YES 50th Anniversary: Musicians' Thoughts

[@nathelm]

My mom told me to go downstairs and tell my brother to turn that damn music down. I went into his room (he couldn't hear me knocking) and he was laying on the floor with his head between 2 speakers listening to close to the edge, it was so loud. I laid down right next to him and put my head between the speakers and I haven't taken my head out from in between those speakers since. Best band ever. "I shook my head and smiled a whisper knowing all about the place."

[@feanorian21maglor38]

I was 12, Going for the One had just come out. My brother borrowed the album from a friend, brought it in and played Awaken.That was it for me- saved all my pocket money for Fragile and Close to the Edge.

[@dannymathis7275]

My 3rd grade teacher Ms. Byrd introduced me to YES. She chalked Roundabout on the blackboard. She said today's poetry lesson is Roundabout. Then she puts the album on , goes back to the blackboard with yard stick to point out the phrasing on each word. If you're out there, Thank You for introducing me to heaven via YES! I'll always be a Starship Trooper!

[@findJLF]

Wow - awesome teacher

[@eddiecriglington400]

I was 15 and it was 1971. The wonderful, ‘The Yes Album’, was my first taste. What a sound, Jon’s voice, Steve’s Guitar, Chris’s Bass, Bill’s incredible drumming and Tony’s Organ, Piano and Moog. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. After a couple of listens and checking out the Band’s history, I immediately went and bought the first two Albums. My amazing Musical journey was on its way. 🎶❤️🎶

[@MichaelBrown1776]

Greatest collection of musicians ever compiled....never to be duplicated....they stand alone as far as I'm concerned!

[@steamer1112]

In my mind they are simply the best band ever.

[@josephnaja]

Couldn't agree more, my favorite band on the planet 🌴🌴

[@OliverHanmer55]

Agreed. 100%

[@davidwatkinson1226]

We all had this experience. We are lucky to have been around for the ride of a lifetime. Its a joy to see and hear these stories. Well done Yes for keeping the standards up in everything connected to the band, all the way through the 50 years.

[@fingersmaster]

Jean-Luc Ponty played with Jon Anderson, Tony Levin played in ABWH. Both great collaborations !

[@wesdardenne854]

This is the first I've ever been motivated to comment. La Paz, Bolivia. My best friend loans me a copy of "Fragile". Immediately floored by "Heart of the Sunrise". A song that, for me, qualifies as one the greatest rock pieces ever written. It a perfect song in every way. I was just starting with guitar and Steve Howe's skill set became the target to shoot for. His influence on me is there still. One of those bands that were uniquely styled.

[@michaelyork4554]

I was 12/1974, and my Brother was gone so I went into his room and went through his extensive album collection, came upon Fragile, mind you he had a Yamaha CR 2020 Receiver 400 Watt 4 Channel going to 4 Bose 301's, Roundabout hit me and that was it. I went through Fragile, The Yes Album, and Close to the Edge, and when my Brother came home we discussed YES and I remember saying "But there is no way they could play this stuff live" so he pulled out YESSONGS, can you be blown away, after being blown away, Yes You Can!!! Then Tales and Relayer WOW.

[@ckhoss]

I seen Yes in Indianapolis and they were opening the show for Jethro Tull, it was their Yes Album tour and they absolutely knocked me out how good they were/are, bought the Yes album the next day, been a big fan ever since! Happy 50th!

[@tomdac]

I was 14 years old and hanging out with my friend Jody. He said, "Let's go listen to my brothers records". We ventured into his brothers bedroom which was up in the attic. A massive beer can collection and lots of black lights and such.. This was 1977 or 1978. Yes' "Going For the One" album was there and the cover struck me as so strange and thought provoking. I knew of Roundabout, but not much else. We put this record on and I was BLOWN AWAY... Changed my life. Have been a huge fan ever since and love all iterations of Yes and have seen them live many times. Happy 50, guys!!

[@VegasAlien1]

Jeff Berlin's bass work on Bruford's solo albums is phenomenal.

[@beckygriggs7827]

My older brothers were listening to YES in the early 70's, I was just a preteen when I first heard thier music. Been a fan since then and was blessed to see them in concert some years ago, thanks bro-RIP Carl

[@mikearchibald744]

Ditto. My brother listened to all the prog bands and almost all british music, Bowie included, though thats not Prog. I remember loving their covers, except I think Close to the Edge was just green right? The music just blew my mind, I really couldn't keep up. I remember a friend calling it "musical insanity".

[@Yanto-Bardic]

Yes Music has been the Soundtrack of my life since I was 16yrs of age - All the good times all the bad times - Their music saw me through it all, I also know (100%) I am a better person for having been able to listen to all their music right from 1969 and the release of the Yes LP. Bless You YES, I Love and Thank You! Here's to the next 50 years!

