Steve Howe- The making of 'Yours is no disgrace'

[@vladimpaler3498]

His master of key, mode, scales and the mathematics of music are combined with a genius of creative ability. He plays things that no one would think of playing in ways that no one would think to play it. He has every technique from bending, harmonic picking, slides...just everything. He can do a million notes a measure, or simply strum. The only reason most people do not know him is because his music is so unique and hard to appreciate if you just want three chords and a pentatonic scale.

[@Miatacrosser]

Steve Howe put Yes in the HOF. His addition on the Yes lp turned a band that would've languished in relative obscurity into the most surrealistic sound in progressive rock in the '70s. They didn't make sense lyrically, you couldn't dance to it, but their music just crawled inside your head and squatted there for life. Very few bands could say they created their own genre, but with the brilliant and lucky addition of Steve Howe, Yes stood alone in the cosmos and we were all the beneficiaries of this for decades to come.

[@ShroomRPG]

"you can't dance to it" Speak for yourself, I could groove to Roundabout any day of the week

[@MOPE540]

Steve is by far THE most underrated guitar player in rock history. (R.I.P., Chris Squire. one of the all time great bass players)

[@powderfinger6597]

+Tim Craven Sorry, much love and respect to Alex Lifeson, but Steve was leagues above Mr. Lifeson.

[@Seeneeneeabubabu]

+Powderfinger Alex isn't even in the same universe as Steve. lol! I am a rush fan btw

[@Karmakatt6]

+Tim Craven Considering Geddy Lee considers Chris Squire to be a huge inspiration, I'm curious what Alex thought.. Its not hard to imagine Geddy and Alex chilling out in a basement rec room listening to a YES album or two!!

[@briang5894]

+Lee Ross. they basically wouldn't be rush without yes. the beginning of yours is no disgrace sounds pretty familiar to overture. there are so many songs that they used major influences from. yes is simply sick. Awaken, relay, Siberia K.,etc etc. so amazing. and yes, rush kicks it too!

[@brianshaffneraclc]

Alex has mentioned in interviews that Steve Howe, and I think even more so Steve Hackett of Genesis, were both influences on his early work. He has definitely expressed his admiration for Howe's artistry.

[@tommoore5905]

50 years later it remains sheer genius. Steve Howe was an absolute magician and his solos were nothing short of miraculous.

[@Knards]

Steve's style has always amazed me. he fills in the background, plays in your face lead, playa rhythm, he does it all

[@chrisbauer1975]

His style is so unique. You can copy Blackmore, Hendrix or Van Halen, but Howe is a different nut to crack. Awesome.

[@loucifer4225]

he plays very complicated stuff that's why you never see bands playing yes too difficult to play

[@klayng1]

I'd put Andy Summers in that category too.

[@frankphillips6001]

When I was a much younger person, I asked for Steve Howe sheet music at a music store. The guy looked at me and laughed. I asked him, "what's the deal?" He replied, "if you need the sheet music you can't play it!"

[@SuperCullen69]

U think Van Halen is easily copied?

[@afewdeer6627]

@@SuperCullen69 Yes

[@IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony]

My god these interviews are SO important to capture now, while we still can. I am terribly glad we have them!

[@rickgrimes2056]

alterdestiny because they are getting older and a lot of the greats are passing away

[@TheCream14]

My all time favorite all time guitar player - - and I've been playing for 50 years. And, to think he did most of his Yes work on a Jazz Guitar - a Gibson ES175.

[@uv77mc85]

@@alexjerome5429 What? he made 10 years of great albums. Some of those songs are 20 minutes long. Most peoples songs are 3 minutes.

[@thebeastlacey]

Howe is as creative, innovative & flat out genius as it gets. Fearless!

[@DannyGatton94]

Steve is a wizard of his instrument. Absolute genius

[@philfyphil]

The early Yes tracks are masterpieces in every sense, musicianship, mysterious lyrics and production. Close To The Edge is one of the greatest tracks ever recorded, up there with 'Supper's Ready'. The Yes Album, Fragile and Close To The Edge are true classics. Some of Howe's playing in the later album Relayer is sublime. One of Britain's very best and creative guitar players with an instantly recognisable style of his own.

[@andythomas706]

Some of his best moments are on the Tomorrow album!

[@danielbaker5091]

Philfy Phil ... Relayer....😎

[@skierpage]

Sound Chase and even more so To Be Over are the most creative and varied 18 minutes of guitar since Hendrix.

[@NH2112]

His playing on “Awaken” was absolutely amazing as well.

[@Deebz270]

He can still cut the chops in - Fly From Here too... And as for the classic - Tales From Topographic Oceans... Phew!

[@jeff7775]

Damn, Steve Howe's playing was ON FIRE back in the day.

[@jimbailey1122]

When I was younger Steve Howe was the guitarist I wished to emulate, with all his different genre influences. Then I looked at my short, stubby fingers and his long, spidery fingers and thought: it ain't happening.

