“Queen’s tech said, ‘The lads would love to see you.’ It was a set-up – when I got there they’d set up the studio for me”: Steve Howe’s favourite moments as a guitar for hire, and the one that got away

Steve Howe.

Before Steve Howe joined Yes in 1970, he’d built a respectable career as both band member and session player. Even after becoming one of prog’s leading guitarists he was happy to make guest appearances on other artists’ albums.

Before giving Prog a rundown of his favourite experiences outside Yes in 2015, Howe recalled the session that got away, which took place in 1964 when he was 17 years old – the chance to record with jazz great Ella Fitzgerald.