Regarding Runaways JF Rape Story - A statement from Runaways songwriter Kari Krome

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)

Note: Received this press release (Company: Three Monkey Talents) after posting the Uncle G opinion piece on the Jackie Fuchs rape story. Concerns Kari Krome, who was active behind the scenes with the Runaways, helping with songwriting. Unfortunately, yet another victim of sexual abuse by the late Kim Fowley (who we MUST state was NEVER convicted of any sexual crimes in a court of law). Plenty of first hand account stories out there about Kim Fowley documenting episodes of what could be labeled; atrocious behaviour. The nightmares Jackie and Kari describe are but TWO of them. 

Kim Fowley. Involved in rock n' roll since the the late 50's. Dead at age 75 from bladder cancer. 

Good riddance! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles July 11, 2015 

RUNAWAYS’ CO-FOUNDER AND SONG WRITER, KARI KROME, ON LIFE DURING AND AFTER PRODUCER/PREDATOR, THE LATE KIM FOWLEY 

Krome Issues Statement Following Article in Huffington Post About Jackie Fuchs’ Breaking 40 Year Silence of Fowley’s Sexual Misconduct. 

In response to the recent media frenzy in regards to the Huffington Post article by Jason Cherkis entitled The Lost Girls, Kari Krome has been contacted by an array of people with an overwhelming amount of questions and comments. Runaways' bassist Jackie Fuchs and Krome came forward to break the 40 year silence of Fuchs' rape and Krome's molestation at the hands of their Producer/Manager, Kim Fowley. She is now ready to answer any questions that have been stirred by the article. 

Krome wants to take this opportunity to stand by her statements and her solidarity and support for Jackie Fuchs. For as much pain caused by Fowley, coming forward with the truth has also been freeing for Krome. She realizes that the damage of Fowley's attempts to control her by degradation, which chipped away at her self-esteem, has been lifted. Her epiphanies and her ‘post-Fowley confidence’ motivated her to make public the work she has held back as Fowley destroyed most of her trust and confidence in her work with clichés such as, “You will be nothing without me.” "I recognized that until speaking with Cherkis, I had not yet even cried about what happened," Krome said, “nor was I aware of just how much I had been affected by Fowley.” 

She walked away from her songwriting career and work with The Runaways as a result of Fowley's abuse. Another of Fowley's manipulations was taking credit for Krome's brainchild, the formation of an all girl band, and not attributing her for songs she penned as he claimed them for himself. 

Krome never stopped creating and has amassed a body of work of poetry, lyrics, art, photography and recordings. The working title for her memoirs and EP is Kari Krome is Teenage Frankenstein, also derived from her past when at 15 she survived an accident that necessitated her face and jaw be bolted back together. Krome who has been journaling since she was 10 years old wrote an account of this harrowing experience entitled All My Teeth, which Jason Cherkis labels as both "heartbreaking and funny." He also called her work "genius." 

Kari Krome wants to thank Jackie Fuchs for her strength and trust in her and Jason Cherkis for his compassion and integrity as a reporter. Krome has said despite some people's outrage over the story, she is grateful for the love and support sent to her and Fuchs and is already experiencing healing and looking forward to a new tomorrow. 

Contact: threemonkeystalent@gmail.com

Uncle G Addresses Runaway Rape Story

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk PRESENTS

An Uncle G Opinion Piece

*Runaways - Jackie Fox - Rape*

13 July 2015

We all heard her story about her quitting the band. Then years later we were led to believe she was difficult. So much so Jackie was erased when the Hollywood movie came out about the Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. An original member of the band, it came across like she didn't even exist. Sweep under the rug. Now maybe we know why?

I have a hard time commenting on this current news story. Jackie's story came out via The Huffington Post last week. She NEVER came out in public before about what happened to her. Danced around it. The total scumbag who raped her after giving her several Quaaludes, was their manager, Kim Fowley. If I EVER said one good fucking word about this miserable prick, I TAKE IT BACK. Good news is Karma cleaned his clock, with the asswipe finally dying at age 75 from cancer (bladder) this past January. A common trait with rape victims so I read (researched) is for them to speak up, AFTER the one who assaulted them is DEAD. I can only assume that this is when they finally feel safe enough, to share their horrible experiences.

