Chris Squire

Chris Squire – Life, Music & Memorable Lines

Chris Squire (1948–2015) was a British bassist, singer, and founding member of the progressive rock band Yes. Discover his musical journey, influence, style, and some of his most quoted reflections.

Introduction

Christopher Russell Edward “Chris” Squire, born March 4, 1948, in Kingsbury, London, was one of the most influential rock bassists of his generation. As the sole member to appear on all 21 studio albums of Yes, he helped define the sound and character of progressive rock.

His signature tone, melodic basslines, and bold use of effects pushed the bass guitar from a purely supportive role into something more melodic and expressive. His contributions as a composer and vocalist also underscored his central role in the band’s creative identity.

Early Life & Beginnings

Chris Squire was born to Peter and Joanne Squire and grew up in the Kingsbury–Queensbury–Wembley area of northwest London.

Around age 16, inspired by the wave of Beat music in the early 1960s, he decided to pursue being in a band that didn’t rely on sheet music (“a group that don’t use music stands”).

His first bass was a Futurama instrument, which he described as “very cheap, but good enough to learn on.”

Career & Achievements

The Formation of Yes

In 1967, Squire joined Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, a psychedelic band that soon evolved (with Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Tony Kaye, Peter Banks) into Yes. Squire said:

“We started Yes as a vehicle to develop everyone’s individual styles.”

From their first performances as Yes (the name change occurred summer 1968) through their debut album in 1969, Squire was integral in shaping the group’s musical and sonic direction.

Musical Style & Innovation

Chris Squire’s bass style was distinctive for several reasons:

• He often played with a pick, which gave a sharp attack and clarity to his tone.

• He used bi-amping: splitting the bass signal into a low-frequency path (to a bass amp) and a high-frequency path (to a guitar amp). This allowed him to retain punch in the lows while adding drive, harmonic overtones, and clarity in the highs.

• He employed effects (chorus, flanger, wah-wah) and sometimes embraced fret buzz to enhance texture.

• Over time, he explored other instruments (eight-string basses, custom triple-neck instruments, and bass pedals) to broaden his sonic palette.

Because of his tone and melodic sensibility, some describe his sound as “guitar-like” yet full in the low end. He carved a niche where the bass could lead, not just support.

Discography & Other Projects

While his primary focus remained Yes, Squire also released solo and collaborative works:

• His only full solo album: Fish Out of Water (1975) featuring contributions from Yes associates.

• He later released Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir (2007).

• Side projects include Conspiracy (with Billy Sherwood) and Squackett (a collaboration with Steve Hackett).

• Early in his career he played in The Syn, and briefly in a project called XYZ (with members of Yes and Jimmy Page).

Squire remained the only constant member of Yes from their inception through to 2015.

Recognition & Legacy

• In 2017, Yes (and Squire by extension) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

• He is cited as a major influence by many bassists (e.g. John Deacon of Queen) and in lists of top bassists.

• His approach expanded what the bass could do in a rock/prog setting: melodic lines, harmonic counterpoint, tonal variation.

Personality & Personal Life

Squire’s nickname was “Fish” — a nod both to his astrological sign (Pisces) and to his habit of long baths (reportedly).

He married three times and had five children: three daughters from his first marriage, a son with his second wife Melissa Morgan, and a daughter with his third wife Scotland Squire.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia and passed away on June 27, 2015, while undergoing treatment in Phoenix, Arizona.

Notable Quotes

Chris Squire left us a number of memorable remarks (often on music, Yes, and his own role). Here are a few:

“A nightmare is two bassists on stage.” “The fact I’ve been in every lineup of Yes has been more by default than design.” “We started Yes as a vehicle to develop everyone’s individual styles.” “In many ways, I think about the possibility that there could still be a Yes in 100 or 200 years from now, just like a live symphony orchestra.” “Jon Anderson and I, we really liked a lot of classical music, and we wanted to get some orchestral arrangements going on ‘Time and a Word.’” “Being called a ‘music legend’ is a very funny thing. It’s nice to know that my work has been appreciated … On a personal level, however, I can’t think about it too much.”

These quotes show his humility, long view of music’s legacy, and his belief in creative growth and collaboration.

Lessons & Reflections

From Chris Squire’s life and work, we can draw several meaningful insights:

• Pushing boundaries within role: He transformed the bass guitar into a melodic and expressive instrument, showing that even in a supporting role, one can innovate.

• Consistency matters: His continuity with Yes over decades anchored the band’s evolving sound and identity.

• Humility with excellence: Despite acclaim, he often spoke modestly about his contributions and role.

• Collaboration & individual voice: He valued maintaining his own musical identity while contributing to a collective (Yes).

• Legacy beyond life: His influence continues through musicians who cite him and fans who still celebrate his work.