Chris's Health

[swib]

Hi Everyone,

Being an adult/child victim of alcholism, I worry alot about these guys, truly every single one of them, the one that worries me the most is Chris.

I have admired and looked up to this man for 4 years now.

I am hearing and reading some negative speculations from other fans about his health.

I do not think the management would put up much more of his crap after the last tour with him getting to wrecked on stage, falling down, screaming at the roadies, looking disheveled.

I wish someone would please put my mind at ease that he is on the road to recovery and not doing what I think he is doing, especially after losing John Entwistle.

I will be saying prayers for this band that everything is ok on the Europe tour.

To me I thought he was on a diet, his color looks good.

Would Rick really stand for this?

[BredYes]

Hi Everyone,

I do not think the management would put up much more of his crap after the last tour with him getting to wrecked on stage, falling down, screaming at the roadies, looking disheveled.



Which tour? Did you see this happening on the 35- anniversary tour? I don't know much about this, the only thing I can say he always played very well on the concerts I saw between 1997 and 2003, not like a drunk man, although he had always a glass of cognac or something like that on stage. But it did not seem to influence his performance.

[yarstruly]

I have not heard these reports either...can you elaborate or give us a link to an article or something?

[swib]

I'll tell you what.

I should have taken that crap that rick was eating on the table and dumped it over chris. He was such an Ars&*^ to me.

[ANTIOCH]

This last tour was the 1st time Chris did not control the stage. He was subdued and somewhat uninspired; although he did look to be in full control. I hope these rumor's are just that and that his weight loss might be the reason for his energy drop.

[swib]

Hi,

I am hoping it is just a rumour, we should all be concerned when we see someone that long have a lot of weight on then suddenly lose it all to quickly.

[Sheerah]

Weight loss is often a positive thing. It is energizing.

I think that this whole tour showcased a maturing, incredibly well-aging Yes. The tour exhibited their finely honed talents. Touring for all of those weeks in a row is, I assume, exhausting. I traveled to 3 of their shows within a 2 week time span, and I was exhausted. To me it seems that at their age, they would look kind of goofy jumping around and doing splits and such.

On stage, the band exhibited nothing but the utmost professionalism.

Try to put your fears to rest, Diane. I believe that they are all official senior citizens, though I really don't know for certain. They are old enough to look after themselves. It's unlikely that you'll see any acrobatics out of anyone at this point.

[Sheerah]

Hi,

I am hoping it is just a rumour, we should all be concerned when we see someone that long have a lot of weight on then suddenly lose it all to quickly.

And remember Diane, men lose weight so much more easily than woman. So, for a man to drop weight very quickly, especially when doing the low-carb thing, is not so unusual.

[swib]

ok, I will agree to that Sheila.

Howe long did the boys have off in between tours? He looked a bit better in Hawaii too.

[swib]

you know what I hate about some men, now I said some men. They judge us by our weight instead of our minds.

With yes men, and I have met quite a few out there, yes men look within their women. I am at my heaviest right now and I still got treated like a queen at the lowell show before and during.

Man I go to lose at least 30 lbs by the Jones Beach show. Anyone out there can help this yes angel. Will be very grateful.

[jimmygtr]

I'm sure having a young child again motivated him to improve his health.

[Sheerah]

Man I go to lose at least 30 lbs by the Jones Beach show. Anyone out there can help this yes angel. Will be very grateful.

Well Diane, in all seriousness, many people swear by The South Beach Diet.

[swib]

I would love to see him back in the black pinstripe outfits that he wore way back when, and especially the backgammon suit with those tennis sneakers.

[CageyPea]

Time to post that Rick Wakeman quote from the Yesspeak DVD; you may know it already --

"The only difference is that now we all weigh individually more than we used to collectively." (or something like that :lmao: )

. . . so I doubt that even now Chris would be able to re-do his 1980 fashion-fit!

And I think Steve is the only one who may actually be thinner these days, by the looks of 'im . . . I've heard some compare him half-jokingly to the Crypt Keeper or Gollum!

