into music began in the post-war era—a time ripe with the burgeoning sounds of rock and roll. Squire's signature was his profound ability to imbue the bass guitar with an expressive, melodic identity, a transformative approach that would inspire generations of musicians across genres. Squire's foray into music started at St. Andrew’s Church choir, where he developed a sense of harmony that would later become a staple of his musical style. By his teenage years, he had already begun experimenting with the bass guitar, an interest galvanized when he first heard Paul McCartney's groundbreaking work with the Beatles. However, it was the influence of bassist John Entwistle from The Who that cemented Squire's ambition to pursue the bass with fervor and originality. The late 1960s were a vibrant tapestry of cultural evolution and musical experimentation, which perfectly aligned with Squire's burgeoning prowess as a musician. In 1968, the path of destiny brought him into contact with singer Jon Anderson. The serendipitous meeting took place at London’s iconic La Chasse Club, leading to the formation of Yes—the band that would eventually redefine the boundaries of progressive rock. Alongside Anderson, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford, Squire's vision began to unfold. Yes released their eponymous debut album in 1969, followed by "Time and a Word" in 1970. While these early works laid the groundwork, it was with the album "The Yes Album" in 1971 that the band started crystallizing their unique sound, characterized by multi-layered compositions and virtuosic musicianship. Chris Squire's dexterous and melodic bass lines played a critical role in transforming the traditional rock ensemble blueprint. Their 1972 album "Fragile," featuring the hit "Roundabout," propelled Yes into international acclaim. Squire's use of the Rickenbacker bass, notably on tracks such as “Heart of the Sunrise” and “Long Distance Runaround,” became iconic. His tone was distinguished by a mix of plectrum clarity and dynamic fluidity that other bassists rarely achieved. This album marked the arrival of keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, whose symphonic flair dovetailed beautifully with the band’s expansive ambitions. Squire was talented with the ability to anchor complex musical arrangements while simultaneously exploring melodious counterpoints; this set him apart as both a foundational player and a bold innovator. Albums such as "Close to the Edge," "Tales from Topographic Oceans," and "Relayer" soon followed, exemplifying the band's intricate soundscapes and thematic opulence. Squire’s contributions were evident in his compositional work, notably on tracks like "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)," where his signature voice materialized within the texture of the album. Yes experienced numerous lineup changes throughout the years, yet Chris Squire remained the steady anchor. His presence was a testament to both his creative core and his leadership within the band. His commitment was further highlighted in 1975 when he embarked on a simultaneous solo endeavor, releasing the critically praised "Fish Out of Water." Celebrated for its innovative sound and reflective compositions, the album mirrored Squire's artistic sensibility. In the rhythm of the decades, Yes continued to evolve. Albums like "90125" in the 1980s saw a foray into more radio-friendly territory with hits such as "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Squire's adaptability to changing times and technologies reaffirmed his enduring relevance and his bass lines remained a central narrative driving Yes’s musical journey forward. Beyond Yes, Squire indulged in various collaborations and projects, further cementing his status as a musician's musician. His influence extended through his mentorship of young artists and appearances alongside legends like Jimmy Page and Steve Hackett. Squire's distinct Rickenbacker sound alongside his impeccable technique inspired countless bassists around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Chris Squire's life took a poignant turn in 2015 when he was diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia. Despite this, he remained active in the world of music until his final days. Tragically, Squire passed away on June 27, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. His death marked the end of an era for Yes, who, remarkably, had never played a concert without him. His posthumous influence can still be felt; his art continues to reverberate through the bands and artists that followed. Chris Squire’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of modern rock. Through his dedication, innovative spirit, and musical genius, he reshaped the possibilities of the bass guitar, offering the world a rich melodic voice that continues to inspire. As Yes forged a pathway exploring the farthest reaches of progressive rock, Squire’s indomitable presence and expansive creativity remain central to their narrative.