------------------------------------------------------- JANUARY 10, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: Rhino Records http://www.rhino.com/spotlight/yes/index.lasso Artist Spotlight on YES It’s hard to know what’s more dizzying – listening to the virtuosic, neoclassical progressive rock made over the course of three decades-plus by Yes, one of the most successful bands ever to grace the genre; or trying to keep track of the musicians that have been members over that same span of time. Yes formed in 1968 when vocalist Jon Anderson joined forces with a band called the Syn, which consisted of bassist Chris Squire, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and guitarist Peter Banks. The group won early acclaim and enjoyed high-profile gigs from the very start, including opening Cream’s final London concert in 1968. By 1970 Banks left to form Flash, and was replaced by Steve Howe (ex-Syndicats and Tomorrow). The Yes Album, with extended pieces "Yours is No Disgrace" and "I’ve Seen All Good People," proved to be the group’s breakthrough in America, and the album was certified Gold. Keyboardist Kaye was replaced by Rick Wakeman, and the group turned out two of its most ambitious and enduring albums: Fragile, which featured the hit "Roundabout," and Close to the Edge, which consisted of three long, elaborate suites. Both albums went Platinum. The group showed off its live chops with the extraordinary triple LP Yessongs in 1973; their next release, Tales from Topographic Oceans, sailed into stores in 1974. Tensions within the group caused Wakeman to leave, and he was replaced by Patrick Moraz. After the jazz fusion-inflected Relayer and a compilation album, Yesterdays, the group took time off for solo projects. The late ‘70s saw the band make albums that were shorter and more disciplined, such as Going for the One and Tormato, and finding continued commercial favor. Anderson left the group as did Wakeman (again), and they were replaced by Trevor Horn and Geoffrey Downes (a.k.a. the Buggles, of "Video Killed the Radio Star" fame). Soon after the release of Drama, the band broke up. Several members enjoyed success outside of Yes. Anderson made solo records, while Howe and Downes formed Asia with Carl Palmer and John Wetton. A reformed Yes scored in 1983 with "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the band’s only #1 single to date. In the wake of this renewed popularity, factions began dueling over rights to the name; a novel solution was reached when members of both sides got together for the album Union and a successful tour. Today Yes remains a popular concert draw, ensuring that its legacy lives on into the new century. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com