The details of this story are disgusting. Fowley is said to have done this, striped and had sexual intercourse with the passed out bass player, in front of others including other Runaway band members. After removing her clothing, Fowley first penetrated her with a hairbrush. Lita Ford is on record as NOT being there. Cherie Currie and Joan Jett, according to eyewitnesses STILL alive today, reportedly WAS THERE. In the same hotel room. Not screaming or protesting. Akin to watching porn on television. Cherie after viewing the vile attack reportedly said she was hungry, and wanted to go get something to eat.

It is what it is. Yes, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie were underage. Yes, we can assume they were high on booze and drugs at the time (New Years Eve). No reports of them being so wasted that their clothes were also removed, and then being sexually violated themselves. Currie, after this story was recently published, at first denied everything on her Facebook page. Then, as reported by reliable news sources, changed her story, and then posted a statement on her personal Facebook page that would make your jaw drop down to the floor after reading it. It said:

"I'm not denying statutory rape."

"It happened in that room. Just not the way Jackie said it happened. Different culture, different time and I never saw a band member date a man under the age of 18."

I got news for you Ms. Currie. Rape is rape! Different culture MY ASS!

The last version was as of this writing, about twelve hours ago, also on her official Facebook page. Cherie stated Jackie was an; "active participant". Easy to see where this is going. You'd think one of her Facebook friends would suggest for Ms. Currie to now STOP commenting on the situation ALL TOGETHER. Honestly, she's said enough. 

Worth pointing out. An accomplice is a person who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even if they take no part in the actual criminal offense.

Here's the thing. The general public can and will collectively pronounce individuals guilty, and thereafter treat them as such. My guess is that without some kind of a detailed explanation, or a formal apology issued, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie will be as popular as Bill Cosby is nowadays. Along those lines, I was going to review the new album Cherie Currie has out now for this station, but then decided ... THE HELL WITH THAT! 

What bothers me the MOST, and there are so many fucked up things about this, is an eyewitness account that says she recalls that Jett and Currie were sitting off to the side of the room for part of the time, snickering as the rape was going on. Add to that, Victory Tischler-Blue who was Jackie’s replacement on bass, said what she remembers most about her time with The Runaways was how some of the other members made fun of what happened to Jackie. “I heard about that nonstop,” she says now. “They would talk about Kim fucking Jackie like a dog. It was kind of a running joke.”

Many Sources --- Today's Headline....

THE RUNAWAYS RESPOND TO CLAIMS THEY WATCHED JACKIE FUCHS BEING RAPED

http://www.gigwise.com/news/101603/the-runaways-joan-jett-cherie-currie-on-jackie-fuchs-kim-fowley-rape

Check out the original story published last week by the Huffington Post if you have NOT already. Extremely well written.

http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/the-lost-girls/

In closing, I wish I never felt a need to write something like this. I'm old enough, I knew of The Runaways when they were an active band. Got their music, and followed the solo career of several members since the band split up; Joan Jett, and Lita Ford mostly. I wish everything would somehow be OK, but I really kind of doubt it. 

Oh, and HERE is a link to Cherie Currie's Official Facebook page. I can't honestly say if any and all comments that could be found on there at this very moment, will stick around for eternity. Hopefully no one sanitizes any of it. Would probably be seen as an admission of guilt, by at last some.  

https://www.facebook.com/CherieCurrieOfficial

Dedicated to Jackie Fuchs - U ROCK! 

Gary Brown

American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Twitter GBrown0816

Uncle G After Hours FUN Movie Reviews_Devious

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
12 July 2015

Uncle G's After Hours FUN Movie Reviews
Keepin' up with Full Moon Features - Special Hulu Edition
Spotlight:

                                  Devious (Full Moon Features)

Since I'm not in the movie business, I really am clueless to why the entertainment world does certain things. Example, why do movies that have already been released in one form or another, change names and with new poster art, appear like it's a brand new offering? I noticed a few of these when I recently logged on to Hulu. On the Full Moon Features webpage, second from the top left was a film called; Devious. The accompanying image art work has skeletons hanging from a tree, and in the background this weird ass face with these evil looking eyes. Putting my cursor over this selection, a synopsis pops up saying:

"The unusual Arkoff family faces off against a trio of treacherous art thieves with the help of their castle's ancient protectors (the Skull Heads) in a fight for their lives."

