Yes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Guitarist Steve Howe on Elon Musk, Peace, the Beatles, and Ecology

Some Future Day podcast - Episode 19: Yes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Guitarist Steve Howe on Elon Musk, Peace, the Beatles, and Ecology | with Steve Howe and Marc Beckman
Steve Howe is a rock and roll legend. He is a guitarist, songwriter, and musician best known for his work in Yes, Asia, GTR, Tomorrow, and his solo music. Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes, Steve is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar players of all time.
In this conversation, Steve discusses his life from his early musical career in London to his present. He talks about his experiences in the music scene during the 60s, the historic UFO club, and his encounters with other musical greats such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. Howe also shares his concern for the environment and emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and embarking on sustainable practices.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Meeting with Steve Howe
02:32 Steve Howe's Life in Devon and His Recording Studio
05:27 Climate Change and Renewable Energy
06:57 Reflections on Human Impact and the Need for Change
08:48 Exploring the Influence of Historical Figures on Current Thought
14:07 The Impact of Technology and Innovation on Sustainability
17:10 The Role of Art and Music in Promoting Peace and Understanding
21:53 Reminiscing on the Psychedelic Era and the Influence of The Beatles
24:29 The Evolution of Steve Howe's Music Career
40:01 The Intersection of Music and Technology in the Future
42:42 Conclusion: The Hope for Peace in the Future
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Episode Links:
Steve Howe: stevehowe.com/
To join the conversation follow Marc here:
LinkedIn: / marcbeckman
Twitter: / marcbeckman
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Marc is a Senior Fellow of Emerging Technologies at NYU, the CEO of DMA United, and is on the New York State Bar Association's Taskforce for Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets.
DMA United: dmaunited.com/
Some Future Day is produced and edited by Make More Media: makemore.media/

[@georgeratkovich7161]

It was the addition of Steve Howe that allowed YES to find its true identity. His enormous contribution on the YES album placed YES on the map and it all rolled from there.

[@marcbeckman]

Very good point.

[@user-qy2wp8iz9l]

Steve Howe has always been in the top 5 ALL times best guitarists for me .I'm 70 yes Old

[@emmaleach5679]

Excellent interview, thanks Marc. Steve is a gem of a human and a phenomenal guitarist to boot.

[@williamyelverton-music7072]

Smart guy, on the right side of history, science, art, and life.

[@Raelspark]

Vegetarianism is just dumb.

[@jeffsimon9594]

Yep. Always signs up to The Current Thing.

[@loringmsuess]

I have grown even more appreciation for Steve Howe as of late. Both as a musician and person. This is lovely.

[@dellblackman4565]

'Soon' is my favorite song by Yes! Saw Yes many times in the seventies and what a delight it is to see Steve here!

[@scottallan6770]

Thanks so much for this, Marc! YES literally changed my life's course when I first saw YESSONGS in a little local theater during my high school days. I was blessed enough to see them 26-times and meet the band. Steve was just like he is here... sweet, polite and giving of his time. I even got to take my son, Christopher Gabriel (named after Chris Squire and Peter Gabriel) in for one of their soundchecks. ✌🙏

[@marcbeckman]

Love it - great, great name!

[@karenreardon5398]

Thus is a gem. Love Steve Howe!❤❤❤🌹💕. Thank you for posting this interview.😊❤

[@marcbeckman]

Your kind words are appreciated. Stay tuned for this coming Tuesday's new episode - I have a funny feeling you will definitely appreciate.

[@SunFellow941]

That's the best interview with Steve Howe that I've EVER heard. And yes, Mirror to the Sky is a continuation of the themes that animated the 1960s counterculture that gave birth to Yes, and were carried into the spiritual wing of progressive rock in the 1970s!!!! Bravo, Steve! ❤💛🧡💚💛💙💚💜💚💙💛💚🧡💛❤💥💥💥🏵🌹🌺🌻💐☀🌝🌞🪐⭐🌟🕉✡☸☯✝☮🕎🕉✡☸☯✝☮🕎🔯🌹💐🌻🌺🌹🏵💐

[@marcbeckman]

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen - your kind words are appreciated.

