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While at shows every now and then I come across a true fan that doesn’t just listen to a band’s music they express themselves through it. They create a community around it and promote the band’s message and memory. Ruth Zurawka is one of those fans, please take some time and read our interview with Ruth. Hear her story and remember one of progressive rock’s greatest bass players from the band YES, Chris Squire.

Chris “Fish” Squire had played with the Band YES since 1968 until he took an unexpected break to receive treatment for acute elytroid leukemia in May of 2015. He passed away from the illness on June, 27th this same year. Squire was known for playing his 1964 Rickenbacker cream colored bass since 1965. Squire played the bass as lead guitar at times and was able to use a variety of playing techniques to achieve the sound his music demanded. He won the hearts and ears of music lovers far and wide for over four decades of touring and musical projects to his credit.

RBC: What was the first Yes song that turned you into a true fan?

Ruth: I can remember the exact moment. It was the summer of 1978 and I was listening to my sister’s FRAGILE album. The lyrics “letting in the sunshine” from “Long Distance Runaround” really connected with me. I’d spent a lot of my summer laying under trees and looking up at the sun through the leaves. I was fascinated by the diamond shapes the sun created. (My mom instilled an appreciation of nature in me quite early.) I’d imagine counting the leaves. (“Did we really count to 100?”) Plus the music! It wasn’t like anything I was used to hearing on the radio those days. It was the year of Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing.” My 10 year old brain was hungry for something different and YES was it.

RBC: What was it that inspired your personal mission to create unity and support among Yes Fans to celebrate Chris Squire’s life?

Ruth: When I learned of Chris’ passing, I was crushed. I was having trouble sitting with it. I wanted to do something active to feel less helpless. Similar to when there’s some tragedy that affects a bunch of people, it’s difficult to just sit back and do nothing. I knew a lot of other people were hurting, too. The idea of the bracelet came to me at 2AM one morning. By 2:30AM I had ordered my first 500.

RBC: Yes fans have always been a loyal and loving group. How have the fans reacted to your generosity passing out the Thank You Chris! bracelets?

Ruth: The reception has been wonderful. Some people don’t have much to say but that’s because they’re holding back their tears over the loss of Chris. They’ll just smile and say “thank you.” I’ve received lots of hugs and handshakes. People have written me touching notes on how their lives were influenced by Chris’ music. I feel so honored to have people share their stories with me.

RBC: How many states and shows have you been to with the bracelets?

Ruth: I’ve been to the Newark, Atlantic City, Brooklyn, Baltimore and Ohio shows so far. Next week I’ll be at the Grand Prairie and El Paso shows in Texas. I’ll also be on the cruise (Cruise to the Edge) in November with bracelets. Next year, I have tickets for the Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Florence and Rome shows. Bracelets will be packed and ready for sharing!

RBC: The Rust Belt Chronicals was able meet you at a recent concert at the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, Ohio. You were full of energy and possessed a kind and loving energy while generously passing out your bracelets. Along with the bracelets what else do you do at each show to honor Chris’s life with the fans you meet?

Ruth: I have a facebook group called YES-THANK YOU CHRIS SQUIRE. If it’s ok with the fans, I’ll take their picture while they show their bracelet and post it on this page. (Fans who get a bracelet in the mail post their own pictures on this group.) I thought seeing a bunch of people wearing the bracelets would make people realize they’re not alone in missing Chris. The page allows us to celebrate Chris by everyone coming together and showing their support.

RBC: How has the band received your thoughtful and kind gesture?

Ruth: Jon Davison was very touched by the idea. He actually has been wearing his bracelet at all of the shows so far as has his wife, Mumu, who I ran into after one of the concerts. Billy Sherwood said he has his in his bass/guitar case, which I found touching. Geoff Downes seemed impressed that the bracelets were going all over the world. He found it to be a kind gesture. A friend of mine got bracelets to Toto, as well. Several of their band members are wearing their bracelets each show.

RBC: You have started something beautiful that is gaining recognition in the Yes fan community and the world of rock. How does it feel to be the creator of the Thank You Chis! Movement and spreading his living memory?

Ruth: It really hasn’t hit me that it’s a big deal. Is it a big deal? I honestly don’t feel like I’ve done much of anything. What I’ve done has come from my love and appreciation of Chris Squire. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s him and it’s YES.

RBC: Would you like to share any Yes lyrics that give you strength and inspire you?

Ruth: I have “High Vibration Go On” tattooed on my arm. It’s from YES’ “Awaken” which is the ultimate YES song, in my opinion. It reminds me that there is a higher level of awareness that connects everyone and everything . There’s so much more to life than what we let ourselves experience day to day. It reminds me to slow down, breathe and know that I am supposed to be here and part of this universe.

RBC: How do fans order their own bracelet from you to spread the love for Chris Squire?

Ruth: Bracelets are FREE! All they need to do is send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (with $2.54 postage)

to: RUTH ZURAWKA

PO BOX 77022

PITTSBURGH, PA 15215

If anyone out of the country would like a bracelet, they can message me on facebook! I’m happy to send them wherever there is a need! Also If on Facebook, please join the YES-THANK YOU CHRIS SQUIRE group and post a picture of themselves wearing the bracelet!

The Rust Belt Chronicles would like to say thank you Ruth for taking the time to share her story and we wish her safe travels. You can follow Ruth’s journey on her social media and check out her YouTube video. Also, check out The Rust Belt Chronicles Concert Review on YES.