School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Yes

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Yes is an English progressive rock band that was formed in London in 1968. The singer Jon Anderson and the bassist Chris Squire found each other through their love of harmony singing and wrote their first song together. The guitarist Peter Banks, the drummer Bill Bruford and the keyboard player Tony Kaye completed the line-up. On the first two albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970), they played a mix of original songs and covers from rock, pop, blues and jazz.

Music and breakthrough

After Steve Howe became the guitarist in 1970, the band changed course. The result was a series of albums that are regarded as classics of progressive rock: The Yes Album and Fragile in 1971, with the hit Roundabout, and Close to the Edge in 1972. Rick Wakeman joined on keyboards. Tales from Topographic Oceans followed in 1973. The group was also known for elaborate stage shows and for the sleeves by Roger Dean. In 1983 a new line-up with Trevor Rabin took on a pop-rock sound and made the album 90125, with the hit Owner of a Lonely Heart.

Influence

Yes plays long, layered pieces with complex rhythms, high, clear vocals, virtuoso guitar and keyboard playing and a melodic bass guitar. The band is regarded as one of the pioneers of progressive rock, and with changing line-ups it remained active well into the twenty-first century.

Line-up

Core members only; touring and session musicians are not listed.

Period 1 1968–1970
Period 2 1970–1971
Classic line-up 1971–1972
Period 4 1972–1974
Period 5 1974–1976
Period 6 1976–1979
Drama line-up 1980–1981
90125 line-up 1983–1988
Union 1991–1992
Period 10 2012–2015
Period 11 2023–present

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Close to the Edge and notice how the piece is made up of several sections, with calm and stormy passages. Try to hear how the instruments take turns, rather than playing a fixed accompaniment.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsProgressive rock