Starship Trooper - Band Geek Tribute to Chris Squire

The Band Geeks pay homage to the one of the mightiest bassists to walk the planet, Mr. Chris Squire. RIP
From Band Geek Episode #48
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Ann Marie Nacchio - Vocals, Keyboard
Andy Graziano - Guitar, Vocals
Richie Castellano - Bass, Vocals
Andy Ascolese - Drums, Vocals
Additional keys by Richie
Check out our Heart of the Sunrise cover here:
• Heart of the Sunrise c...
Check out our The Calling cover here:
• The Band Geeks cover T...

[@sportster16301]

The Band Geeks are not simply Yes fans who happen to play instruments. They are extremely skilled musicians who happen to love the superb music that is Yes. Thanks so much for keeping their legacy alive.

[@neilparnell5712]

Now backing John Anderson playing these classics on tour !!!

[@shawnduffy3380]

They are all (more than) "worthy" ! Most excellent!

[@traceybonds8794]

.. Wow.. Your thriller song led me to your real talent.. Yes. It's ghoulish for sure x

[@MalEvansUSA]

They are just a shitty run of the mill cover band without Ann Marie. She is band geek

[@machone35]

Omg, the complexity is stupifying. Such a great job by these guys!

[@billwhitman4125]

Let's not kid ourselves. Richie and Andy have been dreaming of this moment along with all the Yes covers since high school. We smile because of their musicianship and talent. These guys are living a dream they had for decades. Imagine what is going through their hearts and minds. We are lucky to be here with these guys living their dreams with them. They are covering the soundtrack to my life. Thanks guys

[@neilparnell5712]

Probably Chris's finest bassline ever. Really shows his genius to use the bass as a lead instrument while still fulfilling it's necessary supporting function in the composition. Also, his tone was always fantastic higher in the register yet crushing and at times brutal lower down when needed. Truly a one of a kind maverick.

[@phineas853]

Not to many bands have the cajones to attempt and much less nail a Yes cover. Well done.

[@Duh6666666]

Check out their selection of classic Yes covers, they are insane fans so just imagine the results...

[@tylerleon8888]

Sometimes, a band's genius is even more apparent when hearing their music played by other talented musicians. This video puts a huge smile on my face.

[@BryanEddy09]

EXACTLY.

[@sixfingr]

You know, like Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Tarrega, Roderigo, Debussy ... You know. Like MUSIC! We live in a time when the mediocre and the great are played by the original artists. We live in a time when great fame can come to an artist during their lifetime. In such a time, it is easy to equate playing and composition. Over centuries, composition must be sufficient to inspire awe to be regarded among the best. I definitely see Yes from 1970 through 1979 as a source of such.

[@nikolajpinoteau3126]

A huge smile in my head , and tears rolling on my face . Bravissimo to The Band Geeks, and Thank You so much guys, for that beautiful passion !

[@jjmalaprop9968]

Damn, so well said. You articulated something I was feeling but couldn’t put my finger on.

[@Marty2011uk]

@@sixfingr debussy lol

[@ayeatropoulos1]

I think Ann Marie's vocal's are more spot on and enjoyable than anyone that's sang with Yes since Anderson left!!!

[@LIVASheirlooms]

In utter awe! You guys pull off the seemingly impossible. Note for note, lick for lick. True to the original. Second only to the boys themselves. Hats off to all of you.

[@TheDavidnewkirk]

You have all honored Chris and Yes by putting your love of this music--_his_ music--into beautiful action. Your attention to the detail of the parts gladdens all of us who have followed and been warmed by this joyous music for much of our lives. Thanks!

[@misterguts]

6:03 Holding the bass up like that and playing a single string was a signature Chris Squire move. And nice flourish at the end.. Well done, Geeks!

[@TheMetalFunkAllStars]

The Vocals, and Everything is so Spot on! Damn, Yes must be impressed by you guys!

[@johnwitt583]

Next to the 70s Yes these guys are the most talented musicians I have ever heard ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@craigstevens4809]

Wonderful. Can't believe they can play this song like that - drummer and keyboard/lead vocalist facing the wall, guitarist sitting on the sofa, bass guitarist (superb "Chris Squire" tone by the way) 2 feet away from him, all in a small room. Loved this so much! My favourite Yes song too. Greetings from the UK.