[@johnmorrell]

What an excellent interview; smart, thoughtful questions, and insightful answers. I appreciate the time and research you put into your preparation. (btw. If you want some Steve Howe and Yes guitar lessons - you can find some on my channel)

[@marcbeckman]

Thank you very much for the acknowledgment, John. I truly appreciate.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I love Mr Howe! Saw Yes In Seattle at least 5 times! Was high for a week after each concert! So positive the atmosphere was electric!❤❤❤❤

[@Progrocker70]

This was a great interview, thanks for posting this!

[@dolfinpt]

My Favorite guitarist! Been a huge fan over 50 years! Been privileged to have front row in front of Steve a few times! Whew! I can still feel it! He’s Incredible!❤️ Enjoyed the interview 😊

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Me too. Saw Steve 30 times

[@andrewmorgenstern]

Incredible interview! Top notch. Sharing with my fellow audiophiles and prog fans. YES! is how I learned to appreciate music and is still my favorite band to this day. Just saw SH live in DC on the 50th Anniversary of the Close to the Edge tour. Great job once again Marc!

[@marcbeckman]

Merci.

[@caroles140]

Wonderful interview 💖

[@marcbeckman]

@@caroles140 TY

[@ianstephenson1117]

What a great conversation! I really enjoyed this. Thank you both.

[@philfyphil]

There are so many great moments in the Yes albums with Steve’s playing. If I remember correctly he was also responsible for introducing John Williams to the electric guitar.

[@akaristinosxxxt]

It is nice to see most of the old legends are reaching out and engaging people on a more personal down to earth level these days, with more of a loving heart than in the past. Times change and so do they. They spoke to us through their music now with their concerns and words of love and change for the whole world. we are all people searching for what is best in man, you would think for most. Music is love a vibration as is love a musical note that vibrates in our hearts. Love your thoughts and words.

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Excellent interview, Marc. Steve Howe has always held a warm place in my heart as a person and a great musician. Thank you!

[@marcbeckman]

Thank you, I appreciate the support.

[@Atom-56]

Loved listening to this interview with a Steve Howe, covering some interesting topics here. It’s incredible, that as far back as the 14th century, drawings were done with possible insights, of the changes that could occur in the future. Then Steve mentions, that our way of life was predicted by someone, 200 hundred years ago, I’m not a historian, but growing up in the 60s, a book which was first printed in 1932 , called A Brave New World which was written by Aldous Huxley, was very popular amongst students and hippies, in it Huxley describes how in the 21st. Century, our world will be run by Capitalism and Technology and all to the demise of mankind………! As Steve said, man is now thinking about solving the technological problems, with technology, and that Elon Musk is trying to figure out a way to transport life to another planet, because, he thinks the Earth will be destroyed. The Earth is governed by nature and its natural elements that are in place to sustain life on earth, as the air, fire (the sun) and water. While technology is proving to interfere with nature, as shown in adverse weather patterns, like the furocious storms, overwhelming floods and relentless fires during unusually high temperatures, all taking human life in its path as it encroaches upon our communities, towns and cities. Compare the power of what nature can do, next to the resources of mankind, man is useless, defenceless and totally insignificant in the face of nature. I think Elon Musk has it wrong, it isn’t the earth that will be destroyed, but,the people who are failing to manage it.

[@franciscodiaz183]

Thank you, Mr. Steve Howe.

[@rickdesarle9875]

Great Job. I smiled when Steve said he only took half because that's what I did. Another thing Shy Boy Rocks.

[@tylerboley1786]

Wonderful informed interview, thank you

[@belalugrisi1614]

Thanks for the most excellent interview with a true genius & personal hero. It was a very deep, and thoughtful conversation; we need to honor nature, as it is the source of our sustenance and inspiration. Yes music has been teaching us these concepts for decades. Blessings Steve and Marc, and best to all~

[@marcbeckman]

Thank You!

[@deanwolfechannel]

Nice to get a wider sense of Steve Howe and how he thinks. Realistically artists have thoughts beyond guitar amps and pickups.

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

True but as a guitar player, I would have liked to hear more about his choice of gear, guitars, amps, string gauge and sound for different situations.