[@babarishka]

@@jimbailey1122 Dude, I feel your pain!!!!!! I've worked seriously on my stretching since I was a teenager, but you can only do what you can do. At 61, in addition to having Vienna sausage fingers, I now have mild arthritis in my hands and have been battling tendinitis in my left elbow for the past couple of years (it's almost healed up but what a struggle). Maybe it's just the angle of the photos, but I've seen pictures of Howe where it seems like his hands and wrists are almost as long as his forearm. He's a short guy, but his hands and fingers belong on a guy at least 6 feet tall. When he was younger there are some photos of him where it looks like there is some weird-looking extra muscle or tendon going from his left wrist to his hand. Obviously, he was born to play guitar. But, that doesn't mean that stubby-fingered guys can't play well, just that we can't do certain things that require that extra bit of stretching.

[@autk]

He was untouchable from 72-84... so ferocious and aggressive...he's definitely mellowed and slowed down since..

[@aeropilot4419]

@@autk I agree with that time period … his last great work imho was on Drama … some great work on those songs, took a long time to grow on me but I love them now

[@autk]

@@aeropilot4419 Drama is a magnificent Howe record! Some didn't take to it primary because the familiar J. Anderson vocal was missing...Squire and Howes playing and writing is just Epic and so hand in glove on Drama...it's one of my favorites...love the wah all over it and so aggressive!

[@ChuckUnderwood]

This song and the entire "The Yes Album" absolutely blew me away when I first heard it when I was in my early 20's. Their sound was so completely unique and unlike anything else coming out at that time. I never tire of listening to them. R.I.P Chris Squire.

[@aleleeinnaleleeinn9110]

After all these years Yours Is No Disgrace is still my favorite Yes song. And there are so many great tunes to chose from.

[@j.r.fernandez2453]

Two Steves, Howe and Hackett, quite likely the most accomplished self-taught guitarists in all of Prog and beyond!

[@morbidmanmusic]

lol

[@tony6261]

One of their best tunes, it never gets old

[@alexdelara9858]

Astounding when you hear the story behind the songs you love, brings newer emotions

[@chuxtuff]

Their Yessongs live version off that triple album is one of my favorite Yes tunes. Cranked up through those JBL L-100's and wow is about all one can say...

[@irlreed3721]

chuxtuff AR 3. AR 5. live r than you'll ever be

[@reillystsb]

Steve Howe is my favourite guitar player I've seen yes about 10 times and I've been right in front of the stage where Steve's Guitars are all set out And he is playing so effortlessly He is incredible......

[@chordchaser]

Howe is definitely an amazing and unique player, if you wonder where he came up with his sound... Chet Atkins had a lot to do with it. If you know Atkins you can hear it in many of Howe's riffs and style. It's why he played an ES-175 archtop. No one played a hollow body guitar in a rock band in 1970! I also think it's why he is so often and so unjustly overlooked among the great guitarists, that and his low-key personal style. All of which makes him an even greater guitar player in my book.

[@loucifer323]

You are right I actually met Howe at guitar center, and asked who were his influences and they mostly country and western guitarist I didn't know any except for Chet Atkins which he said was one of his favorites he really didn't think much of rock guitarist he said most are overrated the best rock guitarist he said was Ritchie Blackmore

[@PageMarker1]

Alvin Lee?

[@outtathyme5679]

Chuck Berry?

[@chordchaser]

@@PageMarker1 and Outta Thyme567: True, Lee played an ES-335 and Chuck Berry played an ES-330. but I think the Les Paul, the SG, the Stratocaster and the Telecaster were typical for rockers. At the volume most were playing a hollow body would create a lot of unwanted feedback. Howe played an ES-175, which was considered the standard for jazz guitarists at the time. I don't believe any rock guitarist played that particular model.

[@renderizer01]

Playing Travis-inspired patterns using hybrid picking (flatpick plus fingers) is no mean feat. And he's using that technique all the time.

[@timsharkey1993]

The breakneck tempo at which they played this incredibly complex song is truly amazing.

[@bazdesh]

yeah, youngsters full of energy just blasting it away without any hesitation :D

[@bradcrosier1332]

Indeed, I sit and listen to this and am simply amazed at the tempo and how much is going on in this piece (like so many of theirs). It’s a cacophony - and yet it’s amazingly organized, orchestrated, and musical! It also brings to mind the aging prog rocker’s lament (I believe I’ve heard the semi tongue-in-cheek words to this effect from several members of some of my favorite bands - Rush, Yes, maybe Genesis, probably others): “Why did we play everything so fast back in the day!” 😂

[@josephhunt2478]

Thank you Steve for being so creative and sharing such an inspiration. and you are so talented

[@paulelliott3220]

This is a musical masterpiece Every time you listen its complexity and wonder grow - I've been listening to it for 30 years or more and still love it to bits Yours is no Disgrace Perpetual Change Starship Trooper ... best songs amongst a huge selection of classics Dreadful news about Chris' death The music will live on RIP - another musical giant departs us and we are less as a result

[@MarkZabel]

paul elliott I'd add Heart of the Sunrise Close to the Edge ... and maybe And You And I and South Side of the Sky. Nobody else was like them. Went way beyond rhythm and blues into composed music. Even Anderson's voice is really an instrument during their peak years (IMHO until Topographic Oceans). Sucks about Squire. RIP.

