All My Yesterdays: The Autobiography of Steve Howe - Candid Guitar

In this review of All My Yesterdays, Steve Howe recounts a life lived around the guitar and the shifting landscape of British prog rock, and the book's single biggest reason to buy is its deep, first-person insight into a working musician's choices and craft. Fans seeking intimate recollections of Yes, Asia and the 1960s-80s touring life will find a frank, detail-rich narrative that emphasizes musicianship over spectacle, while readers expecting a polished literary memoir should be prepared for an often conversational, unvarnished tone.

Key Features

• First-person narrative: Steve Howe tells his own story in his own words, providing direct access to his memories and reflections.
• Career-spanning scope: The book traces Howe's journey from a North London childhood to years with Yes and Asia, offering context for his development as a guitarist.
• Musicianship focus: Extensive detail on guitar work and technique gives readers specific insight into Howe's approach and influences.
• Touring and recording anecdotes: The memoir delivers vivid accounts of life on the road and tense studio sessions with notable prog rock peers.
• Unflinching honesty: Howe does not shy away from candid reflections on temptation, workaholism, and the pressures of band life.

Who It's For

All My Yesterdays is best for fans of progressive rock and guitar enthusiasts who want an intimate look at the choices and techniques of a celebrated player. Readers who appreciate anecdotal, musician-focused memoirs will value the book's emphasis on craft and the many references to tours, recording sessions and collaborators.

Those seeking a tightly edited literary autobiography or a chronological history of every band lineup may want to temper expectations, as the writing style can be mixed in polish and pacing. Casual readers with little interest in guitar detail or the UK prog scene may find some chapters slow-going.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich in guitar music detail that will satisfy players and collectors of technique.
• Offers honest, revealing moments about the rigors of touring and the pressures within bands.
• Broad coverage of a long career, making it a useful reference for Yes and Asia eras alike.

Cons

• Writing quality receives mixed feedback, and some readers may find the prose uneven or occasionally dull.

Specifications

Title	All My Yesterdays: The Autobiography of Steve Howe
Author	Steve Howe
Narration / Contributor	Simon Vance
Subject	Guitarist memoir; progressive rock history
Coverage	Career from childhood in North London through Yes and Asia
Focus	Musicianship, touring, recording anecdotes

Our Verdict

All My Yesterdays is a worthwhile purchase for dedicated fans and guitarists who want candid, detailed memories from a major prog rock figure; its value lies in firsthand technical insight and career anecdotes even if the prose occasionally lacks polish. For those audiences, it offers enduring interest and a window into a working musician's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover Steve Howe's time in Yes and Asia?
Yes; the memoir recounts his passages through Yes and AOR supergroup Asia, with stories about touring and recording in both bands.

Is there technical guitar content in the book?
Yes; readers report substantial guitar-related detail and reflections on technique and musicianship throughout the narrative.

Is the writing style polished and literary?
The prose is often conversational and candid, and some readers find the writing quality mixed rather than uniformly polished.