But per your inquiry . . . I can tell you that I know three people who are respectively happy with the results of the South Beach diet, the Atkins diet, and the recommendations of a book called Eat Right for Your Blood Type (or something like that). So, seems like where there's a will, there's a way . . .

Or you could just try running 3-octave scales on a six-string bass at 200 bpm . . . that'll be sure to burn calories! :D

[Dances w/PURPLE]

backgammon? did someone say backgammon? oh my. That is one game I LOVE to play!

I thought the tour this round was amazing. Last tour was good and wonderful and Chris looked better this round.

I am a firm believer that carbs, for some people but not all, are as addicting as liquor. Atkins was on to something to be sure. South Beach follows Atkins to some degree but not completely. You drop weight readily (and unfortunately most alcohol has very little carbs). Still, I thought Chris...all of them looked the spot of health. I thought Steve could have used a few hours at my house to brighten his cheeks up a bit but then again I always go through color shock when I go north.

All seems to be well and I've heard grand reports from the shows but for a few voices and that's OK too.

[JJGeers]

To give some clearance is always a good thing right?

What I've learned from recent meetings is that Chris is just fine. He has some medicines, but at his age and with this kind of work, he has to take care of himself. And he does. The main thing he has to keep in mind is his food, and fat is one enemy of Chris. That's all.

Today Chris is in a fine condition, and sometimes I envy him being that energetic as my father is just not, although he is the same age.

Cheers!

JJG

[michelforest]

backgammon? did someone say backgammon? oh my. That is one game I LOVE to play!

I thought the tour this round was amazing. Last tour was good and wonderful and Chris looked better this round.

I am a firm believer that carbs, for some people but not all, are as addicting as liquor. Atkins was on to something to be sure. South Beach follows Atkins to some degree but not completely. You drop weight readily (and unfortunately most alcohol has very little carbs). Still, I thought Chris...all of them looked the spot of health. I thought Steve could have used a few hours at my house to brighten his cheeks up a bit but then again I always go through color shock when I go north.

All seems to be well and I've heard grand reports from the shows but for a few voices and that's OK too.

I once followed a diet ressembling the Atkins diet (mine was a French diet called the Montignac diet). I dropped about 25 lbs that way, I went from 170 to 145. I'm now at 150, which is just fine for me (I'm 5'7''). Anyway, from what I've read, the whole low-carb craze is a bit extreme. Your body needs carbs, but there are good and bad carbs, just like there's good and bad fat. The trick, it seems, is to stay away from food and drinks that are high in added sugar, like soft drinks for example. Vegetables and fruits are rich in carbs (well, at least some of them) but I've learned from personal experience that you can eat all the veggies and fruits you want and you still won't gain weight. The main problem, especially for North Americans, is that the most popular food are rich in added sugar (especially corn syrup), trans fat and white flour, and all of that will make you gain weight. Another problem I see, as a Canadian, is that when I go to the US and eat at restaurants, I'm always served *HUGE* servings of food and I usually leave out a lot of it. It's just too much food for one person! In fact, McDonald's has stopped offering supersize meals, and that may be a good step. Just to let you know, in one McDonald's meal (i.e. a burger with fries and soda), there are enough calories for a whole day!

OK, now I'm shutting up!! :1quiet:

[Earl Grey]

I've been 'told' that Chris is watching himself, and though indeed, Chris is known for partying it up a bit, that he's not doing anything in 'excess'... That was the term used by someone who is a close friend...
And as far as health in general goes, he seems healthier than I've seen him in a long time.

Chris was really cool, the three times I met him after the shows this tour: He tried to sign a photo I had of him with a silver pen, and my pen went 'whako' on him, and spilled ink all over the place! Chris goes, "Oh oh! Argh!" handed me back the photo, shaking his head and throwing his hands in the air! So I now have a photo that looks like Charlie Brown signed it!!! Haha! Priceless.

Chris was backstage every night this tour, signing autographs, and being candid and friendly to all of the fans... Maybe he was just having a bad night that night Diane... Ah well. It happens!

Earlie:yesbird:

[Dances w/PURPLE]

michaelforest good comments from you there and appreciate your perspective.

Earlie I was thinking maybe Chris just had an off night. Exhaustion makes me cranky.