[@paulelliott3220]

+Mark Zabel Classics all of course and the songs you cite my next three choices 🎸 Agree about Jon's voice too - the vocal parts intrinsic to the songs, probably more so as they moved into Fragile and Close to the Edge which are more complex and multi-layered compositions The Yes album has a rawness of sound, a basic stereo mix and the band finding their feet with more adventurous guitar and drums which I always love when listening to it. Love all three albums in truth - got them in so many formats too but the records do sound frankly great

[@davep8221]

+paul elliot: I like to say that my fave Yes song is the one I'm currently listening to. But I'd still say my two overall faves are _Close_to_the_Edge_ and _Awaken_ And I heard on an interview with Rick Wakeman that he thinks these are to two best examples of Yes music.

[@nancyroysden1633]

I could kick myself in my ass for getting rid of my vinyl. What could ya do? It got to become obsolete that I couldn't find stylus for turntable.

[@nancyroysden1633]

I just have an intimate relation to vinyl. The sound for me, fills the room better. For example, Listen to Any Hindrex album you come across. Listen to it. Then, do the same with a CD. I feel that the digital format is somewhat lacking.

[@AC-zx4hd]

Steve Howe is one of the greatest. Love the fill riff at 4:44 that is so signature Howe.

[@amanpreetdeol4227]

This Group is so so brilliant. This song was what sold me onto Yes way back in 1971. Listen to the complexity, it gets better and better as the years go by. They are the most underated Group EVER.As time goes by I find myself in increasing admiration as to the music and complexity of the arrangements. 50 Years I have loved Yes and my admiration grows with every passing year. Thank you so much for enriching my life with your music.

[@brianmusson1827]

Yes a beautiful musical band to behold. Have been to numerous live gigs of theirs and never been disappointed in nearly 50 years!!

[@std882]

I'm so glad I got to see Yes in 1977 while they're still in their prime. The whole glam-rock outfit and everything. I floated all the way home and nothing to do with the "smokey" coliseum - ok, maybe a bit.

[@bradprather6749]

It's so cool to have this history at our finger tips. It's Steve giving a guitar lesson. Thank you for sharing.

[@bradprather6749]

@Rick Wakeman thank you I will, I am honored sir.

[@bryanwaddell1530]

I learned something new about music. Love the way he explains how the song came about. He keeps it simple.

[@OddTimeMan]

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve backstage at an Asia concert. He was introverted and soft-spoken. Nice guy.

[@desirichert9394]

I've loved these guys since I was a little kid, like 10 years old. I'm 58 now.

[@sixshootinparker3823]

Steve Howe is the best guitarist rock music has ever had, or probably will have. He could play live what was studio recorded, whereas the other guitarists could not reproduce that and depended on overdubbing. Thanks Steve for your example of excellence.

[@neechee5150]

Guthrie Govan can play anything that Howe has ever played or recorded and do it better than Howe did and so much more. Also do not kid yourself Howe used MANY overdubs and punch ins. Jimmy Haun played every electric guitar part on Union and very few hard core Yes fans and Howe fans even had a clue. Jimmy Haun plays many of the classic old yes tunes live better than Howe ever has and most certainly better than Howe is currently playing them.

[@michaelhogan6770]

@@neechee5150 Playing stuff is one thing Writing it is another

[@monicadonnelly4991]

@@neechee5150 What’s a Guthrie Govan

[@neechee5150]

@@monicadonnelly4991 a very versatile virtuoso guitar player who has few peers. He could cover any part that Steve Howe ever played and do it better than Howe.

[@michaelhogan6770]

@@neechee5150 he cant play a lap steel tho

[@cosmicyeti6804]

I have been completely enthralled by Steve’s guitar prowess since I first heard him. Yes was one of my favorite bands growing up. Anytime I hear any Yes songs, takes me back to high school.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Just an Absolute Monster on Guitar. Certainly one of The Best we have seen. Complex as a M.F. ( see: mood for a day / the clap ) 1/2 the time, he Sounded like a Keyboard Player. Love Steve Howe.

[@dkielman9001]

An amazing, innovative, magical line-up of great musicians and talented minds. Been a fan since the beginning of this wonderful band. Saw them many times, always fantastic.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Elrond could play a mean guitar.