[@lordstryrofoam1213]

They make these songs look easy. They aren't. Just nailin it! Not a dry eye in the house.

[@djjohnson1514]

Seeing a cat playing the bass parts 'up close' really highlights the incredible genius of Chris. This group deserves high accolades for contributing to the preservation of genius Prog. It must be incredibly fun to play this stuff. I've made a living my whole life as a musician. Chris was a big influence. Thank you folks.

[@billmcsweeney9701]

Tyler, you couldn't have put it better. It is a tribute to Yes. It puts a fresh spin on an all-time classic. You realize once again what a great write that song really is.

[@kiawra9]

Incredible. What musicianship. And the vocals, the voice of an angel. Everything spot on. And all with Italian surnames, makes me proud.

[@nickmariotti4241]

Me, too!

[@glennglazier4046]

Simply amazing!!! Having been a diehard Yes fan since the early 1970s, and having listened to "Starship Trooper" quite literally THOUSANDS of times, this is the FIRST cover of that song that moves me as much as the original. The spirit of Chris Squire is indeed proud of you, and I'm sure the remaining members of Yes -- or the two "Yes" 's -- are proud, if not straight-up envious of your level of perfection.

[@bubblesvampire7575]

Wow. . . . I've seen a LOT of bad covers of Yes songs. This was outstanding. The sound of the bass in particular is spot on. Thanks for posting.

[@willgedney374]

Really a superb cover by some outstanding professionals. Very much appreciate the dedication you guys bring to both this song and Yes.

[@occamsrayzor]

I am absolutely gobsmacked! I realise I'm five years late to the party, but the musicianship and dedication of you guys, to so faultlessly reproduce this piece is incredible. Finishing with a one bar snippet of 'Heart Of The Sunrise" is a stroke of genius.

[@ct9737]

Who are the 31 idiots that can’t appreciate this talented rendition!

[@back2backband1]

They came for the movie starship troopers

[@adriannorris1486]

Craig Taylor no accounting for morons

[@michaelmulcahy1379]

Craig Taylor now 32 clueless idiots ffs 😡

[@ammazcd]

Her voice is awful in this song

[@Michael-kx2bn]

@@ammazcd can't agree with that sorry

[@ciberkioscoloshornos983]

Felicitaciones son unos locos geniales una rebanda

[@Bosiota1]

Richie you are absolutely into the spirit of Chris Squire. Bravo, many many compliments 👏

[@hillshepherd9444]

I have NEVER heard ANYONE Play/cover YES, this ACCURATELY in my entire life. I'm 62 & listened to YES daily for YEARS & YEARS . Guitarist Blows my mind!! As does Everyone there. {I play guitar , could never do that} EXCELLENT FOLKS !!!!!

[@76SamH]

This is the best thing I've watched for years.

[@toddkalbfeld4602]

By far some of the best musicianship I've seen in the internet. Totally amazing!

[@member805639]

Chris Squire’s bass lines are just incredible.

[@johnsmacd]

Great cover and a fitting tribute to the mighty Chris Squire. Ann Marie, that's some of the best cover vocals I have ever heard on a Yes song (and Starship Trooper is my favorite Yes song.

[@PeterPapolis]

John MacDonald Agreed. Best Yes cover vocals I have ever heard.

[@davidh.5204]

+Peter Papolis Me too!

[@maybeakron4367]

Mine too

[@porkorosso7885]

And me too! Superb.

[@frogfrogu]

I concur. I’d pay money to watch them play.

[@carlrimmel]

Ridiculous that I am just now finding this KZbin channel. You are amazing. RIP Chris Squire!!

[@RobertBrown-jz4qj]

Wait till you jear Heart of the sunrise

[@dualbag7533]

How can a song bring me so much joy and bring tears to my face at the same time. Thank you, much-loved 💓

[@alanweissaltz1882]

Your comment brought tears to my eyes while I was smiling here is my picture 🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@tommyd1871]

Agreed 110%!!!!!!!

[@gregorykeppel5032]

Wow... Andy plays drums AND keyboards! Excellent musician!

