In case you haven’t heard, former [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Yes[/lastfm] singer [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Jon Anderson[/lastfm] will be performing tonight at The Kessler as part of their “Storytellers” series.
Jack FM Fun Fact #18: We are the owner of a lonely heart.
One of the pioneers of progressive rock, Yes have sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide, and they are still going strong 40 years later.
Formed in London in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson and bassist [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Chris Squire[/lastfm], Yes broke into the mainstream in ’71 with their third album, The Yes Album. It was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, selling over a million copies in the U.S. and spawning the band’s first Top 40 single, “I’ve Seen All Good People/Your Move.”
Yes’ commercial streak gained momentum in the ’70s with the albums Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and Relayer. They also found success on the Billboard Hot 100 with singles like “And You and I” and “Roundabout.” The latter peaked at No. 13 on the charts and became one of their best-known songs.
In 1977, the prog rockers released their eighth studio album, Going for the One. Recorded after an extended hiatus, Going for the One was a surprise hit during the height of the punk movement. The album landed at No. 8 in the States and went all the way to No. 1 in the band’s homeland. “Wonderous Stories,” which is Jack’s Song of the Day, was a Top 10 single on the British charts.
Following the release of Drama in 1980, Jon Anderson and keyboardist [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Rick Wakeman[/lastfm] left the band due to creative differences. However, Anderson returned three years later, and in 1983, Yes released their most successful album to date, 90125. With a more pop-rock sound, 90125 sold over three million copies on the strength of the single “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” It was a No. 1 hit on both pop and rock radio, and its video on MTV brought Yes a new legion of fans.
Since then, the band has continued to record and tour. In 2011, Yes released Fly from Here, their 20th studio album. Featuring new singer Benoit David (who replaced an ailing Anderson in ’08), Fly from Here was a modest commercial success, debuting at No. 36 on the Billboard 200.
Next month, Yes will embark on an Australian tour, while former singer Jon Anderson is currently on the road with his acoustic show.
Check out Yes performing their hit “Roundabout” from a 2003 concert. It’s kinda sad rock stars have to get old, isn’t it?!
Where to next?
Click here to return to the Jack Homepage
Log in to your Jack Nation account
Check out the latest Jack Music News
Listen to Jack’s Song of the day
Enter to win Jack prizes online
Get a list of songs Jack played this hour
Check out the 100.3 Jack FM Photo Gallery
Clik here to view.