[@Lee-nh5bb]

😂😂

[@monkabrahms7997]

@Satanic Panic Fun and Games and what are you punk

[@timbigger1731]

@Satanic Panic Fun and Games Lol, harsh!

[@makemyday2560]

Another Master of the guitar.. Love that huge Gibson Steve is playing

[@7775Kevin]

His playing was so great. Creative, melodic, everything good you could do with a guitar. Those early albums are some of the best music ever.

[@avatacron60]

Beautiful, timeless song that bring back so many good memories, when I used to listen to it on KAAY's Beaker Street late at night.

[@thomasjohnson7735]

Cosmik Debris On the Saturday night broadcast skipping across the Midwest stratosphere all the way to Calhoun County, Iowa.

[@pacervault3350]

One of my greatest pleasures in life was sitting front row at a Yes concert in about 2012, right in front of Steve Howe.As a (very poor) bassist, I have always been amazed by Chris Squire, but I simply could not stop watching Steve. His mannerisms and his technique were mesmerizing and beautiful to watch.

[@marcanglin7127]

Oh, I can definitely agree with you, Pacer Vault. I've seen Yes many times in my life, but, in 2000, Steve went on a solo tour, and I was able to catch his performance at the House of Blues in Orlando. My wife and I got there early enough to be amongst the first to get in, and we sat front row directly in front of Steve !!! Literally at his feet !!! He was incredible, and to watch him up close like that made it just so much better.

[@carolwolf9614]

So beautiful. Unique and so skillful. Just lovely.

[@anguspodgorny8211]

Nobody sounds like him,plays like him or writes like him, then or now. I'm so fortunate to see him more than once.

[@tommack9395]

Steve's approach come from the melodic side of country and jazz intertwined - not the blues like most rock musicians of his day. He's not stuck in a pentatonic frame of mind and not afraid to venture to what we call "outside" from a fusion perspective... In the concept of Yes, due the classical element brought by Rick or Tony - later - he is due to fill in color in as polyphonic element much the time as not to muddy up the waters so to speak.

[@LukasFin]

Explains some then. Keith Emerson in ELP had his "different" music background as well and their fusion worked also fine ..hmm..time to time. Both -YES and ELP- were in their bests live imo.

[@nancyroysden1633]

I caught them in the early 70's. What a great band! And very proficient! Most bands couldn't play a whole LP as one piece of work!

[@nancyroysden1633]

I heard that Pink Floyd had issues the first 15 years touring...replicating their studio work.

[@chrisfoley4808]

wow, Steve Howe. Glad to see it came from DVD called Rock Legends. Steve Howe's works should ALWAYS be remembered. He's technically above all or at least nearly all others.

[@jamesfarrell8339]

Now that the time has past and you have the chance to look back at all of the greatest musician and guitarist in particular Steve Howe stands out as the most versatile and creative. It's August 2016 and Yes is still on tour playing to a whole new generation of fans that gravitate to this amazing and complex compositions. I cannot believe that of all of the bands that I first saw live and albums that I loved that Yes would be one of the last left still making music and going out on tour. Thanks Steve for all of the great music through out the years. Yes greatest albums in order TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS Relayer Fragile Close to the Edge Going for the one The Yes album Drama (very underrated) Greetings from Atlantic City New Jersey U S A!

[@carrietide]

Amen Brother😊

[@tixximmi]

I can't really consider Howe as the most versatile and creative guitarist. Zappa leaves them all in the dust. Saw Yes the first time in 73. Great show. Saw Zappa a month earlier, greater show.

[@nancyroysden1633]

I'm so grateful that I had the courage to turn my family and friends onto YES! Isn't that why we have music? I'm such a huge fan and greatfuLl for their induction into R&RHOF! And, YES ;a new fan base!

[@nancyroysden1633]

Comparing Howe to Zappa is like comparing apples to oranges. And, I dig Zappa. I like We're Only In It For the Money, Overnight Sensation, Hot Rats.

[@danielbaker5091]

Nancy Roysden ... Listen to Instrumental LPs! 😎

[@adamflax2012]

Howe is the complete package...his range is out of this world. The balance of beauty & ferocity in his playing has few equals. The live footage in this clip is peak power Yes...stunning. Was lucky to see them in this era & still haven’t fully recovered.

[@adam872]

Love this tune, one of my favourites of theirs. That live version from Yessongs is amazingly fast. They fully tear through it at breakneck speed. That's some considerable technical mastery right there.

[@lifelong5425]

Hay sus......unique, priceless, legendary and still hard to not get a blast from....Theirs....... is no disgrace, as this timeless production lives on.

[@SolarTiger]

Fragile is always considered their breakout album,,, but The Yes Album is no slouch!

[@ronaldabreu1278]

Rock progressivo é chato pra caralho

[@vascomunista]

@@ronaldabreu1278 tá assistindo porque então? Vai ouvir Anita

[@boonootoo]

100%

[@plantfeeder6677]

Their best in my book. Four of the six songs are a live concert stable to this day...well until the great virus hoax of 2020.