After reading, I say to myself; "I say Self, this is 2009's Charles Band's Skull Heads. I KNOW this movie!"

Original Cover Art: Charles Band's Skull Heads

Then I got up, and headed towards my Full Moon Movie Collection. Pulled from the shelf, that very DVD; Charles Band's Skull Heads. Once in my hand it triggered the coolest memory. Back in '09, I volunteered to be a Full Moon Features Street Team person. Mister Band was coming to Houston to do one of his famous Full Moon Horror Road Shows. I spent weeks before hand driving around the city of Houston, and dropping off fliers promoting the event where ever I imagined would be good; head shops, and places that was in the DVD business. The event comes, and Charles Band himself gives me for free, this movie called Skull Heads that he produced and directed. What an honor! He asked if I had it yet, and I replied, no but how I saw it via Red Box rental. He left, and a few moments later came back with that. What an honor! I thanked him of course. And should I ever have the fortune of ever being around him again, would like if he autographed the Skull Heads DVD he gave me, back in '09. Am sure he would in a heartbeat. 

Under it's original title, Skull Heads was a Charles Band produced and directed, straight to DVD horror film, that hit the retail market back in 2009. A movie that I think was pretty cool, but perhaps back then could have been overlooked? Maybe be a reason for a reissue / name change? A true indie B horror movie made on a shoestring budget, when compared to those that typically come out of Big Hollywood. Remember, plenty of movies with hardly any budgets, became cult classics. Made millions in profits. Spawned other films that also made millions in profit. George Romero's Night Of The Living Dead, for one example. Another being Sam Raimi's Evil Dead. As I type this, four films in the franchise,and now a highly anticipated television series with Bruce Campbell reprising his role as, Ash. In the beginning, these guys when making the first Evil Dead, were begging for investors. Sam Raimi and company made a horror film masterpiece. Proves you don't need millions and millions of dollars to make some solid entertainment, that people enjoy, and don't mind paying for. To recap, imagination (original - not a damn remake), people to get the job done, and at least some funding. Bills got to get paid. 

I have actually seen Charles Band's Skull Heads more than once. A rare activity for me. Am not into repeat views per-se. First as a rental, then the DVD Mr. Band gave me, and now just recently to refresh the memory, on Hulu. Could it have been Robin Sydney's sexy scene in front of a mirror that kept me coming back for more? I'll admit she is a pretty lady, and a very good actress. Simply, I just liked the whole film. And the Skull Heads themselves, are totally groovy.

Devious AKA Skull Heads, starts an actress with more than one Full Moon Features title under her belt; Robin Sydney. Popular nowadays also on the QVC home shopping network selling her own line of bracelets. I became aware of Robin's acting when she stared in Full Moon Features, Ginger Dead Man (2005). It's now a successful Full Moon Features franchise with several popular sequels. Ms. Sydney is also a part of Full Moon Features Evil Bong franchise. I of course am on record digging those as well. What can I say? I enjoy "R" rated adult comedy / horror / science fiction movies. That's what the majority of this is. Cool for teenagers, and adults alike. Independent films, made without Big Hollywood's blessing. Usually ignored at the major award shows. Loyal followers like myself who can't wait for whatever new Full Moon Features offering that is next.

Official "Uncle G" Rating:

Using the same one to ten star rating system the IMDb uses, yours truly gives Charles Band's Devious (aka Skull Heads) … 10 stars! As I keep telling Mr. Band, you keep making them, and I'll keep watching them.

                               Official Skull Heads Movie Trailer

Note # 01: The name Arkoff, is also same last name as a famous B movie producer of decades gone by; Samuel Zachary Arkoff (1918 - 2001). Worth an Internet search to familiarize yourself on his body of work, if interested in these kinds of things.

Note # 02: Devious was released on Hulu last month, and doing well with the numbers in total views.

If deciding to check out more Charles Band / Full Moon Features releases, a solid collection of Full Moon movies can also be found on Hulu, as well as Full Moon's new web series; Trophy Heads. The reason why I first subscribed to Hulu (streaming service) in the first place was because it offered this new Charles Band directed, web series. Over all Hulu is pretty cool. I have a small list of other programs besides what could be found on the Full Moon Features channel that I also enjoy; Inside Amy Schumer, the original Odd Couple television series, Moral Orel, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. Quality entertainment for pennies on the dollar. The Hulu channel is on at my house, everyday. Cable television is quickly losing its appeal.

