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The prog-rock bassist Geddy Lee said was a cut above the rest: “Without question”
Rush bassist Geddy Lee named Yes’s Chris Squire as the greatest progressive-rock bassist, saying the choice was “without question”. The article argues that Squire’s inventive, prominent bass playing helped shape Lee’s approach and influenced Rush’s later direction.
Lee cited Squire’s work on Yes songs including ‘Roundabout’ and ‘No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed’, praising its imagination, movement and ability to combine different musical styles. He noted that comparisons between bassists depend on genre and context, but said Squire’s influence on progressive rock was exceptional; Squire died in 2015.
In short
- Geddy Lee named Chris Squire prog rock’s greatest bassist.
- Squire’s Yes basslines strongly influenced Lee and Rush.
- Lee emphasised that musicians should be judged in context.
Explained simply
Progressive rock is a style of music from the 1970s onwards, characterised by elaborate arrangements, extended instrumental sections and highly skilled musicians. The genre produced some of rock's most influential bands, including Rush and Yes. Geddy Lee serves as bassist, singer and keyboardist for Rush, whilst Chris Squire was the bassist and founding member of Yes.
Chris Squire became known for treating the bass as a lead instrument rather than simply providing rhythm and harmony. His bass lines were inventive and prominent, creating distinct melodies that were as important to the songs as the main vocal parts. This approach helped establish new creative possibilities for the bass within progressive rock.
Squire's bass playing profoundly influenced how other musicians approached the instrument, shaping the direction of progressive rock as a whole. He remained with Yes for over forty years until his death in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be recognised by the musicians he inspired.