The Big Peace

The Zoo Crew is spinning The Big Peace, a captivating track by Chris Squire and Billy Sherwood from the album Conspiracy, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its progressive rock essence. This song, featured as a 15-minute medley of bonus tracks on some versions of the 2000 Conspiracy album, showcases the duo’s knack for blending melodic hooks with intricate instrumentation. According to a review on ProgArchives, the medley encapsulates the album’s accessible yet progressive spirit, drawing from material that Squire and Sherwood had been crafting since the late 1980s. In a 2007 interview with Notes From the Edge, Sherwood explained that the Conspiracy project was a “spin-off” from their Yes collaborations, born from years of conspiring to create music that echoed their shared vision. Fans on the Yes Fans Facebook Group have noted that The Big Peace feels like a nod to Yes’s lush harmonies, with Squire’s iconic Rickenbacker bass providing a pulsating backbone. The track’s layered complexity makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

Delving into the song’s origins, The Big Peace reflects the creative partnership between Squire and Sherwood, which began when they toured as The Chris Squire Experiment in 1992. As detailed on Wikipedia, the Conspiracy album evolved from an earlier project called Chemistry, with tracks like The Big Peace incorporating reimagined versions of songs from Yes and Sherwood’s band World Trade. A post on the Chris Squire Official Facebook page once highlighted how Squire’s dynamic basslines in the medley elevate its emotional depth, a sentiment echoed by fans on the Prog Rockers Facebook Group. Sherwood, in a 2012 interview quoted on Bondegezou, mentioned staying in touch with Squire about potential future Conspiracy projects, hinting at the enduring chemistry behind tracks like The Big Peace. The song’s inclusion as a bonus medley, as noted on Last.fm, underscores its role as a hidden gem for dedicated listeners.

Chris Squire, the legendary bassist behind The Big Peace, began his musical journey in London’s vibrant 1960s scene. Born on March 4, 1948, in Kingsbury, Squire developed his musical roots as a choirboy, as noted on his official website. His early career took shape in bands like The Selfs and The Syn, where he honed his distinctive bass style, influenced by his experimentation with LSD and long hours practicing in seclusion, according to Audio-Music.info. A pivotal moment came in 1967 when Squire joined Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, meeting Jon Anderson at La Chasse club, as recounted on Wikipedia. This encounter led to the formation of Yes in 1968, with Squire as the only constant member across all 21 studio albums until his passing in 2015. His innovative use of the Rickenbacker 4001 bass, detailed on YesWorld, revolutionized progressive rock, earning him the 18th spot on Rolling Stone’s greatest bassists list in 2020.

Squire’s legacy extends beyond Yes through projects like Conspiracy, with fans celebrating his work on platforms like X. His Instagram account, though less active since his passing, shares tributes and archival photos, while the Chris Squire Official Facebook page remains a hub for updates on his musical contributions. Fan communities thrive in spaces like the Yes Fans Facebook Group and Prog Rockers Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks might connect over Squire’s catalog. The Bondegezou fan site offers detailed insights into Squire’s projects, including Conspiracy, making it a go-to for enthusiasts. Squire’s influence, from his early days in London’s clubs to his genre-defining work, continues to resonate with listeners tuning into the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.