XYZ (English band)
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Chris Squire, Jimmy Page, Alan White, Dave Lawson |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | England |
| Products | Rock music |
| Website | davelawson |
XYZ was a brief-lived English rock supergroup, its name derived from "eX-Yes-Zeppelin." The lineup featured former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page alongside ex-Yes members Chris Squire (handling bass, vocals, and keyboards) and Alan White on drums.
History
The group's inception followed a meeting between Squire and Page at a social gathering in late 1980, with the addition of Dave Lawson, formerly of Greenslade, on keyboards and vocals. Chris Squire took on the principal songwriting role. Seeking a powerful lead singer, Page invited Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, who attended a rehearsal session in February 1981 but ultimately declined participation, citing the music’s complexity and his ongoing mourning for drummer John Bonham.
The band’s prospects became uncertain after Plant withdrew and due to managerial conflicts involving Peter Grant and Brian Lane. Prior to this, in October 1981, Squire and White recorded the Christmas-themed single "Run with the Fox." Subsequently, they formed Cinema with guitarist Trevor Rabin and keyboardist Tony Kaye. This project eventually transformed into a reformation of Yes featuring vocalist Jon Anderson, leading to the release of the 1983 album 90125. Some material originally developed by XYZ reportedly influenced 90125, as Alan White confirmed in interviews conducted later.
In 1984, Jimmy Page made a guest appearance with Yes during their 9012Live tour in Dortmund, Germany.
Page has expressed openness to issuing XYZ recordings; Squire was also supportive though no formal discussions took place. With Squire’s passing in 2015 and White’s in 2022, only Page and Lawson remain from the original lineup. Occasional speculation about releasing XYZ tracks continues among fans.
Demoed material
The existing four-song demo tape from XYZ features two instrumental tracks along with two vocal numbers, "Can You See" and "Telephone Secrets," both sung by Squire. These demos circulate on ROIO (Recording Of Indeterminate Origin) trading platforms.
- One instrumental evolved into part of "Mind Drive," featured on Yes’ 1997 album Keys to Ascension 2, credited collectively to the band.
- The second instrumental served as the introduction to The Firm’s "Fortune Hunter." According to Squire, this riff—introduced by Jimmy Page—also contributed to "Mind Drive." The majority of the compositions were written by Squire, who performed all lead vocals.
- "Can You See" was later reworked as "Can You Imagine" on Yes’ 2001 release Magnification.
- "Telephone Secrets" was rehearsed by Yes in 1980 during sessions preceding their Drama album. An instrumental version titled "Song No. 4 (Satellite)" appears on the 2004 CD reissue of Drama.
Personnel
- Chris Squire – bass guitar, vocals
- Jimmy Page – guitar
- Dave Lawson – keyboards
- Alan White – drums