[@joyclark7530]

The 'Fragile' LP was to YES what the 9th Symphony was to L.V.Beethoven.

[@stevehowe6045]

¿Entonces qué son Close to the Edge, Topographic y Relayer?

[@tomnewton2784]

My first ever concert. 1977 Going for the One tour. Saw them in Providence RI. Watching Steve Howe do things with a guitar that I didn't think were possible. Chris and that thundering bass. Wakeman and his army of keyboards. Anderson's angelic voice and Alan and his curved drum set. What a memory.

[@TroyDawes43]

as I use to say...Steve Howe, How does he do it...

[@markviereck4547]

My favorite band ever. Saw them 37 times. Met them. Started playing bass because of Chris. Out if body experience when I saw them. What more can I say

[@leosullivan9228]

you score! I hope those 37 were not all one month!! Their love is a living bridge from the 70's well into the Millenium

[@Lesiga1]

@@leosullivan9228 "Their love is a living bridge from the 70's well into the Millenium". Beautifully said!

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

First time I heard Yes music my family was in the Hamptons. I was 13. My brother said, "Come here. You have to hear this". He played And You and I. It was magic. I became a lifelong Yes fan from that moment on.

[@massimogiuntini1]

I, as an older brother, did the same with my bro

[@umpygoodness2369]

MOST YES FANS DON'T KNOW YES' FIRST TWO ALBUMS. Listen to "Astral Traveller" and "Then" off their second album (before the band was popular) and prepare to have your mind blown! They were just kids! But wow! You can hear them on YT.

[@relayer43]

Yup, I'd say most Yes fans *do* know about the first two albums. Even casual fans have no excuse these days with all the resources available. Non-fans? Yeah, they probably don't know about the first two albums...

[@Gizathecat2]

I discovered Yes in 1970 while browsing through a record bin at a neighborhood drugstore of all places. The album was their very first. When I noticed one of my favorite Beatles song was on it, I bought it. I had never heard anything like Yes - their harmonies, their arrangements, and song writing. “Survival” impressed me more than “Every Little Thing,” the Beatles tune. And I’ve been a fan ever since.

[@KellenFredricksen]

It’s always nice to see what great musicians think about other great musicians

[@MrPedal88]

This too, was my life.Can't wait to see them again next year.Yes.

[@philipm784]

discovered Yes in school assembly 71/72 Starship Trooper, been hooked all my life. Over 50 years of my life Yes Music, wow.

[@stevenmcewing2883]

You know, we Yes fans remember way back when, and still deeply love the band. As far as musicians are concerned, It is a matter of homage in that so much inspiration springs forth...and it can't be helped...it's not a matter of duplicating, it's a place of understanding that 'this can be done'. What a treat it is to be a yes fan! A true long-lasting super-group!

[@johndurant8687]

When I first heard Yes on the radio in the 70's - It motivated me to get a hold of one of their albums. Listening to that kind of quality music and vocal harmonies was a religious experience for me. It made me feel excited for the future. Thank you God for inspiring these musicians to share their talent with the rest of us.

[@johnrpizzaguy]

My first Yes concert was at the Forum and Donovan was the opening act about 1975, I went with my band mates and our band was called “ Edge”. Later on in 1981 I met my future wife and her high school friend at his house in Canoga Park he was very different ( he slept in a hammock) but he was always cool and very Focused on Yes music, he is Billy Sherwood. Then in about 1991 my wife and I move to San Luis Obispo county and I start bumping into the guys from Yes, to this day I still see Jon at the local Trader Joe’s. Yes has been a constant in my life and my wife shares that love. Thank you to all the great members of Yes past,present and sadly no longer with us.

[@ronaldsweet3484]

I was very lucky to see the 90125 tour in Detroit at Joe Louis Area. I had long been a yes fan, by then, but, that show made me a fanatic. Congratulations to all of the great players in the various configurations, I loved it all, even Machine Messiah. I have the most fond rememberences of Chris Squier, who is the probably the greatest bass player of my lifetime. I remember sitting 15th row, dead center, watch him play (bass and foor synth) and sing in amazement, while everytime he hit the bass synth it just went through you. Thanks for the fantastic music and inspiration.

[@MarkAhrens-HeritageFilms]

First listen was 90125. A buddy had this new thing called a CD player. It was amazingly crisp sound and interesting music. Later my brother turned me on to Fragile. Boom, I was hooked. Each album had its own flavor and depth. When I’m down, Yes music turns my mood around within 8 bars, no lie. If I had to, I’d pay hundreds of dollars if not thousands to replace my collection of Yes music. There’s not much more important to me.

