Yes are one of the defining bands of progressive rock — a group whose soaring vocal harmonies, virtuoso musicianship and sprawling, ambitious compositions helped set the template for the entire genre. Across more than five decades and a famously revolving cast of brilliant musicians, anchored for most of that time by bassist Chris Squire, they produced some of the most celebrated and adventurous music in rock, wrapped in Roger Dean’s unmistakable fantasy artwork.

The short version

Formed in London in 1968, Yes rose to become one of progressive rock’s flagship bands, peaking creatively with the early-1970s run that culminated in their masterpiece, “Close to the Edge” (1972). Famous for their constantly changing line-up — a who’s-who of prog virtuosos — they later reinvented themselves as 1980s hitmakers with the blockbuster “90125”, and have continued, through countless personnel changes and the loss of founding bassist Chris Squire, into the present day. Theirs is one of the genre’s deepest and most influential catalogues.

London beginnings

Yes formed in London in 1968, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire — the latter destined to be the band’s one ever-present member. The original line-up, completed by guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford, recorded two developing albums, “Yes” (1969) and “Time and a Word” (1970), that hinted at their potential without fully realising it. The breakthrough came when guitarist Steve Howe replaced Banks for “The Yes Album” (1971), a leap forward in ambition and originality that gave the band their first real success. Soon after, the flamboyant keyboardist Rick Wakeman joined for “Fragile” (1971), and the classic Yes was born.

Harmony, virtuosity and Roger Dean

Yes built their music on a combination of elements few others could match. At the front were Jon Anderson’s distinctive high tenor and the band’s soaring, multi-layered vocal harmonies; beneath them, a thrilling instrumental interplay between Chris Squire’s melodic, lead-style bass, Steve Howe’s intricate and eclectic guitar, Wakeman’s grand keyboard textures and the band’s dynamic drumming. Their compositions grew ever longer and more complex, often filling entire album sides with multi-part suites of shifting moods and themes. Completing the package was the artist Roger Dean, whose fantastical cover paintings and iconic Yes logo became as much a part of the band’s identity as the music itself.

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Close to the Edge and the classic peak

The early-to-mid 1970s saw Yes at the height of their powers. “Fragile” (1971), home to the enduring “Roundabout”, broke them in America, and “Close to the Edge” (1972) — built around its sublime side-long title suite — is widely regarded as their masterpiece and one of the greatest progressive rock albums ever made. After it, drummer Bill Bruford left to join King Crimson, replaced by Alan White. The band’s ambitions then reached their fullest, and most divisive, extent with “Tales from Topographic Oceans” (1973), a double album of four side-long pieces inspired by Eastern spiritual writings — hailed by some as the pinnacle of prog ambition and dismissed by others as overreach. Wakeman departed afterward, and the jazzier, more aggressive “Relayer” (1974), featuring keyboardist Patrick Moraz and the war epic “The Gates of Delirium”, closed this extraordinary run. Following a round of solo albums, Wakeman returned for the tighter, successful “Going for the One” (1977).

Drama, 90125 and reinvention

At the end of the 1970s, the band faced upheaval. Both Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman left in 1980, and the remaining members boldly recruited Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes — of the new-wave duo The Buggles — for the harder-edged “Drama” (1980), before Yes splintered. Then came one of rock’s most unexpected second acts. In 1983 a reconstituted Yes, built around Chris Squire, Alan White, a returning Tony Kaye and the gifted guitarist and singer Trevor Rabin — with Jon Anderson back on vocals and Trevor Horn now producing — released “90125”. A sleek, modern pop-rock album, it became their best-selling record and produced the US number-one hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, introducing Yes to a vast new audience. “Big Generator” (1987) continued this commercially successful, contemporary direction.

Unions, revivals and a long road

Yes’s later history is a tangle of reunions, splits and shifting line-ups. A spin-off reuniting four classic members eventually merged with the 90125-era band for the eight-man “Union” (1991) album and tour. The Rabin era closed with “Talk” (1994), after which the band continued to evolve across albums such as “The Ladder” (1999) and the orchestral “Magnification” (2001). As the years passed, new singers stepped in for Jon Anderson, and the band carried on with “Fly from Here” (2011) and beyond. The greatest blow came in 2015, when Chris Squire — the only musician to appear on every Yes album — died; honouring his wishes, the band continued, now led by Steve Howe, releasing “The Quest” (2021). In 2017, Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Album by album

A sweeping selection spanning the band’s entire career, from the 1969 debut to recent work. Tap any title for its guide.

The players

Yes are famous for their ever-changing membership, but several figures define them. Jon Anderson (vocals) was the band’s spiritual and melodic heart, his unmistakable high voice central to their identity. Chris Squire (bass) was the one constant, his powerful, melodic playing the foundation of the band until his death in 2015. Steve Howe (guitar) brought a dazzling, eclectic style and now leads the group. Rick Wakeman (keyboards) supplied much of their grandeur across the classic era, and drummers Bill Bruford and Alan White each shaped key chapters. Later, Trevor Rabin (guitar, vocals) drove their 1980s reinvention. Around these names, a remarkable cast of musicians has passed through one of rock’s most storied bands.

Where to start

Begin with “Close to the Edge” (1972), the band’s masterpiece and an essential progressive rock album. From there, “Fragile” (1971) and “The Yes Album” (1971) capture the classic line-up’s thrilling early peak. For their pop reinvention, “90125” (1983) is the blockbuster, home to “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. And for the truly adventurous, the sprawling “Tales from Topographic Oceans” (1973) offers prog ambition at its most extreme.

Why they still matter

Yes are one of the foundational bands of progressive rock, and one of its most enduring. They pushed the music toward unprecedented scale and complexity, perfected the art of the long-form suite, and married virtuoso musicianship to genuine beauty and emotion. Their extraordinary adaptability — from symphonic prog pioneers to 1980s hitmakers and back again — kept them relevant across decades, while Roger Dean’s imagery gave them an iconic visual identity. Through every line-up change, and even the loss of Chris Squire, the band’s music has retained its power to inspire. For anyone exploring progressive rock, Yes are simply essential.

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