----------------------------------------------------- JUNE 2002  ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Staten Island Advance http://chrissquire.com/nyc_2002.html Chris Squire on Staten Island Yes bassist visits Huguenot firefighters for a chance to see firetruck with the band's album title By Brian McLoughlin Firefighters of Engine Co. 164/Ladder Co. 84 in Huguenot had the thrill of a lifetime yesterday afternoon when bassist/vocalist Chris Squire of the 1970s rock band Yes came visiting. But don't think this was just some celebrity glad-handing members of the FDNY for a job well-done on some feel-good publicity tour. No, the guys from the firehouse nicknamed "Oz" are rabid Yes fans, so much so, that written in bold letters on their truck is "Close to the Edge" -- the name of a 1972 Yes album. "It's a trip, it's just fantastic. I've heard about it before and have seen it in pictures but never got to see it up close... It's great," the affable entertainer said as he posed for pictures and autographed anything in front of him. Squire, with his wife of nine years, Melissa, had been apartment hunting in Manhattan when he took a detour to the South Shore not only to admire the fire truck, but to visit his friend Mario DiSanto of Huguenot. The two have a mutual friend in Yes drummer Alan White. After lunch and a viewing of the documentary "9/11," the gripping show that aired last Sunday night on CBS , the couple headed to the firehouse to meet some of Yes' most ardent fans.  DiSanto, whose friend, Lt. Paul Mitchell, was lost on Sept. 11, thought a visit from Squire would be a real morale-booster. "This is such a thrill; he was my idol growing up" said Firefighter Bobby DeFillippo, 39, also a Huguenot resident. When he was a kid, DeFillippo was so inspired by Squire he decided to be a bass player. And like any good autograph-hound, he just happened to have his bass handy for Squire to sign. "I never thought in a million years that I'd be sitting here with him, and my bass with his signature on it" DeFillippo marveled. Proving his devotion, he showed off the "Yes" sticker on the back of his guitar. "Yeah, but he had to scratch off the Britney Spears sticker!" jibed a fellow firefighter. And would Squire be willing to give some lessons to DeFillippo in the finer art of playing the bass, another firefighter inquired? "We don't have the time!" Squire shot back, to more laughter. Earlier, Mrs. Squire talked about their first visit to Staten Island. "He couldn't believe the Ferry's free," she said. "I thought nothing in New York could be free. I got off the boat and was looking around for someone to pay," Squire added. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com