Bonus: Other Full Moon titles that can be found NOW on Hulu (America's best streaming service) include; Zombie Decadence (aka 2012's Zombies Vs. Strippers), Haunted Hollywood (aka 2012's The Dead Want Women), The Disembodied (aka 2011's Killer Eye: Halloween Haunt), and Paranormal Casino (aka 2007's Dead Man's Hands: The Haunted Casino). Also, under their original titles, many Full Moon classics, even films from their ever popular Puppetmaster franchise. 

Helpful Internet Links

Full Moon Features Official Website: http://www.fullmoondirect.com

Hulu (Internet Streaming Network): http://www.hulu.com

Gary "Uncle G" Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816

Review_John Wetton_New York Minute

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
05 July 2015
New Music from Classic Rockers
Spotlight: John Wetton and The Les Paul Trio - New York Minute (2015 Primary Purpose)

On the night on October 14th, in the year 2013, John Wetton took the stage with the legendary, Les Paul Trio. The location was a club called, The Iridium, which could be found on Broadway, in one of the coolest places in the world, New York City. A place John Wetton fell in love with back in the early seventies when working with the progressive rock group, King Crimson. Four decades later and he's back in the Big Apple. Performing music that's not only a soundtrack to his life, but many others as well. 

Affecting males of all ages, the focus of the evening, was to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. This is mentioned by John during the recording. But don't think this live recording is all doom and gloom. Minus a drummer, and in what one might call an unplugged performance. Two songs having John's involvement in the writing process, and the rest of the set list, tracks that have according to John while addressing the audience as having a special meaning in his life. Nine tracks, making for a very tight thirty-seven and a half minutes of music that entertains not only the body, but the soul as well.

Some of the songs covered one might have heard Mr. Wetton perform before. Don't turn away thinking, you have been there and done that. For this performance, with these musicians, is completely unique. A must have if a fan of John's, the Les Paul Trio, or just having a fondness for hearing great rock songs in a more acoustic setting. Outstanding piano playing by Rodney Holmes. The groovy bass lines of Nikki Parrott. The superior musicianship of Lou Pallo. John Wetton's vocals are excellent! Outstanding as one has come to expect over the years. Words pronounced and sung with conviction. As much a musical instrument as anything else played on that stage. All songs stripped, restructured, and presented with the usual John Wetton flair. Of course I have favorites; Steely Dan's Do It Again, the Beach Boys God Only Knows, and then one of the best vocal performances of the night. The title track, Don Henley's 1989's hit, New York Minute.

Rating:

Using the one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it sucks dirty New York City puddle water, to five stars meaning it's top of the charts, and worth your hard earned money, Uncle G gives John Wetton and The Les Paul Trio - New York Minute (live at The Iridium, New York, 2013) … 5 stars! An excellent CD that again, spotlights a very important cause; to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. As a male in his fifth decade of existence, I sincerely give a word of thanks to all involved.

Credits

Gary Brown

American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816

AMERICA: THE WARNER BROS. YEARS

 Eight-CD Boxed Set Spans 1971-77 And Includes Seven Remastered Studio Albums 

Plus America Live

 Available from Rhino on July 17

The sound of America is unmistakable thanks to the inseparable vocal harmonies crafted by Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek on hits like “Tin Man,” “Sister Golden Hair” and the #1 smash “Horse With No Name.” The band recorded some of their most memorable records for Warner Bros. Records during an eight-album run that began in 1971 and lasted six years.

Rhino is bringing together every studio and live album the group recorded with the label for a new 8-disc boxed set- AMERICA: THE WARNER BROS. YEARS 1971-1977, which will be released on July 17.

To ensure the best sound quality, all of the music is taken from new 2014 audio masters. The set is presented in a sleek clamshell box with each album in a CD wallet that replicates all of the original album art and inserts. AMERICA: THE WARNER BROS. YEARS 1971-1977 includes: America (1971), Homecoming (1972),Hat Trick (1973), Holiday (1974), Hearts (1975), Hideaway (1976), Harbor (1977), and America Live (1977).