[@1171karl]

I feel like I've been waiting 30 years to hear this song sound this good when played live, thanks :'-)

[@ericbergmueller2981]

You made this lifelong Yes fan happy. Nice version! The guitar and bass parts were so ON! I'm glad the singer played keyboards too. She has a nice clear sound for these difficult parts.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Yes, music that is good for the ear, head, heart, and soul. These guys got me through my cancer. Yeah, that good. God bless this planet for bands that give life and sustain it. Blessed.

[@peterresetz1960]

I'm such as YES fan that back in 1981 I purchased a Rickenbacker 4001 even though I played guitar. I eventually gave up playing the guitar, and switched to playing bass guitar full time for the last 40 years. I know that guitarist, keyboardist, even some vocalist front person thinks that they are the motor that drives the band, but it's the bass guitarist, and Chris Squire was the motor behind YES.

[@MalEvansUSA]

Oh my god. This is brilliant. Jesus Christ. The harmony at end is pure brilliance. Ann Marie is reading the lyrics off the iPad which makes it even more remarkable as she doesn’t even know the song

[@biggerterry]

I doubt that. Her vocals demonstrate emotional resonance and authenticity to Jon's original performances. The follow-on vocalists with Yes are good, but are imitators. Ann Marie embodies an emotional connection. This band definitely can make you cry.

[@MalEvansUSA]

@@biggerterry she doesn’t know yes. She’s classically trained. She’s an absolute talent. Her ex husband is a great guitar player and arranger but Ann Marie was band geek. No doubt. Band geek is nothing without Ann Marie

[@josephparin9573]

So does Jon.

[@MalEvansUSA]

@@josephparin9573 Ritchie really messed up band geek. Absolute disgrace. Ritchie is a great musician but an absolute functional idiot as a band leader. Ann Marie was band geek

[@anacchio]

☝🏻 I do know Yes

[@ricky4001cs]

So much respect was paid here with this performance. Heartwarming.

[@timallbritton7329]

Nice tribute to Chris. Sneaked in a lot of his signature licks - very cool! Thanks!

[@kgbigticket]

I am glad to know that YES music will LIVE ON FOREVER

[@jeffschielka7845]

R.I.P. Mr Squire. Chris you are SO missed my friend. ⚘⚘⚘

[@michaelhoward4983]

Can’t stop listening. The vocals are beautiful!

[@majchx5352]

the best tribute to the best ever.

[@chinesefake]

I don't have words for this. RIP Chris, you've left a legacy and a half mate.

[@amydavidval]

One of the rare tribute videos I actually watched all the way through. And it wasn't even because of all of the comments praising it. It sounded that good. Stellar performance, all!!

[@peteelliott7236]

This is wonderful. I'm singing along and crying at the same time, Beautiful.

[@davidh.5204]

WOW! That was bloody fantastic! The best cover to my favourite YES track I have ever heard. Simply awesome . . .you guys really know how to rock a tune. :o)

[@jrockofages5413]

What a joy this is. I try to imitate the explosive intro with my voice as I push my grandsons on their swings. We pretend we are blasting off into space. They love it. "Poppy...do Troopers!" This is so good!!!

[@bptraveler6608]

I grew up on YES and it's so great to hear this music carried on to the sunrise...great tribute to the best bassist of all time.

[@robertwilson4759]

An Annoited Performance !!! A Very Worthy Tribute To Chris Squire !!! He was magnanimous and fan of other bands in the same way this group is. Fantastastic Playing !!!

[@bigmamajama2829]

I didnt blink for 8 minutes.

[@marciamcmahon8077]

Having Seen Yes at 17 years old... what a fitting tribute to Chris... Thank you very much :-)

[@mikecarter9673]

This is just superb!! Epic vocal performance!! Do you play astral traveller too?

[@kenr.b.891]

Chris is smiling down from heaven. You've done him proud.

[@vascomunista]

4:40 that vocals bought tears to my eyes... great job!!!!!!!!!

[@jimdartouzos2127]

Thaf was just.....Totally. .Absolutely.. Brilliantly.. Amazingly.. Awesome

[@epickett63]

I love the "Heart of the Sunrise" ending... :-)

[@garyreynolds5733]

Yeah, me too. As it happened, I was thinking, 'that's happened before'. Is it deja vu, or a previous live recording somewhere I am recalling?