[@Atom-56]

@@maximusindicusoblivious180. There are dozens of interviews with a Steve Howe, telling us all about the things you would like to know, just google Steve Howe interviews and you will find them. 👍

[@jeffsimon9594]

Trouble is they all seem to download those thoughts from BBC and CNN

[@yesmanasia123]

Superb interview!

[@backofthecup1]

No one gives a better interview than Steve.

[@marcbeckman]

Amazing range of topics covered here. Very exciting.

[@cherylgalleran6602]

Thank you for such an amazing interview!! Just stumbled across your channel. ‘Yes’. By far has always been one of my absolute favorite bands of all time Grew up with them basically. Steve Howe is by far the best guitarist to grace the earth! Adore him as a musician and a human being! Thank you again !!!❣️ p.s. subscribed of course 🥰

[@marcbeckman]

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate.

[@cherylgalleran6602]

@@marcbeckman. Absolutely! My pleasure 😉👍🏼❣️

[@alejandropalmapastrana8527]

Love Steve ❤❤❤❤❤ Along with Harrison Page is my Favorite 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Love the Way He Play a Lot to Admire ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉 From Cancún Mexico 🇲🇽

[@lgindoffchannel]

Really impressive interview Marc, it was the first time I have ever heard of you. You have a new subscriber.

[@marcbeckman]

Thank you!

[@stephensuddick1896]

Earth is our home. The only home we will ever have.

[@trippknotic]

Interesting and intelligent interview 🤙

[@paulbennett772]

Excellent interview.

[@marcbeckman]

Thank You, Paul.

[@DanielMcGrath1969]

Aside from his Timbre he was amazing. My favorites. Fripp. Uli. And me Danny McGrath. I've got it all. Feel. Feel. Feel. And ferocity!

[@familydogg1234]

Keith Emerson auditioned Howe to join THE NICE 1968/69 period but then disappeared. The he heard he was playing in TOMOROW

[@Raelspark]

It's one thing to label Steve as a hippie, but he was never as committed as guys like Daevid Allen (Gong) or the two guys in the Incredible String Band -- Robin Williamson and Mike Heron, or even the guys in early Jethro Tull like Glenn Cornick.

[@234cheech]

love our old thatched roofs cottages buildings

[@jeffschielka7845]

🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👍😎

[@eximusic]

His achievement is much greater than being in the R&R Hall of Fame. Ridiculous institution. But Howe is a virtuoso. Early interviews with him were my impetus to buy Django Reinhardt and Joe Pass albums. And study ragtime guitar. And prog rock essentially started and ended with Yes.

[@marcbeckman]

Agreed.

[@jeffsimon9594]

I think he would disagree with you given the extremely earnest and po-faced nature of his acceptance speech.

[@eximusic]

@@jeffsimon9594 Im not projecting my opinion of the R&RHOF onto Howe. It being a ridiculous institution is just the way it is.

[@russellfillis6864]

Wind mills on the Ocean kill great beasts of a sonic animal...you wrong Steve, but I appreciate you

[@russellfillis6864]

Don't kill the whale with windmills

[@33AndAThirdRPM]

