Legendary guitarist Steve Howe, known for his work with Yes, Asia, and GTR, has shared a deeply personal and embarrassing onstage mishap that changed his approach to performing forever.
The Unfortunate Incident
Howe acquired his cherished Gibson ES-175 in 1964, describing it as a ‘totally gorgeous’ instrument that he held dear. During one session, he had a beer while playing the guitar. In a moment of carelessness, he dropped it, causing the instrument to land on the jack plug and shatter the socket.
‘I was horrified and heartbroken,’ Howe stated, reflecting on the damage to his prized possession. He immediately took the guitar for repairs, an experience that profoundly impacted him.
A Lasting Lesson on Sobriety
The incident led Howe to swear off alcohol entirely when it came to music. ‘I never got drunk again,’ he revealed. ‘Playing guitar and drinking – those things are stupidly incompatible. I had found out that playing guitar under the influence of alcohol was a complete and utter no-no.’
This realization underscored the dangers of mixing substances with his craft, ensuring he maintained clarity during performances thereafter.
Advice for His Younger Self
If given the chance to advise his younger self, Howe would emphasize caution and preparation. ‘Don’t drink and drop your best guitar!’ he advised with a touch of humor.
Beyond that, he stressed the importance of organization to overcome stage fright. Howe explained that he developed a personal routine early in his career, keeping his pre-show preparations private.
‘I was quite lucky in that I got over the stage fears and worrying about that in a couple of different ways,’ he noted. By 2001, this evolved into a structured ritual lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
‘During that time, basically, you need to get out of my face,’ Howe said firmly. ‘I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to see anybody; I just want to get myself ready.’
These insights highlight Howe’s disciplined mindset, which has sustained his decades-long career in rock music.