[@garylake1676]

I think The Yes Album was the actual breakout album, Wakeman had a huge positive impact on the groups credibility which pushed Fragile to the fore, then people realised how good The Yes Album was.

[@andrewSUN17]

Amazing! Yes songs were such incredible masterpieces! They were all blessed to have each other to work with feed ideas and co-create magic on the spot!

[@picardbs]

I loved Yessongs like no other live album on earth :-)

[@Jayell61]

Simply just amazing. All of them. Yes, by far the best. SOOOOO thankful that such a talented group ever came together. Got to see them, 7 times I think it was! So excited every time. Thank you, men. Thank you.

[@eggman1978]

what an inventive guitarist Steve really is. brilliant

[@mikeporro3311]

Thanks for the great music and memories. Yes was like nothing else. So unique!

[@nancyroysden1633]

I have been a huge fan of Yes since they came out. Anyone who never had the experience of buying an album (LP) are missing the experience of the shrink rap crinkling placing the LP on the turntable. As you wait for the watt stick application,(not a digital app), you start getting woodie! You smoke a jay,or not. the needle comes down, then...you mind is blown. With Roger Deans' art work you travel to places in your mind and heart! I don't know how to play a guitar, but I can certainly recognise talent! Steve, I'm almost 60 now..my daughters almost 40. I have definitely gone thru musical trends but, I ALWAYS return to YES! I just love ya guys! And, congrats on your induction into the R&RHOF! Your way over-due for it!

[@papunAlicea]

GENIOUS...Thanks for share...The Best Progresive Rock Guitar Player Ever...really and innovador...

[@dornelli1]

The best guitar player in rock history, his work in TFTTOO in 1973 is beyond anything a guitar player did in rock music, too bad it takes a whole lotta time to dig into that record and discover how good of a musician this man really is.

[@bjwnashe5589]

Gee, I wonder why there aren't any Yes tribute bands. Ha ha. This level of musicianship is off-the-charts.

[@neilmason139]

Yes Please, based in Oxford.

[@EvilSean62]

thanks for the tip !

[@lintbing]

Working on one right now with a couple friends. This is our first song so far. I thought about calling us Maybe.

[@melissaculver8949]

Brian Wright like the band Rush said...nobody can do their music..to difficult...they are the BEST

[@dondiraval1354]

My brother's band -Boy Camara and The Afterbirth of the Philippines made tribute to Yes playing "Roundabout" day in and day out at the club called Rino's in the Philippines. Go to KZbin for some Boy Camara and The Afterbirth tunes.

[@Chuttanooga]

When I heard this track in 1973 in Eindhoven in a pub 'Astor' i fell of the desk by the band's inspirations. From then on my life was enriched due to all what had to come from these individual artists. Their songs are for ever in my mind and my soul.

[@samwa3986]

Five years in a row, readers poll, Guitar Player Magazine, Best overall guitarist, 77-82, until that mag, made him permanently ineligible. I've seen Howe live, even four years ago, and he just is that excellent.

[@thefool2007]

Steve is a sensational and gifted virtuoso guitarist. Love his work and contributions.

[@geraldmellon740]

Completely underrated - the best guitarist IMO of them all. His pedal steel playing alone puts him head and shoulders above anyone else in my book. You only need to listen to his playing on Relayer and that says it all. Screaming guitars one minute and melodic playing the next. The best.

[@MarceloKatayama]

Soon is absolutely beautiful

[@migs6455]

Maybe my favorite live song. Greatest melody ever. Awesome lineup.

[@daryllawrick976]

Pure genius. The synergy of some of the most creative musicians ever...

[@bobthebear1246]

Very insightful, thoughtful interview from Steve Howe here. He is truly one of the greatest guitarists ever, not just one of the greatest Progressive Rock axemen.

[@tevevid]

Amazingly interesting about the creation of Yours is No Disgrace - one of YES best songs (from The Yes Album) ever. The early instrumental theme which is discussed in the beginning is just awesome especially when Steve adds his equilibristic flippering guitar play.

[@gep2771]

Such a great tune, I am 59 and taught myself this tune "by ear back then no tabs or you tube then" as a teenager and it really expanded my playing. I have heard many different live versions of this and he plays just awesome, beautiful killer licks in all of them, his impromptu licks were often better than the recording and that is the sign of a genius.!!

[@tomsanders9491]

ONE OF THE BEST BANDS EVER. ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITARISTS. (RIP) FOR WORLD'S BEST BASSIST. MOST AMAZING KEYBOARD PLAYER. UNRIVALED VOCALS.

[@marceltiel7919]

Just only recently found time and the right mindset to listen to my 'classic Yes' cd and 'tis great to still discover some of the most innovative music from that era...