[@jmorra]

Yes made me listen to classical music. When I first heard Yessongs I thought that The Firebird was their music! To this day, when I hear certain melodies from Starship Trooper, or The Gates of Delerium, I remember that feeling of Wonder that so many are expressing here. Sure, they have had their ups and downs, but to this day there is no one like them. What an accomplishment...congratulations YES!!

[@RichardMNixon-zh6uz]

The missing 18 minutes was replaced with Side 2 of Close To The Edge. Tricia wasn't around to show me how to copy an LP to a tape on the hi-fi, so I had to go with what I had. Brezhnev was stopping by with a big brick, so we had to blaze to something. We'd negotiated a peace that afternoon. And Mr. Anderson said that those in charge never listen. God bless and long live the legend of Yes.

[@yaelrar.4460]

Love this. Yes hooked me in the very first time I heard them. Now lets get the next generation hooked to Yes. We have to save and maintain this incredible music.

[@steveburt2194]

I taught myself to play bass listening and learning to Yes. Chris Squire was my hero. The Yes album was my initiation.

[@dansmusic5749]

One of the things I really admire about Yes is their commitment to keep going. The lesson I get from them and this video is don't let age and fashion stop one from doing one loves with enthusiasm and confidence. Yes is my favorite band since 1972.

[@VIRGONOMICS]

10 years old - Dad would blast Yes / Genesis , on Marantz Stereo and work around the house on weekends . So many awesome memories. Played the Roundabout opening lick ( just Harmonics ) for first couple years of learning guitar - got into RUSH as a result and really blasted my musical tastes wide open- then to King Crimson and Mahavishnu..... made me want to be a studio musician.

[@ER-me1ii]

Saw yes for the first time on 77’ at msg. My life was never the same after.

[@maruli57]

To me YES is the best in the world ..I was fall in love with YES since 1973 when I was high school..Long Live YES..

[@coogskr11]

1972 for me...

[@theDaoistBean]

Thanks for putting this together!!! It is so nice to hear people in the industry pay tribute to a band that has meant so much to me over the years, I'm a tad younger, so I discovered Yes around Big Generator when I was in high school. They had been in and around me to some extent because of Owner of a Lonely Heart, but my 'Alice falling down the rabbit hole moment' came for me when I put on the album, Classic Yes, turned off the lights and lay in bed....Heart of the Sunrise burst out of my speakers and it was like I knew right there and then that my life was no longer going to be the same. ABWH were my first Yes shows, so I got to see both Tony and Jeff fill in on bass and do an incredible job, though with all due respect it wasn't Yes until I got to see Chris playing those parts. And then the Union tour after that...say what you might about that album, but the tour was phenomenal...I think I left part of myself up in the astral plane after hearing Awaken performed by that eight piece 'Yes orchestra.' Each and every time I have seen Yes live, it is something so incredible, reinvigorating and life affirming. It is unlike any other concert experience, you don't attend a Yes concert, you are part of a Yes concert. All love and peace and deep appreciation to all the members, producers, engineers, support staff, road crew, artists, past and present, living or passed who have been involved in bringing this amazing music to the universe for 50 years!!!

[@careydixon8189]

1st time hearing them was life changing for me. Very kind people. Angelic music, ideas I could relate to...had an amazing chance collabing with Jon in 2010. Beautiful, generous guy, incredibly awesome group.

[@davep8221]

Quite simply, my life is better having heard them.

[@drfoxcourt]

Early teens: My brother brought Close to the Edge and Dark Side of the Moon home. Both were instant mind blowers for me. Dark Side was dark, and Close to the Edge was enlightening. I adored the musicianship and long themes of both but I must have played Close to the Edge so much, I wore out the needle of the record player. Never go enough Yes. HUGE fan ever since.

[@arthouston7361]

I was going to college in New York when film producer Todd Hallowell, who was my roommate on 18th Street, introduced me to The Yes Album….and Yes immediately started growing on me….and it was just a few years later that I was working as a rock ‘n’ roll dj in Philadelphia with Ed Sciaky, and I never missed a Yes show, and played more music of theirs on the radio than my program director really liked…. but I dug the heck out of it. Thank you, guys.

[@Bikewithlove]

Hi Art, I grew up in Drexel Hill, and your morning radio shows rescued my soul every day. It was a big, unspoken thing in the hallways of my elementary school - Band name logos and cover art by bands like Kansas, Boston, and Yes had made their way onto bulletin boards and denim jackets at Garrettford, and the sound landscape of Yes’s music deepened in my awareness into the 80s. Yes’s music transported me inward and put me in touch with creative possibilities beyond the limitations of my town.

