Chris Squire

Early Life

Christopher Russell Edward Squire was born on March 4, 1948, in Kingsbury, a suburb of north-west London. Growing up in a musical household, he was influenced by records from artists like Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald, but it was church music that first captured his heart. At just six years old, he joined the church choir at St. Andrew's, where he performed at St. Paul's Cathedral. His early musical experiences were shaped by his choirmaster, Barry Rose, who instilled in him the importance of dedication. It wasn't until the Beat music boom of the 1960s that Squire considered a career in music, inspired by the Beatles and encouraged by a school friend to take up the bass guitar.

Career

Squire's musical journey began with his first band, the Syn, where he showcased his talents as a bassist and vocalist. The band gained traction in the mid-1960s, performing at notable venues like the Marquee Club and even opening for The Jimi Hendrix Experience. However, it was his role as the bassist and backing vocalist for the progressive rock band Yes that defined his career. Squire was the only constant member of Yes from its formation until his passing in 2015. His innovative playing style, characterized by a unique tone and aggressive melodic lines, set him apart in the progressive rock genre. He was known for his use of effects and techniques that transformed the bass guitar's role in rock music.

Personal Life

Squire's personal life was marked by three marriages, the first to Nikki in 1972, with whom he had three daughters. He later married actress Melissa Morgan in 1993, and they welcomed a son in 2000. His final marriage was to Scotland Squire, with whom he had a daughter in 2008. Squire was a vegetarian in the 1970s and had a complex relationship with substances, including a brief encounter with cocaine during a tour with the Eagles. His nickname, "Fish," stemmed from his astrological sign and his penchant for long baths, a humorous nod from bandmate Bill Bruford. Squire's legacy in music was solidified posthumously when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Yes.