[yessongs72]

Chris has had a drinking problem for a while from what i hear. He loves his wine and shows it on stage. I do wish he would slow down for his health and we all know what parting did to Rick and others. I also think Jon would be happier if Chris would cut back.

[michelforest]

I've been 'told' that Chris is watching himself, and though indeed, Chris is known for partying it up a bit, that he's not doing anything in 'excess'... That was the term used by someone who is a close friend...
And as far as health in general goes, he seems healthier than I've seen him in a long time.

Chris was really cool, the three times I met him after the shows this tour: He tried to sign a photo I had of him with a silver pen, and my pen went 'whako' on him, and spilled ink all over the place! Chris goes, "Oh oh! Argh!" handed me back the photo, shaking his head and throwing his hands in the air! So I now have a photo that looks like Charlie Brown signed it!!! Haha! Priceless.

Chris was backstage every night this tour, signing autographs, and being candid and friendly to all of the fans... Maybe he was just having a bad night that night Diane... Ah well. It happens!

Earlie:yesbird:


Thanks for your interesting comments. I believe Chris' day of excess are behind him. He's married, has a young boy and maybe that has had a good effect on him. I remember when I saw him during the Union tour, I was very worried about him. Just look at him in the Yesyears documentary, he looks very hungover and reports I've read about that era suggest he had some serious substance abuse problems. I also remember reading that there were a lot of drugs around the band when they toured for Big Generator.

I'm sorry for Diane that her meeting with him was not good. I heard that there were some frictions within the group after the MSG show, mainly due to the stunt Jon pulled with his spiritual adviser (or whatever she is). It seems that the fact the show went longer than 11:00 pm means that they had to pay a fortune in overtime to the local crews and that ate up a sizeable portion of the profits generated that night. Maybe that explains Chris' attitude.

[bcking]

from what I hear, it all comes down to the "glycemic index".

[jimmygtr]

I'm sorry for Diane that her meeting with him was not good. I heard that there were some frictions within the group after the MSG show, mainly due to the stunt Jon pulled with his spiritual adviser (or whatever she is.

Okay, now you got me guessing. What happened with Jon and his sa?

[swib]

I am very pleased with the turnout on this thread considering it is less than 24 hours old.

I do appreciate your kind words and concern for him.

I hate getting emails from other fans saying that he is up to his "old tricks".

Very negative.

I cannot wait to see him at Jones Beach NY.

Diane

[SallyKhatru]

I alos heard from a friend who met Chris an Alan, that he lost weight, but he seems to feel good and it's only because of some sort of diet. I really hope that they all are fine:-) I hope they know that we need them.
Diane, it's really sweet how conerned you are and starting this thread was good, because reading all the posts made me really confident and calm:-)
Can you explain what you meant here:I'll tell you what.

"I should have taken that crap that rick was eating on the table and dumped it over chris. He was such an Ars&*^ to me."
I really don't get that.
Have a great day everybody, because today is just a wonderful day;-)

[Thoughtbecontact]

Well, Chris and Jon still don't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things and I do think that Chris doesn't care for Jon's spiritualness so much. There is a mutual respect for each other as musicians, but well, personally.....they don't care to see one another.

[pauli]

Well, I am a little late coming into this thread, but I will add my 2 cents worth anyway!
Diane, I have seen my share of wasted bass players over the last 30 years -- Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report comes particularly to mind -- and it never crossed my mind for one second during the Toronto show that there was anything wrong with Chris. He looked pretty good, in fact. No, he wasn't leaping around, but I'm 10-15 years younger than they are, and I don't think I'd be able to tour the way they still do and play night after night!

[michelforest]

Okay, now you got me guessing. What happened with Jon and his sa?

Here's what was reported on alt.music.yes by someone who was at the show:

QUOTE: "The ovation after 'Preacher/Teacher" was so long and loud that they sinply couldn't continue with the song. As the minutes ticked away (and them at that point perhaps still hoping to meet the 11 PM union deadline) Howe reportedly became agitated. What I recall is that he finally went offstage and came back with his 'Ritual' Gibson, and began strumming chords. As the crowd settled down, Anderson took a stab at singing the final words lines ( 'Apocalypse' ) over Howe's er, untraditional accompaniment.

