Steve Howe Strongly Denies Copyright Infringement Claims

Renowned guitarist Steve Howe has firmly rejected the allegations of copyright infringement that have recently surfaced against him. This legal matter draws attention to the song “Dare to Know,” featured on the band Yes’s 2021 album The Quest. The lawsuit was initiated by former collaborator Riz Story, who claims that “Dare to Know” is a derivative work of his 2012 creation titled “Reunion.” Such claims can significantly impact an artist’s reputation and career, making Howe’s response crucial in maintaining his integrity as a musician.

In an emotional response, Yes lead vocalist Jon Davison, a longstanding friend of Story, has also denied the allegations made against him in this lawsuit. He expressed his feelings about the situation, stating: “It’s hard to put in words how it feels to … hear that a person who I thought was a friend has brought not only an utterly fictitious but also a defamatory case against me.” This statement underscores the personal and professional ramifications of such legal disputes.

READ MORE: Yes’ Steve Howe on ‘The Quest’ and Recording Without Chris Squire

In his latest social media update, Howe took a definitive stance by stating: “Jon Davison did not write ‘Dare to Know.’ I did, and it was based on a theme I’ve been developing since 1973.” He further elaborated that early versions of this work can be found in various demo and studio recordings from that era, some even included in an expanded edition of Tales Of Topographic Oceans released in 2002. This highlights Howe’s long-standing creative journey and the continuity of his musical themes.

The social media post was augmented by a brief audio clip, lasting just 12 seconds, which features a segment from “Dare to Know” isolated in one stereo channel alongside “The Ancient” in the other. This audio evidence serves to bolster Howe’s defense against the allegations.

Compelling Audio Evidence Presented by Steve Howe to Dispute Copyright Allegations

Howe’s audio comparison illustrates that he has indeed utilized a melody remarkably similar to that in question, found in a 1974 recording titled “The Ancient.” The analysis claims to provide compelling evidence of Howe exploring this very melody concept as far back as 1974, thereby supporting his assertion that it is the more probable original source of the melody in question. Such historical references can be pivotal in copyright disputes.

In the accompanying note, it was clarified that “‘The Ancient’ was pitched up by three semitones to make it match, and the relationship between any of the notes was not edited or adjusted.” This technical explanation is important as it emphasizes that the integrity of the original melody was preserved in the comparison.

Riz Story’s lawsuit alleges that Davison was aware of “Reunion,” claiming that he and Howe worked collaboratively on the song, with the assertion that Davison’s name was intentionally omitted from the credits to obscure the song’s origin. These serious allegations could have significant consequences for all parties involved, and the case is poised to move forward through the Central District of California.