In April in Brooklyn, Yes will represent the under-served progressive rock wing when it’s inducted with the Class of 2017 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rick Wakeman, originally, thought that the late founder and bassist for Yes, Chris Squire, was not going to be represented at the ceremony and was going to boycott. Turned out to be a misunderstanding. Of course, Squire (died in 2015) will be represented and honored, with his wife Scottie in attendance on Chris’ behalf.
Yes’ progressive / art rock sound broke through for hit albums in the early 70’s, led by Squire, Wakeman, Jon Anderson and Steve Howe. In the early 80’s, Yes regrouped and added South African guitarist Trevor Rabin to the lineup. The more poppy sound gained Yes a bigger audience, and their 1983 album, “90125” sold more copies than any Yes album.
I, personally, like their early 70’s sound better, but you can’t argue with or blame them for a shift toward a bigger level of commercial success. The veteran musician, Rabin, was a big reason for it. He’s an interesting character. He met actor Steven Seagal and gave Seagal guitar lessons in Los Angeles. That led to Seagal offering Rabin a chance to score a movie.
Rabin would go on to compose the music for films like, “Remember the Titans,” “Armageddon” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Con Air,” “Snakes on a Plane,” “National Treasure” and “Enemy of the State.” He’s not the first rock musician to try their hand at it. Nancy Wilson, Neil Young, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton and Peter Gabriel have all dabbled, but none came close to the success of Rabin, having scored over 40 feature films.
Here’s Rabin talking about his second career…
Doc Watson