Then, after Ritual and the first bows/exit, Anderson came back and gave the stage to his guru for a few minutes of rather awkward chanting. The band then performed 'Soon', and their time was up. But Squire (?) convened them onstage and they came out to do a somewhat ragged Starship Trooper. I have heard from backstage sources that their overtime performance costs essentially ate up whatever profit they made from the MSG show.

So why do it? I think they (or at least, all but Howe) were geniunely moved by the NYC response , perhaps also giving a nod to the fact that New York is, well, *New York*, as big as the Big Time gets. Jon appeared almost moved to tears at times during the show." UNQUOTE

[CathyG]

I was not lucky enough to be at more than one show on the recent tour, but here's my two cents -

I was very worried about Chris' appearance and demeanor last year - the extra weight, the things I read in the tour reviews about falling over, etc. - but this year he looks much better. I believe that the weight loss is just a result of a diet, and not from any illness or worsening condition - I've lost two relatives to alcohol abuse/liver failure, and that's an entirely different kind of weight loss as well as loss of overall stamina and health.

So, I was very, very glad to see and hear about Chris' health this year, and hope that he and all the other guys stay healthy (and touring) for a long, long time!

CathyG

[jimmygtr]

Here's what was reported on alt.music.yes by someone who was at the show:

QUOTE: "The ovation after 'Preacher/Teacher" was so long and loud that they sinply couldn't continue with the song. As the minutes ticked away (and them at that point perhaps still hoping to meet the 11 PM union deadline) Howe reportedly became agitated. What I recall is that he finally went offstage and came back with his 'Ritual' Gibson, and began strumming chords. As the crowd settled down, Anderson took a stab at singing the final words lines ( 'Apocalypse' ) over Howe's er, untraditional accompaniment.

Then, after Ritual and the first bows/exit, Anderson came back and gave the stage to his guru for a few minutes of rather awkward chanting. The band then performed 'Soon', and their time was up. But Squire (?) convened them onstage and they came out to do a somewhat ragged Starship Trooper. I have heard from backstage sources that their overtime performance costs essentially ate up whatever profit they made from the MSG show.

So why do it? I think they (or at least, all but Howe) were geniunely moved by the NYC response , perhaps also giving a nod to the fact that New York is, well, *New York*, as big as the Big Time gets. Jon appeared almost moved to tears at times during the show." UNQUOTE

Fascinating. Now I really want a copy of that show! Since his sa works for the UN and UN is in New York that seems to follow she could show up and if he didn't tell the rest of them about that I'm sure I'd be a little hacked myself. If he did tell them, I hope they were cool with it.

It's a drag there are so many contractual time constraint these days at arenas and amphitheatres.

[BILL HERWIG]

i was at the lowell show & chris looked steady to me, have a great yes day, biker bill

[Mr. Holland]

Anybody remember the Tower records thread?.........

[bbb]

I've been lucky enough to meet Chris four times on the European tour..and I've been to nine shows. I can report that he looks great. Better than since the early 80s. He's slim and full of energy (with great legs!). He's also been friendly and charming..

I think all the band look in better health than last year. May they carry on for many more years! I feel so blessed that they're still touring..and I have three shows still to go!

[Earl Grey]

I've been lucky enough to meet Chris four times on the European tour..and I've been to nine shows. I can report that he looks great. Better than since the early 80s. He's slim and full of energy (with great legs!). He's also been friendly and charming..

I think all the band look in better health than last year. May they carry on for many more years! I feel so blessed that they're still touring..and I have three shows still to go!

Chris is happy right now.

And I should mention something...

Is everyone aware of the fact that Chris Squire IS a member of Yesfans?

I know this for a fact.

He is. I wont tell you what his site-name is, because I don't know what his site name is, but I do know that he is 'cookied-on' to Yesfans.

He has never posted as far as I know, but he is here.

And he reads stuff here on occassion.

We LOVE Chris, we want him to always be happy, and we wish him all good things. Chris is a musical Sage.

And, he is 'The Keeper Of The Flame'.