America hit the ground running in 1972 with its self-titled debut, which topped the album chart, sold more than a million copies and featured the trio’s signature hit “Horse With No Name,” as well as the Top 10 hit “I Need You.” The band’s follow-up Homecoming was also certified platinum and included another Top 10 hit, “Ventura Highway” with its chiming guitars. The third album, Hat Trick featured “Muskrat Love,” a tune that would later become a hit for Captain & Tennille.

In 1974, the trio released Holiday, which contained the Top 10 hits “Tin Man” and “Lonely People.” The gold-certified album was the first of several America would record with the Beatles’ producer George Martin. Hearts followed and included memorable cuts like “Daisy Jane” and the #1 “Sister Golden Hair.”

The group had always enjoyed great success on Adult Contemporary radio and that continued with “Today’s The Day,” a #1 hit from its sixth studio albumHideaway. In 1977, the band released the studio album Harbor, followed by its first live album, America Live, which featured performances of many of its most popular songs.

 THE WARNER BROS. YEARS 1971-1977

Album Listing:

America (1971)

Homecoming (1972)

Hat Trick (1973)

Holiday (1974)

Hearts (1975)

Hideaway (1976)

Harbor (1977)

America Live (1977)

Chicago: 10-CD Collections Span 20 Studio Albums 
The Legendary Rock Band With Horns Recorded Between 1979 And 2008

 Available On July 10 From Rhino

 Chicago’s debut album, Chicago Transit Authority was inducted into the Grammy^® Hall of Fame just last year, serving as the latest addition to the band’s already impressive list of achievements, which includes record sales in excess of 100 million albums and recognition as the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in six decades. Chicago also ranked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists chart, the highest ranking American band.

Chicago recorded 20 studio albums between 1969 and 2008. Amazingly, 14 of those have been certified platinum or better. Whether it’s personnel, popularity or productivity, everything about Chicago is big. Which is why it’s fitting that the band’s collection of studio albums is divided into two boxed sets with 10 CD each: THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1969-1978 (released Oct 2014) and THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1979-2008 (out 10^th July 2015).

The collections feature the most recently reissued versions of albums with remastered sound and bonus tracks.

THE STUDIO ALBUMS Vol. 2 (1979-2008)

Chicago 13 (1979)

Chicago XIV (1980)

Chicago 16 (1982)

Chicago 17 (1984)

Chicago 18 (1986)

Chicago 19 (1988)

Twenty 1 (1991)

Night & Day (1995)

XXX (2006)

Stone Of Sisyphus (1994/2008)

Uncle G Remembers_Chris Squire

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
03 July 2015
Uncle G Remembers … Chris Squire

Chris Squire - Houston Texas 05 Aug 2014
Picture by Gary Brown

I woke up very early on the Sunday morning of June 29th, thinking about my favorite all-time professional musician; Chris Squire. Weird because the only person I usually wake up thinking about is Juan Valdez (associated with coffee). 

Chris Squire is known for being a co-founder / original member, and only bass player my favorite rock band, the old school progressive rock group Yes, has ever had. That is until Mr. Squire's recent announcement that he was sick. With his apparent blessings, Billy Sherwood would fill in for Chris with Yes, while he was off getting treatment. On August 7th, Yes will hit the road with Toto on an up and coming Summer tour. The very first Yes Tour without any participation from the bass man since the group formed in the late 1960's. And then later this year, Yes is host of the coolest rock party on the open seas; Cruise To The Edge. Hard not to make note that our stations Jon Kirkman, will be the MC for this very special voyage.

And then on Saturday, June 27th, Chris Squire passed away.

Four days later, on Facebook (Wednesday July 1st) around mid-afternoon I noticed that Chris Squire's widow, placed a message on her now deceased husbands official Facebook page. It reads:

My best friend and the love of my life Chris Squire will be cremated today in Scottsdale, Arizona at 3:00 pm. However, knowing Chris, he might be running a bit late for the event; After all, he has always been the 'late' Chris Squire. So at 3:00 pm Phoenix time, please take a moment to play your favorite Yes or Chris Squire song, or just think of your favorite Chris Squire memory.

Sending my love to all,
Scotland Squire

Inserted was a link to a website called, Time and Date Dot Com, that when on the web page had various locations around the globe listed, and clock displays. No matter where one was on this Earth, the website helped make sure everyone was on the same page, and could participate with the event Mrs. Squire had set up. So having different time zones, three o'clock in the afternoon in Phoenix, AZ, was also five o'clock that same day in Katy Texas. In a heartbeat I knew that I would join in. The memorial event was labeled; Remembrance for Chris Squire.