[@liys540]

abwh did the same thing in live before bill's precession drum solo in 1989 .

[@fgfinck]

this is the best cover of starship trooper on the internet.

[@Redcell6A]

This is what pure joy looks and sounds like. The smile on my face... I'm still trying to get my head around the amount of talent.

[@1948Mookie]

72 yr/old EL&P fan, and I have to say that this was excellent. I really like these people. .

[@spiketaterman5181]

Bass player has that CS sound down...I see that's a Rick, but what effects are being used? Tremelo, and that ripping, biting tone...I love this. Kudos to all!!!

[@CaptainBakerJason]

Richie has a video describing his Line 6 Helix settings, etc., for getting his Chris Squire sound.

[@EduardoCorral]

That Würm Of The Sunrise was phenomenal. Congrats.

[@pilotoheli]

Only 30 thousand views? Come on!! The best Starship Trooper version (besides Yes, of course) I've seen so far...

[@tomcat2363]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded. DONE VERY VERY WELL LIVE.

[@peterg.bassist]

Love this...this music just as fresh today as it was when I first heard it in 1971...again all super players on this one!

[@RT10Viperman]

Love Anna Marie's pipes...! Smooth as butter..Pitch perfect

[@NRS375]

Unreal cover, that was amazing

[@cdj1118]

Yes was my first rock concert ever in 1970. Bank Greek brings back the best of memories of this song. Your talent and handling of this song is awesome. This song was played when I was 16 now 65. Hahaha ....years may pass but the love never dies. Your work is outstanding!

[@WooBino.]

Where did you see them?

[@cdj1118]

@@WooBino. Houston Music Hall. Yes was the opening band then followed by Jethro Tull. This song blew me away at the time.

[@nicolek.3614]

My mouth is open wide and a small drip of saliva is creeping out of the corner. I think they call this being gobsmacked. Incredible job. Bellissimo!

[@joepinto509]

Beautiful job on this song ..played it to the T... instruments spot on.....Chris would be very proud of you guys on this ......he will be sadly missed....

[@markfox6596]

excellent job.vocals, drums, guitar. the RIC sounds like it's supposed to.

[@DogDoc1991]

Just outstanding! And who could have predicted that 8 years later, you’d be on stage with Jon Anderson?!!!

[@sonny6733]

Actually got me a little emotional especially around the 4:15 mark. Really well done. RIP Chris.

[@jmorra]

That part of the song is a bit of heaven...it has been moving me for at least 40 years...and here it is again!

[@watogo7664]

Wow so beautiful, classic of a classic.

[@Yngland]

THAK YOU FOR KEEPING YES LIVE ALIVE - THANKS

[@modsl.i.l.e.2047]

Richie...i've been Listening 🎶 to you & The Band Geeks since 2017! Your wife Ann Marie has a beautifuL voice on the Lead vocaLs. i thought maybe someday how nice it wouLd be if you were abLe to hook-up with Jon Anderson. With aLL the confusion & mishaps with YES, i knew you guys were soLid & it wouLd work. It's now 2023, and i am so happy, excited for you, that you were abLe to get with Jon & make it happen. What an honor. i hope your spirit is 😊 smiLing with joy! i am going to patientLy wait untiL you make it out here to southern CaLifornia. i want to be upfront & have 1 more chance for the music of YES to meLt my inner spirit with the right & onLy one Lead singer before i check-out!!! We aLL know that Chris & ALan wiLL be right up there having a bLast. God BLess 😇 you guys & tear it up! Enjoy the next few months🙂 cya for now...😎michaeL😎

[@giovannigee]

Impressive.. I didn't think it was possible, but you *NAILED IT* !! Chris would be very proud!

[@WickedWonder1979]

Excellent! We will all miss Mr Squire.