[@ottmarsoulier7432]

My brother played Yes beginning of seventies. He introduced me to this band and I instantly fell in love. I had quite a bad childhood but Yes' music pulled me through someway. I was about 10 years old. Headphones on and sinking into this mesmerizing beauty accompanied by the beautiful cover art of Roger Dean. Till this very day I am still a huge Yes fan living a happier life now. Thank you so much for all these gems and for sharing this video. Xxx

[@dab745]

I’ve seen them 4-5 times in philadelphia. I’m still moved, still in awe, still in love..

[@tsongas68]

Well done!! This shows a bunch of the most respected musicians who acknowledge the importance of Yes' legacy on their professional careers, what Yes absolutely deserve. Thank you

[@glenesis]

Very sweet tribute :) Happy 50th Yes!!!

[@durbinjoseph]

Close to the Edge was my introduction to Yes. I was probably a sophomore in high school. My life was changed forever.

[@lazycalm41]

It was mine too Joe. I totally agree with you there . CTTE and Suppers Ready by Genesis changed my life forever from that moment!

[@lanechange2795]

I opened for Jon Anderson / Vangeles at the Central Park Bandshell. When I met Jon, I said something like, "I grew up with your music." I may as well have said, "Wow, you're old!" He was very gracious about it.

[@robertmacpherson6715]

Iam so grateful to have lived as a teenager from 1965-to say around 1978, and heard and saw the best music ever, never to be repeated. Yes was only one of any amazing bands, Emerson,Lake & Palmer, King crimson ,Pink Floyd ,Moody Blues, Iron. Butterfly, The Doors, Hendrix, Van Morrison ,Jethro Tull, Cream, Led Zeppelin are just a few of the mind blowing bands of my youth. I would love to go back to those days and concerts.😊

[@TheMNB]

Yes is one of the all time best in my opinion. I'm so glad they FINALLY made it into the R&R Hall of Fame. They were all such masters of their craft and created music that took you on such fantastic journeys: And You and I, Starship Trooper even Roundabout to name just a few.

[@pjet8042]

First Yes album I got was Close to the Edge.. Saw the Relayer and Going for the One tours... Unforgettable.

[@psandvik]

Jealous. I saw the Tormato tour. Still pretty great.

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

P Jet Still love their most criticized and misunderstood album-Tales from Topographic Oceans. I was 20 would lay down, put on headphones for the 80 minutes and just left Earth 😎

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

P Jet Still love their most criticized and misunderstood album-Tales from Topographic Oceans. I was 20 would lay down, put on headphones for the 80 minutes and just left Earth

[@dbpvallejo]

jeezus flapjacks! the song is called "clap" been listening since i was a boy of 7 great piece. Great to see Lee Abrams. He was the first person I'd ever heard interviewed (1978) and spelled out whay made yes yes cheers! and thanks

[@Cesarpena]

Very cool! Yes is the kind of band that is usually a milestone in people’s lives. Squire is a hero of mine...40 years...

[@raymondhartmeijer9300]

Yes was one of the bands I started getting into when I was a kid, I was like 10 or 11 yrs old , when I heard "Yesshows" and "Drama", I remember stuff like "Ritual" and how fundamentally different it all was from the rock music on the radio etc

[@charlesmochan6198]

My first magical inspiration came when I was about 14 in 1972 and I heard Roundabout on a NY rock channel call WPLJ with Pat St John (still around these days on XM radio). The sound was just so different and captivating. As a young classical violin player, it was like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven were all of sudden reincarnated and were playing simply amazing complex music like no other bands. I instantly feel in love with the band and their unique sound. After Fragile, came Close to the Edge and Tales and I was hooked. After seeing them at Nassau Coliseum at age of 15, I was forever in love with them to this day I have seen them just about every year totaling something like 50 times. Unfortunately due to COVID -19 this years concert was cancelled here in South Florida. Planning on having AWAKEN played at my funeral.

[@slidetek]

Well, I did see Jeff Berlin play with AWBH at the Shoreline when Tony got sick. He learned his lines pretty quickly.

[@safelton]

I am a bit surprised he likes Yes so much. Of course he played on the Bruford albums, but Bruford seems rather cynical about Yes.

[@Zayphod2056]

Saw them 4 times on the ABWH tour, Berlin was covering for Tony as he was very sick. Amazing shows!

[@MTheoOA]

Berlin is awesome. Just listen to his bass-lines on Road Games by Allan Holdsworth, that ''Water on the Brain pt 2'' is ridiculous.

[@genericusername1365]

@@MTheoOA Holdsworth was a great one. I am so lucky to have seen him perform once, years ago (1990).