[@andalusianguitarist]

In my opinion the most interesting thing about Steve Howes's playing was the fact that it wasn't blues based but more on the side of Classical guitar, and perhaps with a minimal dose of Jazz technique more akin to fusion in the form of scales and fast runs along with folk or country. In a way very similar to guitarist Jan Akkerman from the band Focus yet at the same time different.

[@markmarsh27]

THAT 1964 Gibson ES-175 simply HAS TO BE one of the most valuable instruments on Earth. ... having been the Tool used to create the greatest Progressive Music EVER WRITTEN AND PRODUCED! .... I WANT IT!

[@gyppy1715]

Steve is one of the greatest ever----a guitar god.

[@cardo1111]

A masterpiece. I had the pleasure of recently seeing Jon Anderson along with the Paul Green Rock Academy. He still sounds amazing it was a really nice quaint show in Sugar Loaf, NY.

[@jimkeller3868]

It's amazing how articulate many of the rock musicians are from the 60s and 70s: Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Paul McCartney, Robert Fripp, Tony Banks, Peter Gabrielle, Pete Townsend, Roger Waters, David Gilmore, Jon Anderson. etc. Listen to any one of them. Real musicianship. Too bad music has devolved into something more self-absorbed, self-aggrandizing, cookie-cutter driven songs about humping and visual image. Musicianship has all but evaporated.

[@kathmandoo]

Well said but then the musos of that era had a lot of intelligent stuff to say.

[@bl9234]

intelligent stuff

[@dannymeyers5240]

Yeah... stuff

[@tommack9395]

The strange thing about it all is that prog was not received well by critics - they would tout it self-indulgent and trite. However what they seem to miss was that "prog-rock" music - from a musician's point of view was attempting to grow up, by bringing in facet of not only musicianship but lyrical perspective more akin literal work. The scope of it's "just a pop-song" was something the artist was attempting to shed... It took a very good musician - like those jazz musicians of the bebop era - to deliver the performance.

[@mahatmacote6478]

Yes, maybe snobby critics for jazz magazines, and later punk nose-thumbers. It's the classic classy rock composing of the generation, so it will endure to be respected in centuries to come. I have no doubt about it. Echoes by Floyd, Tarkus by ELP, CTTE by Yes, and other relatively complex constructive pieces will be revered, but other shorter tracks will stand out too. I don't fear prog will be eclipsed or disregarded in generations to come, quite the opposite.

[@PaulFreemanTheTall]

He makes it all sound so straightforward and matter of fact, but his sheer invention is such a gift and I feel so lucky he sent it out into the world, I've enjoyed his music so much.

[@AK99581]

Howe is a sick guitar player, way better than Clapton or Hendrix. Don't know why he never shows up in any Top 10 lists.

[@talpajam]

Sandro Kovalev progressive is a sorta 'musicians musicians' gènre ie. within the industry Howe was awarded Best Overall Guitarist - five yrs. in a row back in the 70's-'80s by Guitar Player mag.

[@MarkZabel]

Sandro Kovalev I agree with the first part of your assessment. Howe is my personal favorite, but way better than Hendrix? (or even better) I don't agree. Hendrix communicated with the guitar as well as anybody and was every bit as inventive as Howe. But Howe is largely forgotten among even guitar players today. In the guitar forums I spend time in (those with pretty darn good musicians), I'm just about the only one who ever mentions Howe. Those most often talked about are Robben Ford, Steve Morse, EVH and the parade of metal players with Malmsteen usually coming first. I'd take Howe over all those guys (except maybe with Robben Ford it's a tie ... nah, I'll take Howe). He was super-inventive and unique and knew the fretboard and harmony like nobody's business.

[@bonedaddy6583]

Sandro Kovalev Great guitarist, but unfortunately like he says it was a group effort and it wasn't about him. And on top of that he played next to Chris Squire.

[@chase6470]

+Sandro Kovalev He shows up in my top 5

[@roguenation]

+Noora Youssef Khalil What is especially impressive about Howe is the fact that he can't read music and is an entirely self-taught musician who never took lessons, classical or otherwise!

[@johnvanhoosen6315]

Thank you Steve.

[@ExtremeJohnyboy]

Steve Howe legend forever

[@bretdouglas9407]

Love hearing the stories. Can watch this forever

[@mysterioussquirrel4456]

Can you imagine when Jan Akkerman was voted worlds greatest guitar player back in the 70s, two years running. I bet there were a lot of guitarist spluttering into their cornflakes when they read that. Howe is a remarkable player. Just watching his technique, the way his fingers move up and down the frets... Probably the best guitarist in the world.

[@standingwave73]

+Mysterious Squirrel A picking technique that uses all ten fingers? Amazing to me.

[@mysterioussquirrel4456]

standingwave73 Coming from someone who thinks Bill Bruford is a great drummer and King Crimson a great band, isn't much of an endorsement.