Love Steve Howe as a musician and followed the band YES from early 70's to present day. However, lets get real. He is a product of a generation that had everything and indulged heavily in it,... and a generation that had created a large quantity of the environmental issues that we suffer from today. How do I know,... because I come from the same generation. It makes me laugh to some degree of anyone who preaches at ad nauseam about all the troubles of the world but they purchase and own a large quantity of products that cause the very issues to the environment that they seem to be so concerned about. Let's not kid ourselves,... the tools you use to produce this KZbin page are made from plastics made of oil, mined metals for that mic , computer, smart phone, etc.,etc., etc., and the electricity to make it all work. I could go on and on and on about what we all own and the material and process required to manufacture each item. The only way mankind will not leave a negative footprint on this planet to the degree some would hope for is to cast away all your belongings and learn how to homestead like a pioneer from 300 years ago. Expect to work a minimum of 16 hour days, have no leisure time and have a life expectancy much, much shorter than what the average is today. Sound fun?,... do most modern day people have the intestinal fortitude to take on such a task? I think we all know the answer,... the television series 'Naked and Afraid' gives us a good idea. You see,... no-one really wants to have to live under those daily conditions of perpetual toil no matter how often they express how much they truly care for finding a better way,... because if they truly did they wouldn't be talking about it consistently but rather out there somewhere living like a homesteading pilgrim and setting an example for everyone else to follow. You have to hunt and or fish for your food, plant crops and protect them from insect and wildlife infestation, collect fire wood, build a log structure to live in, maintain a water supply, make and wash clothing, have major survival skills, keep healthy and free of illness(no walk in clinics in the wilderness). To some extent we have painted ourselves into a corner and getting all the world on the same page is realistically near impossible to accomplish. Everything we rely on for our modern day lifestyles puts a burden on our planets environment. Try to convince corporations around the world to stop running their factories out of China and India,... two of the worlds top pollution contributors and hundreds of other countries doing the same due to virtually no environmental standards in place,... but these places supply us all with the cheap products we by each and every day in first world countries. You see where the hypocrisy lies with all these virtue signalling talking heads. In the 60's and 70's many were against the man,... and now,... they are the man. I'm all for finding better ways and following a proven methodology in getting there but show me any leaders or central planners that have created a logical and believable transitional plan to arrive at the place we think we should be with regards to better respecting our planets environment. Also, in doing so we must accept the fact that a large percentage of fluctuation that we experience with our climate is cyclical and has been long before mankind made an appearance, This we know through scientific research. There have been tropical climates in places that now experience arctic cold in the winter months(i.e. places in Canada that once had dinosaurs roaming their landscapes such as Alberta), we have had multiple ice ages(last one in North America that extended to the southern point of Lake Michigan 10,000 years ago), Forest fires that would burn consistently and uncontrollably around the globe due to lighting and volcanic activity (now we have technology to try and extinguish them),... and all this before man roamed the planet. Our Sun star will one day deplete all its hydrogen and die like any other star but not before destroying Earth and all other planets in the solar system. These are the realities of our existence and to deny and somehow think Mankind can control such powerful laws of the Universe and Mother Nature is simply a fools game and waste of time that can otherwise be focused on living and enjoying ones time while alive and doing their best to help preserve what we have while we have it. Again, to some degree we as a species have painted ourselves into a corner,... but perhaps that has been our destiny all along the way. For those who believe eliminating plastic straws is a monumental step forward in saving ourselves from ourselves is simply ludicrous. As a side note, I have lived in the far north of Canada in the past and lived a semi-homesteading lifestyle so I speak from experience when describing the efforts, challenges and difficulties in doing so. It may seem romantic,... and it is to a certain degree,... but there is also a harsh reality to the process. Careful what you wish for.

[@relicofgold]

Musk wants to get us on Mars to save Earth? Bollocks. We have the perfect planet right here. Take care of it, stop shooting big metal pricks into space. If you can make Mars habitable, you can make Earth habitable.

[@jeffsimon9594]

You seem to have a dirty mind.. I believe they are shaped that way for aerodynamics

[@relicofgold]

@@jeffsimon9594 I got that from the film NAKED where the characters call them "big metal pricks."

[@hcgenerator]

The wind turbines in the ocean are conducting so much sound underwater that whales are turning up dead. Also solar panels are requiring more silver for their electronics, there isn't enough being mined to supply it.

[@jeffsimon9594]

Like the vast majority of musicians Steve doesn't have a clue about this stuff, he should really stay in his lane instead of virtue signalling.

[@Relayer6a]