I never take Chris Squire for granted.
He is the greatest Rock Bassist of all time, and we are so blessed that he loves YES even more than WE do.

I guess that's why we worry over him so.

EG:yesbird:

[Scooty]

Chris looks, feels and plays fantasticaly right now...

There are no worries...because Chris is happy, and enjoys what he does for us...and him

No one (as EG said) loves the legacy of YES more than Chris does...and he wants the fire to burn for a long time..and we can acheive this..all of us.

I will never forget..(sorry to bring it back up) when hanging with him in his hotel room in San Jose...he was SO worried that YES wasn't "rocking" enough and that we would be dissapointed with the setlist..I reassured him that we are all happy and that YES music is what it is...they could play anything..WELL! and that the setlist is their choice and we go along for the ride tour after tour...night after night..and love what they do...

He smiled, winked..and affirmed to me that as Yesfans..we are privileged.

Im sure Matt told this story..but when Chris asked him how many shows he planned on attending..matt muttered..umm 13 ...14

Chris very loudly said " You like us that much?" and Matt vehemently said..ABSOLUTELY..the joy,smiles and pure bliss that you bring to your fans is worth it EVERY nite to me..Chris once again smiled, knowingly that we are a force to be reckoned with..and that we simply LOVE Yes music...

Chris is fine, and might I add in top form..playing his ASS off...for us, because we love..

and because he knows we love

Scoot

[PO]

I have to wonder if he got a bit surly because he's NOT drinking. The weight isn't the issue. Guys don't respond that way.

Too may times I've seen him jacking around on stage and goofing around. It wrecked the music. I remember him spilling his drink on stage during the Tormato show. He was staggering and made some goofy bass stabs during a few songs at the Symphonic show. I didn't like that one bit. I have to think that his "showmanship" may have come from a bottle.

This tour was much better. He played and sang. No jackin around. It's about time.

We all noticed how Steve became more animated. Have you ever been somewhere with a friend and they're acting stupid? You kind of disassociate yourself with body language? I could see Steve doing that in reaction to Squire being drunk on stage. Perhaps Steve and Chris have a new understanding.

Now, Squire is playing straight and sober and Howe is enjoying the improvement in the band. Naturally, he gets into it, too. Squire didn't look drunkl on this tour. On others, he played and acted as though he was a bit sauced.

[Earl Grey]

...Perhaps Steve and Chris have a new understanding.

Sure they do.

YES knows that we 'aint getting younger, that Time Is Time, and now is the time to get past 'stuff'. To ascend and create.
Because time is of essence.

I think that that might be the understanding!

Time. The great equalizer.

:ele:

[Thoughtbecontact]

Chris looks, feels and plays fantasticaly right now...

There are no worries...because Chris is happy, and enjoys what he does for us...and him

No one (as EG said) loves the legacy of YES more than Chris does...and he wants the fire to burn for a long time..and we can acheive this..all of us.

I will never forget..(sorry to bring it back up) when hanging with him in his hotel room in San Jose...he was SO worried that YES wasn't "rocking" enough and that we would be dissapointed with the setlist..I reassured him that we are all happy and that YES music is what it is...they could play anything..WELL! and that the setlist is their choice and we go along for the ride tour after tour...night after night..and love what they do...
Scoot


It is very evident that Chris is happy right now, and more importantly, I think he is getting back some lost confidence.

The setlist not rocking enough? Wow! Now you all know that this setlist is far from my favorite, but it DOES rock. It rocked on the US leg of the tour when the band still wasn't playing that well. Sorry guys, but that's true. It's just as Saxlifejam said in another thread--the boys come underprepared for a tour. They play extremely difficult music, and that takes time to coalesce. I remember Matt saying that the Chicago show was the first one where they were really playing well. it was the first set in Chicago that shone, not AYAI, not Ritual. And during the US leg, it seemed like Steve and to a lesser extent Alan, were carrying the shows.

You could tell that Chris was getting his feet back in Chicago, but listening to the weeds, it's more evident during the MSG show. That's where the power started appearing. For Yes to be truly excellent, they need power. Now on the European leg, they're playing more as a unit. What was so incredible was that Chris' booming bass was back. He was attacking it. It wasn't only during the electric portions, but during acoustic too--wonderful, wonderful counterpoint.