[@daveclemens3134]

I also was at this show, omg..I was in heaven, I did miss chris but still..a awesome show

[@josephalvaro5244]

I first heard and was so lucky to see Yes opening for Jethro Tull on it's Aqualung tour.As a novice bass player at the time I was absolutely floor by Chris Squire and company.The show basically made me have an about face in the direction or selection of music I was listening to at the time.I want to thank them for opening up new avenues for musicians to follow for many years after that initial concert back in I think the summer of 1971.

[@glennhecker4422]

Definitely 1971. The reason I know that for sure is that my Uncle Hank and Aunt Marianne saw that same double bill in July 1971 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Atlantic City Convention Hall; July 7, 1971; I think.) Uncle Hank told me about it in a letter he wrote me in the early 1990's.

[@glennhecker4422]

And didn't Chris Squire have the coolest tone? (Love, love, LOVE the unique sound of the Rickenbacker 4000-series basses -- especially with his playing style which emphasized the distinctive trebly clank of the Rick!)

[@cluster1955]

Beat Club, German TV, Saturday afternoon in the early 70s .... Yours is no Disgrace live .... and I was hooked for life!!!

[@simonbrenner1258]

Saw the band on the Relayer tour twice! Totally agree with Mike Keneally - Yes music really is the nearest thing to heaven

[@tieukhavu8832]

I discovered Yes for the very first time. The first song was "Owner of the Lonely Heart" , that I discovered on the Radio. Brilliant. Happy Birthday to the whole Yes band members former till present.

[@DUBEE43]

YES HAS TOUCHED MY HEART!!!!

[@johannasaninocencio7458]

My first job as a teenager and I have money in my pockets. Go into a Sears store looking for albums. Find Relayer. Wow, incredible artwork! I buy it, having never heard the band. When that vinyl hit my speakers, i was forever hooked. Still have all my vinyls. The Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Relayer, Going for the One, Tormato.

[@PeterToepfer]

I heard Yes Songs around 1973 when I was 12 - it just blew my mind…. I will never forget that very moment next to the record player…. my head between the loudspeakers…. The magic never disappeared until today - will last forever.

[@allencollins6031]

I remember John Petrucci from junior high. He definitely went through a Yes period. Hendrix, Rush, and The Who as well.

[@lariahthefathersapostle7396]

My friend came to me with an 8-track and said, we need to listen to this on the way to the fish'n hole. It is a memory I cannot forget.

[@DonnyOsmosis]

It was destiny that YES would come into my life and change the way I played music and the way I listened to music, wrote music - who I played and wrote with, etc.. I was given YESSONGS (vinyl) by a Franciscan Nun (of all people) who was teaching me classical guitar - and she felt really bad about physically attacking me so she gave me a box of records at the next lesson. DIVINE gift!

[@mrsouthjersey4956]

Wow, I'm just now coming across this video. Smiled throughout the entire thing. Thank you Yes for being a huge part of my life. I've been a fan for 48 years now. From 2 years before the "Relayer" tour, my first concert ever, till the present. (I think my math is correct)

[@abanana2561]

Yes is brilliant. The song that truely captured me within the band was yours is no disgrace. After that ive been a fan my whole life. And you and i still makes me cry to this day

[@mellotronage7073]

My favorite line up ? Anderson, Squire, Howe, Bruford & Kaye- The Yes Album band. Right through the fade out of Perpetual Change, they had my attention. Greatness defined !!

[@dumpygoodness4086]

Yes' 2nd album is KILLER too, but everyone ignores that one! MAGNIFICATION is unusually great for a LATE Yes album!

[@rikk7041]

I hope you own "The Word is Live". There's some great archival live stuff with that lineup, including a killer version of 'America' that proves Tony Kaye could play the Hammond parts even heavier than Wakeman could. Plus you can hear Steve Howe playing 'Astral Traveler' and 'Everydays'.

[@felipegoulart1979]

YES is the Prog one. Congratulations and sucess, always!! I saw them in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1999, at Olympia!!

[@iiiprogundergroundandexper7120]

What a pleasure to see these fantastic musicians celebrating YES. Going for the One concert in Dec. 77 was probably the greatest show I ever saw... Absolute fan from 71, and forever...