Marc, All of this "green" stuff sounds great, but it's not that simple. First off the tech isn't really there. It's too exotic, not mature and reliable, and expensive. Look at the issues with electric vehicles in cold climates. Batteries don't hold a charge and take too long to charge when it's really cold. It's not that green. Disposing of Li-Ion batteries and the process of mining it in these countries with poor human rights. Nobody gives a crap about the Brown and Yellow people (often children) in the mines. Nobody cares that when the green politicians stop the mining and drilling in their countries and let it be done in "developing nations" they pollute many many times more than what the western countries would. The infrastructure isn't there, in places like California where they've established a ban date of 2035 for gasoline/petrol vehicles they're already in a situation where they can't supply electricity during peak usage times and the percentage of electric vehicles is only 13%. They ask that you only charge your vehicles during off peak times. They have a similar legislation in some states, and the Feds are pursuing it too, to have 1/2 the large truck sales be electric by 2035. Problem is there's no charging infrastructure in place. Neither the Feds nor the states have anything in the works either. The Teamsters say they'd have to start building charging stations for the truckers now and build 15,000 a month to have enough by 2035. NOBODY'S DOING IT! This is the "political football". You have all these politicians using lip service to buy votes and making regs for the future that there are no plans on how to implement. But it won't be their problem. Add to it that I've been hearing all the same stuff since the 70's. We were supposed to be out of fossil fuels decades ago. They need to stop exaggerating, or flat out lying, and using scare tactics. It ruins their credibility. The truth is they're only using it for money and power.

[@marcbeckman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5vQh3esiquimJosi=qln2YOCtLcdTSaYd

[@Relayer6a]

@@marcbeckman This doesn't address anything I said. Great, they're spending all this money. Which means people are getting rich.

[@marcbeckman]

@@Relayer6a I was just sharing additional insight / POV on the topic. Do you want me to address the issues you raised?

[@Relayer6a]

@@marcbeckman Not necessarily. I just assumed when you replied it would have something to do with what I wrote. It's all good. You clarified it. Thanks.

[@exposinginsanity]

it is complicated unless we all just stop demanding more and more electric and car travel. would be simple if Americans were willing to be more Amish and more Buddhist

[@BjoernLewin]

I started listening to his autobiography... I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. Howe is being sour and viscious - never shy to criticise other musicians - and always paints himself as the good guy. The book is awfully written and should have been edited and Howe shows how self-involved he really is. It is unbearbable.

[@marcbeckman]

Did you listen to our conversation?

[@Relayer6a]

Steve has obviously been sheltered to think that "musicians" are all about peace and love. Listen to modern popular music. Way too much gang mentality shooting people and abusing women. And just general crudeness.

[@marcbeckman]

Today is Steve Howe's Birthday!

[@Relayer6a]

@@marcbeckman I hope Steve lives forever.

[@drvee1983]

I tuned in because I'm a Steve Howe fan and a guitarist. I had to tune out at 12 minutes after pontificating and nonsense on both of their parts. Spare me on dietary and energy sources. I'll go back to playing " Mood for a Day " on my classical guitar and appreciate his talent. I'm glad I saw Yes in their Heyday. I may grill a great steak and floor my gas guzzler truck when I'm done passing stalled electric cars in the snow. Phenomenal Guitarist, but enough already. Stick to music.

[@binxbolling]

People don't look like that and live another decade.

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

If all you eat is vegetables you may be surprised.

[@VuhJJ]

It's a mistake to live on a plant based diet. If you view human history as a 24 our clock, grains, vegetables, and sugar, have only been in our diet for the last 2 minutes. Most of human diseases began when agriculture and carbs were incorporated into our diet. A mostly carnivore diet sustains good balance of vitamins and mineral, deters cancer and heart disease, and protects the brain against dementia and Alzheimer's. It's completely counterintuitive to what the mainstream recommends, but, if the wanted you to be healthy, you'd be healthy. A patient cured, is a customer lost.

[@sciwiz57]

Good but spare me the climate change bull crap

[@georgem5589]

This guy's a great guitarist. Sadly got very little of that. Couldn't care less about his take on climate change which is political bs.

[@cjo2012]

Thank you. I scrolled down looking for a comment that was'nt oblivious to the naivete and lefty BS. that this conversation is steeped in.

[@troubadour723]

@@cjo2012 It's amazing how some "fans" have never read any of their lyrics over the past half century. 😀

[@jeffsimon9594]

@@troubadour723 You don't understand, Jon is a true hippy / friend of the earth etc. Nothing like the current crop of eco-zealot 'watermelons' ie. green on the outside, red on the inside.

[@exposinginsanity]

cjo2012...maybe this is not your music? you can exit this video since you don't get YES

[@exposinginsanity]

george5589...you are the wall and the barrier he is talking about