Prog rockers Yes talk ahead of Birmingham gig

They were formed in 1968, and so are about to celebrate a remarkable 50th anniversary, with an appropriately high profile tour, which includes ten UK shows, including a prestigious date at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Tuesday.

There have been 19 full-time members of the band during this period. They have sold more than 30 million records worldwide. They have won a Grammy, and received a further five nominations. They have released 21 studio albums, having two number one records in the UK and seven top 10 successes in the US. And in 2017 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Now, all of this is true. But it doesn’t even begin to explain how Yes have become one of the most influential and vital bands of the past five decades, one that altered the parameters of music, and in the process invented, then reinvented progressive rock.

It all began in June 1968, with the first line-up of vocalist Jon Anderson, guitarist Peter Banks, bassist Chris Squire, keyboard player Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford. They made their live debut on August 4 the same year at a youth camp in Essex. And their potential was amply highlighted when offered the chance to support Cream at their farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall on November 26, 1968.

The band signed to Atlantic Records, releasing their self-titled first album during August 1969. This immediately showcased the band’s musical credibility and virtuosity. This failed to chart, but second album Time And A Word, released in July 1970, reached number 45 in the UK. However, Peter left the band soon after this was recorded, being replaced by Tomorrow’s Steve Howe. And The Yes Album, with Steve, issued in February 1971, was a big breakthrough, making it to number four in Britain and number 40 in the States.

Tony was subsequently replaced by Rick Wakeman, and the band entered a bright era of creativity and acclaim. The albums Fragile, Close To The Edge and Tales From Topographic Oceans were all artistically bold and visionary, in the process augmenting their growing commercial reputation. The last named not only was the band’s first chart topper in the UK, but also introduced new drummer Alan White to fans; he replaced Bill in time for the Close To The Edge tour. And talking of this album, it reached number three in America, the band’s highest chart position over there.

Rick left after the ‘. . . Topographic Oceans tour, with Patrick Moraz coming in during August 74. The Relayer album came out in November the same year, introducing the new line-up and a more jazz-fusion musical direction. The band took a brief break after this, with members recording solo records, before they reconvened for Going For The One. This saw the return of Wakeman, and when released in July 77, it became their second number one album in the UK. The final Yes album of the decade was Tormato, which came out in September 78, again accentuating as had its predecessor, a move towards shorter songs.

Jon and Rick left as the band worked on a new album, with the surprise choice of Buggles pair Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, who now had the same management as Yes, coming in for Drama (August 80). The arrival of the new duo not only gave Yes a musical boost, but proved their commercial appeal was undimmed.

However, the band was to go through a massive upheaval soon afterwards, as Steve, Trevor and Geoff all left. And yet, despite further changes, the band have continued to excel. Geoff returned, of course, and is looking forward to the band’s 50th anniversary tour.

“It should be a very nice presentation with it being the 50th anniversary and all that. Can you imagine that: 50 years?

“I think we weren’t anticipating lasting for as long as 50 years. Certainly, within the various elements that have been in and out of the band, it wasn’t likely. But it’s a good thing. How many bands can say they reach the 50-year milestone? Not many.. And certainly with a band like us that’s been consistently active throughout the years.

“We’re going to be doing half the show dedicated to a historical look at Yes from as many albums as we can. The other half is going to be made up of the two sides of Topographic, which we played in the States last year. We haven’t done that in UK and Europe before.”