[@mysterioussquirrel4456]

standingwave73 I don't come on here because I think my opinion is important, but rather, to read the opinions of other people... and mass idiots like you.

[@excession30]

Jan Akkerman certainly deserved some recognition back then. Great lute player, great electric guitarist.

[@WELLBRAN]

Mysterious Squirrel peter banks said Akkerman was much better than anyone back then and banks was as good as howe

[@DHgtr1]

Hi..I was at one of first shows of this lineup..right after YINO DISCRACE..came out..at orpheum theater Boston..The early EAGLES opened..Yes were so good...I could never find the words to say just how good..Steve Howe was unbelievable..I'll never forget it..they were dressed pretty much like the live scenes in this video...Thanks....DH

[@scotttimothy64]

The greatest lead guitarist of all time.

[@craigmanning7393]

Scott L RUSH is my favorite band, but YES is a close 2nd and I have to say Steve edges Alex by just a bit. IMHO.

[@thedrummerdude1000]

Craig Manning I think Alex is ahead by a bit

[@craigmanning7393]

Noah Broome I find it hard to argue with that. Just depends on my mood but (my sons are named Neil and Alex so......)

[@conor.macdowell]

Noah Broome Steve Howe is light years in front of Alex as a player. There's really no arguing that.

[@craigmanning7393]

cmacdowe Not sure I agree with 'light years'. Technicality is okay. I knew 2 guys in high school(30 years ago) that were as technically skilled as Howe, and I am sure you have never heard of either one of them, so that got them......(nothing). But well, music is entertainment and technical skills are good but it comes down to song writing so if you want to say 'Howe light years' above 'Alex'. Well. You are saying Yes is light years ahead of RUSH. I totally disagree, but since they are my two favorite bands, I can understand.

[@MichaelYork777]

When these guys got together they knew they were each very capable musicians and instead of sitting in front of a mixing board creating sounds, they were able to experiment, on the fly, knowing that they were without boundaries, and were able to take very grandiose musical styles and use them without over using them. They forced each other to take it to the next level, while still collectively agreeing on a best structure even if a particular idea wasn't used, or something got changed, everybody got their chance to shine.

[@christopher8220]

Clearly, "One of the greatest guitar players of our world."!!!

[@stevenartascos2918]

Absolutely brilliant... Steve's a guitar of the highest order!!!

[@cciemail]

You need a cape for this kind of music!

[@migs6455]

Definitely cape music.

[@migs6455]

Wings too

[@B.117th]

@@migs6455 why the hell not? : )

[@shinyoneincarnate5565]

That's why they got John Anderson

[@thaddeusmcgrath]

This song as well as the whole album is an adventure I take a lot as my dad did then in those days. Start to finish a masterpiece I am glad my father introduced to me as a teenager.

[@giogionist2148]

Howe, Fripp, Hendrix, Hackett, Alvin Lee. All fantastic players!

[@macsongs55]

Steve is an artist in all the meaning of the word and a master of guitar and string instruments!!!

[@chais1111]

Steve Howe as a wizard on a Harry Potter movie.That said i think is a brilliant man

[@tramlad2]

Steve is one of the greatest guitarists , alway been a fan since 1973 he can play it all.

[@weirdlysawbones8547]

Steve Howe has never failed to impress me, be it in a studio or live environment. To me, he is one of those rare players that is always on top of his game (even into his later years.) As he is sort of pigeonholed as being an active participant within the so-called prog genre (insert the proverbial boos and catcalls here), a fair amount of my friends and acquaintances have put forth blank faces or scoffed when I said that my song choice of the moment was performed by Yes, an initial indoctrination of Mood For A Day, then... the opening buildup of Close To The Edge and the full version of America (if I can get away with it) has made a substantial amount of converts. About 64.9% of the time they become fans of Yes, but, 90+% of the time they go right off about Steve Howes' prowess on that thing with six strings. The man's a legend in my eyes and I really enjoy hearing when props go his way. Especially when he's still around to hear them.

[@derail14]

+Weirdly Sawbones they're fools,the maiestro can play any style of music

[@masamus6570]

America is a song about catching a bus big deal. Even Yes make mistakes.

[@Trebotable]

Smoke on the water is a song about a fire big deal. The blues is just about being sad big deal. Jazz is just wanking over some chords big deal. The well-tempered clavier doesn't even have lyrics lol big deal. Even Bach make mistakes. Am I doing it right?

[@jefftri]

Thanks for posting. It was amazing that Yes could play their extremely complicated tunes live and not have to rely on studio tricks which was a true testament to the incredible talent they had. Steve Howe was indeed the greatest and most versatile guitarist I have ever heard!

