Steve Howe's Musical Journey: From Rebellion to Resilience with Yes
Steve Howe reflects on his early days of playing guitar without learning to read music, attributing it to his rebellion against order. Despite not being the most studious guitarist, he found his own way to learn and grow as a musician. As a 20-year-old, he had various career opportunities, including briefly joining The Nice and Atomic Rooster, but ultimately found his calling when he received the call from Yes.
While discussing his time with Yes, Howe touched on the challenges they faced, including Rick Wakeman's initial reluctance towards "Tales From Topographic Oceans." Despite the setbacks, the band persevered and continued to evolve. Howe also shared his thoughts on Steven Wilson's remixes of the Yes back catalogue, acknowledging the importance of keeping the music relevant and accessible to new audiences.
When asked about his favorite Yes album, Howe singled out "Close To The Edge" as a standout record that continues to captivate him. He considers it a high achiever and a timeless piece of work that holds a special place in his heart. As he looks back on his career and contributions to Yes, Howe remains grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have shaped his musical legacy.