[@mcouzijn]

My YES adventure started at 0:10 seconds into "America", which is a pretty weird place to start. It is Rick's second 'organ response' to the syncopated lick by Steve and Bill that open the song. From the cassette tape recording, played back from my Tandy radio cassette player, Rick's organ would sound like flutes or recorders. So I always associate my beloved song 'America' with flutes and recorders, while there isn't a damn flute to be heard on the whole track. Thus, my introduction into the YES catalogue began with two false starts: missing the first 10 seconds of the song, and mistaking an organ for a bunch of recorders. I was 13 in 8th grade. A newly befriended class-mate would tell me about a band that he 'digged' and that he got this from his older brother. I'd never heard of the band, since it was hardly played on Dutch radio stations, and that is where i got my daily shot of music, mainly Top 40 stuff. But he offered to make a recording of his brother's favorite albums if I supplied him with two cassette tapes. I had only little pocket money, so I went out to buy two cheapish unbranded tapes, and gave them to my new friend. Why would I invest a fortune on ferro chromium dioxide BASF tapes for a band I'd never heard of? My friend duly returned the tapes after the weekend. In an unmistakably boyish adolescent's handwriting, he'd written the - for me - obscure album titles 'Close to the Edge' and 'Yesterdays' on the tapes. In hindsight, I believe he made an excellent choice. He'd only forgotten that cassette tapes would all have these first 10 seconds of non-recordable, transparent tape at the beginning of each side, called 'aanlooptape' in Dutch. He had apparently started the tape from the very beginning, at the same moment when the track sounded from the record player. That's why the recording missed the first 10 seconds, and for many years, this is how I believed the song opened. And WHAT a song it is! I believe that musically, 'America' is among the very best of YES' output, and I was lucky to have it as my starting point. This song, and the rest of the music on these two wobbly tapes, marked a landslide in my musical development. Before this, I could never have imagined the soundscapes, the daring, the mystery, the excitement, the versatility, and the wonder that permeates YES music. Not to forget the instrumental dexterity displayed by a couple of British lads. Initially, I assumed that YES music, commonly called 'symphonic rock', was to a large extent created in the studio, with tons of computers, synthesizers, choirs and orchestra's, and heavy, creative editing. It took some time to realize that what I heard was actually the sound of five rock musicians playing their instruments and singing their hearts out - nothing else. No tricks, just the real thing. And they could rock your socks off, too! Now, 42 years later, YES is still among my most favourite bands. And that's only because I don't have, or are afraid to make, a no. 1 pick. YES music has enriched my life, and I keep getting back to it. I thank my dear friend Alfred, who offered to make these two cassette tapes for me. Sadly, Alfred would have a very short time to enjoy life. But he lives on in my memory (for many other reasons than making these tapes) and many times I put on a YES album, I think of him. I hope they have a working Tandy radio cassette player in Heaven. I'll be bringing some tapes along.

[@bernardjharmsen304]

'America' is Yes's astonishing arrangement of a Paul Simon song. My introduction to Yes music too.

[@johncarter579]

Like Mike Keneally, my first exposure to Yes was via the Yes Album. I was gobsmacked, to use a Yorkshire expression. Still my favourite record of theirs.

[@davep8221]

All of these people have such good taste.

[@kenfalloon3186]

I was twenty years old in 1971 and off my tits on acid when I heard Yours is no disgrace on a massive sound system in a pub in Kingston UK and it thrilled and scared the shit out of me in equal measure. I was convinced I had fallen through a portal into the future that music this transcendantly powerful and glorious could even exist. And it still thrills me to this day.

[@petemarr824]

The music of Yes introduced me to the wild sound of Progressive Rock, 30 odd years I have been a fan of this music, and have seen Yes many times, as well as other prog bands (King Crimson being my favourite band)

[@findJLF]

What a great compilation of genuine thoughts and feelings from musicians of significant achievement and influence.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I've been blessed to have seen YES by accident opening with Jethro Tull in 1971at 15 on pot and by 16 during CTTE concert I had already gatewayed into LSD and the better they got, the better the Acid was and it was required contraband when YES came to town bc nothing feels as euphoric as being in an expanded state of awareness listening and seeing YES live. Pure out of body yet completely within my heart journey. Then in 2007 after reaching out to Jon on Myspace with samples of my computer animation art, I got a call from him and we had brunch and worked together on "idears" for his live solo visuals but sadly he became ill before we implement the project. We stayed in touch occasionally until years later he did contact me to design the set for ARW but mine was too costly . I still have his direct contact info. Each year I send him a Birthday Card. Maybe someday...

[@pattomuso]

A friend played me Fragile in early 1973, then I got Yessongs in '74......been hooked ever since!

[@salvelegio1425]

Yes, then, now and forever. Love love and more LOVE. Special thanks to Roine and the guys in Kaipa how holds a very special place in my heart. Michael

[@nickmastro6870]

Roine Stolt- I saw him play bass for Steve Hackett. Excellent musician.