[@NVprods]

Yours is No Disgrace. What's a disgrace is that Yes is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The RRHF is a disgrace. Yes had amazing musicians, each one could easily be named in the top 5 or ten at their instrument in the history of music. Steve Howe maybe the most underrated guitar player ever, a genius. Chris Squire, my vote for best bassist, name someone better. Tony Kaye should be given credit and then Rick Wakeman, my number one keyboard player of all time, should be in top 2 or 3 on anyone's list. Both Bill Buford and Alan White two of the best drummers ever. And Jon Anderson's unique voice and lyrics, sets him apart from anyone else. Yes was an amazing band, they sold out stadiums and arena's around the world, set attendance records, and have some of the best selling classic albums of all time. The RRHF should be ashamed of themselves.

[@jamesfarrell8339]

I have said for a very long time that yes belongs in the Rock and roll Hall of fame. I have been a yes fan from the very beginning and I am a little bit biased but Steve Howe is the best guitarist when viewed as a lifetime and few could match the vocals of Jon Anderson and Chris Squire is at the top of everyone list of greatest Bass players. It's time that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts Yes . Greetings from Atlantic City New Jersey

[@tommack9395]

The Rock Hall of Fame was never about artistic endeavor, just popularity.

[@jamesfarrell8339]

Tom Mack yes is on the ballot at the rock and roll hall of fame. so take a moment and vote for yes into the rock and roll hall of fame. Greetings from Atlantic City New Jersey USA.

[@tommack9395]

James Farrell... and so I have. I really have nothing against the Hall of fame, but I do understand what the organization really entails. The Hall of fame actually gave me a gift once... an autographed copy of X-Ray - the Autobiography by Ray Davies.

[@garybiggs9010]

RRHF? LOL. RUSH should have refused. RRHF is crap now. Should have started a new one when they started inducting Rap people. Won't call them artist.

[@seananderson8275]

The footage of Yes and Steve...Yesshows I think.. Just amazing, brilliant...top of their game ...during this period he is quiet simply the most versatile of guitarists with a wonderful ear for melody...so glad I got into Yes and his playing when I was learning about music many moons ago...

[@tool_fighter]

Chris Squire was an amazing bass player. It's hard to imagine Yes taking off without his ingenious playing.

[@LoneLee2022]

He was just incredible to watch.........

[@DennisCharretteakaDenChea]

I Love hearing about the Building and The Team Effect in the making of the Song!! You take those 3-4 Min. for granted Some Times,Even as a Musicians. Just So Cool!! Peace*

[@masamus6570]

Howe is the most innovative guitarist, as far as using the instrument from a compositional standpoint. Also, his sound is unlike others, in the sense that it stems from his playing rather than from any particular sound he uses. His range of sound is wider than any I can think of, whether it be on electric, slide, or any of his acoustic performances. Like, compare that beautiful nylon string tune in duet with Anderson in Tales from Topographic Oceans with the electric guitar opening solo in Close to the Edge. What a range!!!

[@AcridPeter]

Or the solo in the full version of America! Christ!

[@standingwave73]

+Marcelo herman His use of the pedal steel guitar is revelatory.

[@masamus6570]

+standingwave73 Yes, like in 'Soon' or 'Going for the One', which are contrasting pieces.

[@paulsimmons5726]

This particular combination of members was, to my ears, the gold standard of Yes, simply amazing!

[@kurtkish5335]

Steve Howe's playing in this song is utterly mind blowing. so fast and accurate. Monstrous.

[@burpvom]

Even a guitar monster like Trevor Rabin used to fail in some guitar parts

[@autk]

😂...Rabin wasn't half the player Howe was in his hay day.

[@flipside46]

Even at that live blistering pace!

[@LowRider1500]

jimmy page once was asked about the greatest guitar player, he admited that farly steve howe is the king.

[@neechee5150]

@@LowRider1500 What is your source regarding your claim about Page allegedly saying that Steve Howe "is the king". When and where did Page allegedly say this? Without a legit reference/citation your claim could very well be urban legend and fiction.

[@TruNordics14]

Howe Bruford and Squire elevated prog to new levels in composition and playing. I would mention Wakeman but The Yes Album preceding Wakeman really *is* one of the definitive prog masterpieces. Time and a Word is amazing in it's own right but when Howe joined the band, prog began to sustain and exceed In The Court Of The Crimson King levels of instrument skill and composition innovation.

[@tommack9395]

Howe's contribution was he's a purist which come from a perspective of a jazz and country influence rather the other guitarist of the day... most of them were from the blues side of perspective in playing. What he brought was a mix of modal based leads on top of a busy harmonic landscape, and it did not hurt that he could hybrid-pick the likes of Merle Travis, play a rag or walk down some flamenco type classical aspect on a nylon stringed instrument. Another aspect is his use of a pedal steel - which he did not play as a traditional style - but bred it towards a different scope... i.e. and you and I - it's not some overused country phrasing but a melodic otherworldly sound... whenever I think of such I have to ponder Gilmour's use of it in "Breath", as where it's just as ethereal and cannot help wonder if was a nod least in ideal.