For this is what Chris is, the master of rock counterpoint. Whereas Jon is the spiritual visionary of Yes, Chris is the musical visionary--and as Earlie says that's why we worry about him and love him so much.

One more thing, in Manchester, Chris was on fire throughout the entire show. Not only on the bass, but vocally too. His voice was stellar, he was like a lead singer. He has the voice--it's good to hear he has the confidence now. :valintine

[Suzy]

I think one of the things that is going to affect the way Yes perform on a particular night is how tired they are- afterall they do a lot of travelling and touring and some nights are bound to be more tired than others - it doesnt matter how old they are - we have all suffered from jet lag and overworking ourselves - If I was extremely tired and was jumping around a stage - Im sure I would be unsteady on my feet. Has anyone been really really tired then a had an alcoholic drink - and you feel drunk after only one drink!!!! I think there are too many variables that could affect why some of you have seen Chris unsteady.

I think a good reason would be those funny boots he wears - we have all seen models that fall down the catwalk because they are wearing silly shoes!!!!! His legs are also long enough to get in a bit of a twist from time to time!!!!!

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Very true Suzy! I never considered the stage gear but then again he (Chris) was leaping about like Tull in the 70's the night I saw him in May. The guys looked energized! (HEY HEY HEY>>>> Must've been that Florida sunshine ..hahahah<<<<<)
They say Ponce DeLeon came here and found the fountain of youth ( and I saw that attraction and site last week when I was in St. Augustine). (smiling)

I keep shaking my head when I read about glitches and the setlist being off. About glitches....how many live shows do these people attend? ...strike that, how many musician friends do they have and do you go out and support their gigs? That would illiminate that complaint because it can be anything from the "SOUND GUY" (and I secretly think some of them are gargoyles in disguise straight out of Potter) to the monitor to a plug. You want perfection, buy a vinyl. ooops, dating myself aren't I. Buy a CD.

The setlist? You mean the setlist that had me on my feet and swaying and clapping and weaping the entire show? That one? Say it wasn't to your par? Stick with golf and keep working on your swing.

[ronw]

That's got to be Chris's decision, and his alone. He performs at a very high level on stage. I'm sure at times he's really not in the mood to meet fans and that's understandable. If he does drink to much there's really not anything that anyone but Chris can do about it.

[Suzy]

Exactly - to be honest - I cant really say that I have ever been disappointed with a Yes concert - OK I dont go to every show when they go on tour because I cant afford to - but I dont know many other groups (particularly the bands today) that can put on a show like Yes. Maybe when people do 15 shows in a row - they go to pick faults? I just go to enjoy the band and appreciate that I have had the chance to see them perform the music that I love and didnt quit in the seventies when I wasnt around!!!!(Im a young 22)!!!

[Thoughtbecontact]

What people don't realize sometimes is that a musical performance is in some ways like an athletic performance--the ability level does change from night to night, depending on how an individual is feeling. There is simply no way for everyone to perform optimally every single night--but when they do, it's magic.

I thought at the Chicago concert, that Rick was rather off, kind of subdued, then Michele Marie of Yesservices mentioned somewhere--may have been in a Chat, that Rick was tired and went to bed early that night after the show. Thus, a case in point.

Similarly, I was backstage for Rush several weeks ago and the band's tour manager told us that Geddy was fighting a bad cold. The only thing evident of the cold that night was that he wasn't jumping around the stage as usual.

We do have to allow for age--after all, they're all in their 50s and Jon is almost 60. And we are blessed, when most other musicians have lost much of their ability, these guys still have retained most of theirs.

[SallyKhatru]

Well now I met both Chris and Rick in Prague and I had quite a good impression. Both were incredibly friendly and made it the best two days of my life. Still I think they were both quite tired. It wouldn't be human if they were not. My they still have 3 months of touring to face. Hope they'll stay healthy and fit and I hope there will be many, mayn more tours:-) The current one is just awesome and DOES rock , wooohooo. Can't wait for the DVD. Dunno how to thank the guys for doing all thise for us...