[@massimogiuntini1]

I saw him too in that occaison. So true

[@DUBEE43]

Omg, STEVIE VAI!!!! LOVE HIM, HE PLAYED WITH MY ALLTIME FAVORITE MUSICIAN, THE INCOMPARABLE (FRANK ZAPPA)!!!!!

[@WickedWonder1979]

Very cool!

[@williamvandenberg2295]

I was a stupid kid in grade seven when I first heard of Yes, and it was my older sister to boot! so naturally, I had no interest in them, but thank god I grew up ! and now I can't imagine life or music or singing without them. I've seen fantastic things when I put on my headphones, close my eyes, and listen to them.

[@NUKE-W.E.F.]

I would have to echo the words of Lee Abrams as I too had the same "cinematic" experience the first and every time I heard "Perpetual Change" from the Yessongs Live Album. That incredible performance by Steve Howe was something I was just not prepared for and it "blew me away".

[@jrboudreau]

These testimonies are spot on with what I experienced when I first heard Yes. This is great. Thanks a ton.

[@smkh2890]

I saw YES in a small club on Wardour street London before their first album came out

[@Atom-56]

The Marquee. 👍🏻

[@jonbongjovi1869]

tell us more!

[@MrMusicman456]

17:26 Totally get the feeling. The Beatles are my favorite group ever, but Yes is my number 2 and my favorite Yes songs tend to beat out my favorite Beatles songs

[@dumpygoodness4086]

@Gary Twitchett EVERY TIME I hear "Hello Goodbye" by the Beatles, Paul sounds IDENTICAL to Jon A when Paul sings "do you sayyyy goodbye" at 1:23 of the Beatles song!

[@soozikins]

I remember I was still living at my parents place in '73 trying to learn bass, I had a 50w Stack and i had an old philips cassette player wired into the head, somehow I had got a hold of Close to the Edge on tape and it opened up a whole new world of musical wonder for me, definitely shaped my listening from then onward, thanks guys and happy 50th!

[@salvelegio1425]

There is one other thing with Yes that is seldom discussed, and that is lyrics. Don’t get me wrong, I have always had the deepest respect for all musicians on the way that constitutes Yes. However, for me Yes is as much about the lyrics as it is about the music and skilled musicians. I can’t say that I intellectually understand it all, there is an languish barrier you see. But I find it easy to listen with my heart and that makes all the difference to me. It is as the words are written heart to heart, spiritual. I can honestly say that the music and lyrics of Yes can save a life, it did for me, it saved me when I was out in orbit. I will always love Yes. They are the trunk of my “musical tree”. So, Love to Jon, Chris, Steve, Alan and Rick. Also to Tony, Peter, Bill and the rest, but most to Jon. May all good things come your way...... Forever. Michael Hilldingh STOCKHOLM Sweden

[@theDaoistBean]

I agree...Jon and his lyrics were always the biggest part of Yes for me! I think most people are afraid of how obtuse they are...but for me that was the greatest thing. So often they are like paintings with words, at times impressionistic but also deeply existential and even playful. Lyrics such as "If the summer changed to winter yours is no disgrace" made me think what could that mean, and then something like an instant of enlightenment would hit me and I would find a meaning, such as for this line, "if the Earth can go from vibrant green and bursting with life to dreary, deathly, dormant grey, nothing I can do as a mere human being could be that bad...and just like the Earth in the Spring I will bounce back and be alive again...so what could be disgraceful." Lines like this changed my way of seeing and living life, more than once over the years. And then realizing that Jon is able to capture so much with just a few charged words, puts me in such awe and appreciation. Anyway, thanks for your comment....Float your climb!!!

[@mlmanville8174]

Jon has openly stated that the lyrics were never meant to make total sense, he just thought of vocals like an instrument, he was more interested in the sound or "feel" of the words, not if they had any coherent meaning. In fact sometimes he was so unconcerned about the actual words of a song that he just outsourced them. For example, there is this in wikipedia about "The Fish" from Fragile: _____________ Tait recalled Anderson called him "at ten o'clock one night from Advision and said, 'I want the name of prehistoric fish in eight syllables. Call me back in half an hour'". Tait subsequently found Schindleria praematurus, a species of marine fish, in a copy of Guinness Book of Records.

[@salvelegio1425]

Dear ML Manville, Very interesting, thanks for your comment. Right as you might be, it doesn’t change anything for me. Those words are where they where intended to be, with a deeper meaning or not.

[@pjet8042]

For those who don't know who Roine Stolt is, he just did an album with Jon Anderson but he's been the leader of The Flower Kings for the past 25 years, a modern prog band with influences from Yes, Genesis, Crimson, Zappa, Moodys, etc. They've got tons of double albums with epic length tunes that would scratch any Yes fan's itch...