Chris Squire - Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo
Picture from the Gary Brown collection

Keeping an eye on the countdown, I racked my brains for what song to play at exactly Five PM on the old home stereo, that would sum up my regards for Mr. Squire. It didn't have to be a YesSong. Could have been other material from Chris' multi-decade career. Something from his outstanding debut solo record; Fish Out Of Water. Or perhaps a song from the works he did with Billy Sherwood? My gut tells me professionally that his involvement with Yes, was probably one of his proudest achievements as a professional musician. So it comes to me. I pick the song, Sound Chaser, off the Yes - Relayer (1974) album. 

Some quick background on why this selection. I first purchased Relayer when it was first released. One of my favorite rock albums to this day. Sound Chaser was the first song I saw Yes perform on stage live. With Patrick Moraz on keyboards, as a young teenager I saw the band play in New Jersey, two summers in a row. The drums and bass on 'Sound Chaser' absolutely smoke! My favorite YesMoments always was when the band rocked. Alan White and Chris Squire were in my opinion, one of the best rhythm sections a rock n' roll band ever saw.

Alan White's Drum Set / Chris Squire's Bass
Pre-show Houston 05 Aug 2014
Photo by Gary Brown

The source I used was the first issue of Yes - Relayer, on compact disc. I picked this compact disc of Relayer over the remastered versions because to me , this is what sounds best. So that's what I put in the CD tray. In the same room as the stereo, I lit a red candle. On the wall is a framed picture I have of the so called classic Yes line-up that includes Chris' signature. When music was played, the volume on my home stereo so I could hear Chris' bass playing, and vocals better was turned up loud enough so not only could my immediate neighbors hear it, but the whole damn block as well. 

After Sound Chaser, I let the next song play; To Be Over. Not as rocky a number which gave time to reflect as the song was being played. Because I played tracks out of order, the first song, Gates Of Delirium, never had it's turn. Only three compositions on that album. Hearing two out of three, hard not to play the centerpiece, so I pressed the play button, and the opening notes of 'The Gates Of Delirium' sprung forth out of my Sony speakers.

I decided to conclude this somber event by playing one of the four songs off Yes' 1973 double album; Tales From Topographic Oceans. The song I played in my opinion, an appropriate send off to whom, when in concert, Jon Anderson would refer to as; The Doctor. Chris knew enough about his trade to certainly be considered an expert. Not only was he a credible bass player, but a noteworthy songwriter, and singer. An asset, so I understand, behind the scenes as well. The composition I played; Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil). I was lucky enough to have seen Yes perform this song in concert, more than once. Almost as much as on Sound Chaser, I love the bass / drums here.

Chris Squire - Houston Texas 05 Aug 2014
Photo by Gary Brown

I started this column by saying how I woke up in the wee hours of the 29th, thinking about Chris. A little time went by since the announcement came out he was sick. Knowing the uphill battle he had, I must have assumed he'd still be around. So I sent off a brief note to a personal friend of the Squire's, suggesting a short interview that could be done via email. An update as to how the treatment was going. Nothing difficult. An hour later, after pressing the send button on that request, give or take, I find out via John Wetton's official Twitter account that Chris had passed away. I was crushed reading that. Outside the weather was rainy. Bad electrical storm with lots of thunder. Appropriate weather for when receiving the worst of news I would imagine. 

As long as I live, and am still mentally competent, I will never forget the music that Chris devoted his life to making. For it made the world a better place, and me a better person for having Chris' music, be it Yes or his other projects, in my life. All other Yes personal past or present, or other musicians Chris collaborated and played with throughout his career, deserve recognition as well. They helped make Chris shine. When it came to Yes, what music was published, and what I and millions of others purchased, was always a team Yes product. Countless of hands adding ingredients and stirring the pot. For myself Chris' contributions will always stand out. Am happy he had a vehicle like Yes to display his full abilities, as a professional musician. In my time, one of the coolest bass player / musicians to rock the planet.

Chris Squire - Yes The Ladder Tour Book - In Person Signature
From the Gary "Uncle G" Brown Autograph Collection

Condolences to Chris' family, friends, professional associates, and fans worldwide. 

Gary "Uncle G" Brown
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816