MusicRadar

Rickenbacker man Chris Squire on stage with Yes in Vienna, Austria, November 2011. © HERBERT P OCZERET/epa/Corbis

"Being called a 'music legend' is a very funny thing," says Yes bassist Chris Squire. "It's nice to know that my work has been appreciated and that people have given me that status. On a personal level, however, I can't think about it too much. It means a lot...but then it doesn't."

Which is another way of saying that Squire isn't letting accolades (especially those of MusicRadar readers) go to his head, nor is he resting on his laurels. In 2011, Yes released two albums, a glorious studio set, Fly From Here, helmed by longtime producer (and onetime band singer) Trevor Horn and featuring classic-lineup members Squire, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White, along with returning keyboardist Geoff Downes and 2009 singer recruit, Benoit David.

In addition, the group recently issued an elaborate live set, In The Present: Live From Lyon, also produced by Horn, which highlights the talents of Oliver Wakeman, son of legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who temporarily assumed his father's spot in Yes. (Downes has since rejoined the fold.)

Recording the studio album was, in Squire's words, "a fantastic experience. In fact, Steve Howe said something that was pretty amazing: 'My God, I think we've actually made an album that everybody in the band likes!' That has never happened before. The vibe was quite good the whole time. And working with Trevor was a real pleasure."

Horn's association with Yes is a long and interesting one, and so that's where our conversation with Chris Squire begins.

Trevor Horn has worked with Yes as a producer on various occasions, but there was that brief period in 1980 and '81 when he was singing with the band.

"That's right, he had done the Drama album with us. I remember there was a lot of pressure on us at the time. We had a US tour booked, which was pretty much sold out everywhere, including four nights at Madison Square Garden. But we had a change of personnel: Trevor came in for Jon [Anderson], and Geoff came in for Rick. At this point, before such a tour, we thought that our fans deserved to know who the new members of the band were, and so we made an album.

"Drama was put together quickly; there were a lot of intense, 16-hour days. Despite the pressure, it was a lot of fun, and the end result was an album I'm very proud of. I think Drama defined Yes as they had become at that point in time, and it's stood the rest of time, as well."

During the '70s, the critics were brutal to Yes. You were called things like "self-indulgent," "dinosaurs..."

[laughs] "Sure. That's right."

Around the web:

• Arto TuomolaAri!
• Anthony AbdoellaNo Jon, no Yes!
• Luis FuntanetYes is Yes with any line up for me!!! and Chris the only and unique that never failed. And with Alan make the real Yes sound. In ABWH something sound like no Yes, even no discussion about Jon, Bill, Rick, Steve n T.Levin!!
• John LeesHowever are in Yes are Yes - "Fly From Here" takes a few listening, but it has really grown on me and I find myself singing snatches from it.
• Hank AdelsonWhen putting King Arthur on Ice in perspectuve it's best to remember Wakeman has roots in Glam having played w/ Bowie, T Rex, Elton John and Lou Reed. Respect the cape!
• Bryan PattersonI enjoyed reading about Chris and the guys who make this great music. Yes inspired me to play the Bass.
• April De FordI find it nauseating that this man can say, with a straight face, that "there shouldn't be" any "hard feelings" between him and Jon. It's been four years; do you think he's had enough b***s to actually *ask* Jon? No. Because he replaced Jon WITHOUT TELLING HIM. While Jon was FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE IN THE HOSPITAL. I wonder how Joe Bosso missed that little bit of information?
• Brian RobertsAt some point the essence of Yes music will need to continue, without Jon - and without the other legends. Glad to see steps towards a new generation while keeping the spirit of the music and respecting the talent that built this unique and spectacular sound.
• Christopher KreiderWas lucky enough to go to the concert in the round, then Drama Tour, was good times, I had always missed the Fly from here on the albums glad when the 35th box set was released with it, now glad for a full album. Chris's sound= awesome bass, so glad I met him. great guy.
• Miguel Falcãophotos on pages 2 and 3 are not from 1980. Thanks for the interview!
• Reuben Hallernothing personal? just a business decision? really?
• Ron FedericoSo now that Jon is totally recovered and has expressed interest in returning to front YES. When is Benoit Davids contact up and when can we expect JON back? It is better for "business" ya know?
• Thierry PayssanEnourmous mistake on the date on the picture of Chris backstage ! This is not 1980, but surely 1977 (Going For th One tour), of course ...
• LuisBehar GlennGreerIt's upsetting that moving on without Jon Anderson was a business decision rather then a personal decision as stated. Because personally it effects me wanting me to support the group by going to a live concert which in turn effects the business of YES.
• Glenn GregoryI've been playing bass pro full/part time for the last 40 years and I have never heard ANY band outplay Yes! IMHO, this is the greatest band in the history of Rock and Roll and the same accolade goes to C.S. He pretty much taught the world how to play bass!