Comfortably Numb

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Comfortably Numb" by Chris Squire from the Conspiracy album, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This cover of Pink Floyd’s classic, originally from The Wall (1979), is a standout on the album, featuring Squire’s signature bass and vocals alongside Billy Sherwood’s multi-instrumental talents and Alan White’s drumming. One juicy bit of trivia: this version was also part of the 2005 tribute album Back Against The Wall - A Tribute To Pink Floyd, released by Purple Pyramid. In a 2012 interview with Prog Archives, Sherwood shared that the track was a “labor of love,” with Squire pushing for a raw, emotive take to honor the original while adding their progressive rock flair. The song’s inclusion as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Conspiracy (2005 reissue) was a nod to fans, as noted in a Amazon review, where it was praised for its “brilliant” reinterpretation. Fans on Reddit have called it a highlight of the A Life In Yes: The Chris Squire Tribute album, appreciating how Squire’s bass gives it a distinct Yes-like pulse.

Chris Squire, born March 4, 1948, in London, was a musical force best known as the bassist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Yes. His journey began in the early 1960s, inspired by the Beatles and the Beat music boom. At 16, a school friend suggested he try bass due to his tall frame and large hands, perfect for the instrument. Squire bought a Futurama bass, which he described in a 1979 Circus Weekly interview as “cheap but good enough to learn on.” After being suspended from school for long hair, he ditched formal education and landed a job at Boosey & Hawkes music store in London, where he snagged his iconic 1964 Rickenbacker RM1999 bass. His early gigs with bands like The Syn in the late ’60s laid the groundwork for forming Yes in 1968 with Jon Anderson. Squire’s church choir background, starting at age six at St. Andrew’s in Kingsbury, shaped his melodic sensibility, as he told Prog Archives. His aggressive, melodic basslines became a hallmark of Yes, earning him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, posthumously, after his passing in 2015.

While Chris Squire didn’t maintain a personal official website, his legacy lives through Yes’s official site, which chronicles his contributions. His official Facebook page, tied to Yes, shares updates and tributes, while the band’s Instagram and X accounts post archival photos and tour news, often highlighting Squire’s work. Fans keep his spirit alive on sites like Prog Archives, which details his discography and hosts fan reviews. The Yes Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can connect, sharing memories of Squire’s performances and tracks like “Comfortably Numb.” Another fan hub, r/yesband on Reddit, buzzes with discussions about his collaborations, including Conspiracy, making it a great spot for discovering more about his artistry.