[@aeropilot4419]

P Jet also toured with Steve Hackett a couple of years ago ... amazing player ! 🙂✨

[@andyharman3022]

Must've been about 1973 for me. I was 11, with a 9-year-older brother who was into Yes and All Things Prog. He brought Yessongs home from college and I got hooked on Roundabout and Close To The Edge. I had already heard 21st Century Schizoid Man a few years before, so was a King Crimson fan...

[@papadopp3870]

I had heard Long Distance Runaround, just in the background and it didn’t seem very coherent. One evening in 1972, I walked into my best friend’s house just as the intro to Close to the End was rolling. I may have been under a musically enhancing substance. I stood at the door and listened to side one all the way through. I had suddenly GOTTEN it- all the polyrhythms, the counterpoint, harmony, Jon’s and backing vox and high points for me: the keys and guitars- especially the sweeping steel. The experience was mind expanding… cinematic!

[@papadopp3870]

Great post and a memory stimulator. BTW, I’m assuming your brother’s age was either a typo or he was a savant… in college at 9. I did picture my younger brother, at 9, listening to Tales or Relayer. He did love music, but not prog rock.

[@brianhorner8349]

Great vid for us Yes fans. How can someone watch this and not remember the first time they heard Yes ...or the next time or the next? I was working in a small factory in 1972 when "And You And I" came over the horn speaker that the company used to provide radio to the work room. I remember just stopping what I was doing and stood there dumb-struck with my arms hanging limp at my sides,,, staring up at that stupid speaker with my mouth embarrassingly hanging open. After that ...I was hooked. I raced home after work and bought CTTE then everything else they ever did over the years. Yes inspired me to want to make music. Still my favorite band over 40 years later.

[@aeropilot4419]

Brian Horner The first time I heard YES...? for me, a rainy Saturday at the boys boarding school, a crappy record player and a copy of Fragile ... South Side of the Sky comes to mind

[@greywolferhm]

Hey Sean, just reaching out. I am Richard McKeen (maybe we are somehow related?), I began taking guitar lessons in 1965 when I was 7 years old. Studied classical guitar for 10 years, but got sidetracked by Jimi, and Jimi, and Steve Howe along the way. Yes was the onramp to everything I still love about music. The fact that they are still playing at the level that they are is stunning, and humbling, and inspiring. Regardless, the music of Yes will outlive us all.

[@damiananglada4685]

Best band ever🙌

[@jxjarvi]

Damián Anglada After the Beatles. And I think all of Yes would agree. Very similar attitude.

[@keschgelb]

Wow! I didn't expect Steve Vai in first place.

[@stevencampbell5110]

A little after the Beatles broke up and mourning that travesty is when I first start hearing little snippets from my friends about this band called YES and we had discovered some FM stations that were playing a couple of their songs. It was so different than other bands as they would have different movements through the music with Jon's voice just totally drawing me in. I was already a fan of ELP so I was ripe for the YES sound. The unfortunate thing for me was my parents wouldn't let me have "rock" records, so all my listening had to be done in secret or at friends houses, but I needed more, so I stay sneaking records in to the house. One day I was at the swap meet and my friend and I at the same time saw a copy of YESSONGS and we both grabbed it at the same time and almost got in a fight about it, but he was bigger and older than me so I lost out. Anyway through the years I've been to many of their concerts and have met them, I've even met their artist, Roger Dean. They are my favorite band and I truly love all the incarnations that they've been through and look forward to more of their music, group wise and solo. Happy 50th to YES !!!

[@bauertime]

Been a big Yes since Fragile and then discovered Gentle Giant in 1980.

[@JohnWilliams-zu8wg]

Gentle Giant Free Hand album is legendary.

[@lazycalm41]

When I think of bands like Yes and all the other great Prog bands from the 70's I grew up with I then think of the utter mindless drivel that the youth of today have to listen to and aspire to and they all have my sympathy !

[@neilmacke4039]

Heres to the wonderful Yes! As a bass player I loved Chris Squires bass playing, not only for his consummate skill, but for his crunchy middy sound. It's ironic that a lot of the New Wave and even into the EDM scene in the 90s how people would "Confess" to digging Yes. Big influence then and now! 😊❤️

[@jonbongjovi1869]

even the punk bands all loved YES! And Jimmy Page and Sabbath and the rest ALL looked up to YES! Jimmy's FIRST call after Zep broke up was to.....Bruford! (Then Jimmy asked Squire / White after BB wasn't available. But the chemistry was all wrong.)

[@brubop]

Rick Beato on What Makes this Song Great Ep.36 “What can you say?!”

[@kristos7581]

WOWWWW !!! this video is a great moment for me !! thank you man !!!