[@cultosaur262]

Listening to this fabulous Band Geek tribute makes for an instant attitude adjustment for the better each and every time I play it! Ann Marie ... as Wonder Woman ... as Jon Anderson, totally delivers a magnificent vocal with Richie providing excellent harmonies and bass licks on the ol' Ric 400x a la Squire at times too! Andy A. and Andy G are superb as usual...Graziano really comes alive when paying Yes tunes ... wow! Gotta throw Ann Marie props for the keys while belting out vocals...truly amazing! This has been on play list for two years ... hard to believe Chris Squire passed that long ago, eh? Always a treat when the Geeks cover Yes!

[@carlmarks8170]

I am responsible for at least 50,000 of the views. This such an awesome cover of a great great song. Bravo!

[@stevenfraney5114]

Wonderful. Love the Rickenbacher. Great to see youngsters playing this with such passion.

[@gaelcornuau1668]

Thank's from France, people!!!

[@anguitenens]

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! I know Chris is smiling on you guys! ;)

[@mickwade9499]

Fantastic job by all on one of my favorite Yes tunes, but since this is an homage to Chris Squire, I have to give extra credit to Richie for his outstanding playing and tone. Love it!

[@thelonegroover]

From a Yes fan of 45+ years standing, that was bloody great! Thanks for posting this.

[@timmartin8191]

So happy they are touring with Jon and playing all that awesome material. A monumental labor of love for skilled players. It's one thing to parrot, it's another altogether to understand, internalize and have the skill to do justice to this song. How the HELL do you get that huge sound out of a small 4-piece band? Compositional genius and mountains of hard work and talent, that's how. ❤❤❤❤

[@tommycato6368]

Tears in my eyes... great song and a great performance.

[@johnr7279]

Does not ever get old. Such talent and so much fun seeing them have fun!

[@pascaltorvic6246]

This bald guitar player is the best cover of the great Steve Howe...Brilliant man

[@josejoaocamarajunior5480]

Amazing Band Geek🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼 Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil.

[@steviejd5803]

What an utterly first class performance. You should all be rightly glowing with pride and most likely unable to sleep at night, as sleep is for whimps and your awesomeness knows no end. Wow! Ps tickle my whiskers and call me Susan.

[@dphachey]

Okay, I rarely comment on youtube. But I am officially blown away! I'm still making my way through your videos - so many outstanding covers. But Starship Trooper, Heart of the Sunrise, and Close to the Edge - this is crazy musicianship! Vocals, Drums, keyboards, bass, lead guitar. Wow! Thank you for posting this and and the other great works!!!

[@hillshepherd9444]

David, you are so right I have NEVER heard ANYONE Play/cover YES, this ACCURATELY in my entire life. I'm 62 & listened to YES daily for YEARS & YEARS . Guitarist Blows my mind!! As does Everyone there. {I play guitar , could never do that} EXCELLENT FOLKS !!!!!

[@MrBlackbass59]

I’m just so impressed by the Band Geeks...WOW!!!

[@shocktrooper8443]

BRAVO! BRAAAHHHHVO! Anne Marie...you are just KILLIN-IT girlfriend! Andy...you sir are one of the best cover drummers I have ever seen or heard,,,SAAAA-LUTE! Sir! My God...you all are just magnificent in your renditions of these YES classics! ;-D

[@JTHeidrick]

That version is a magnificent tribute to Chris Squire and all the members of Yes. A+++

[@pDaleC]

Beautiful job covering this. The only excuse someone could have for disliking this is "I'm an idiot."

[@deanroddey2881]

Oh, believe me, they're out there, in droves. Like Mr Dylan Parker who commented "that girl is annoying af to watch cringey". It takes a true mastery of the shallowness arts to come up with that comment in response to this video, leaving aside the standard, whiny internet negativity factor it registers in isolation. As I always say, the internet is basically Lord of the Flies writ large and digital.

[@claudebuhler4566]

with great care and precision but never slavishly! And so enthusiastic! Thank you!

[@BornInTheWrongYear]

Bass player is on point. Great stuff and great song choice!

[@ThePetechicken]

Loving you from Devon, England. Come and play live here!!!

[@johnkru1295]

Great job. I saw Yes about 90 times starting with the Fragile tour in early 72. That was an amazing decade, Yes and ELP!

[@sski]

YEAH!!!! My favorite classic Yes tune. You guys killed it! Amazing work.

[@studio151llc5]

Well done all! Very nice cover of an iconic Yes composition! Very nice indeed!