Yes

Yes were one of the defining bands of British progressive rock, transforming rock, classical influences, psychedelia and technical virtuosity into a spectacular and visionary musical language. This illustrated profile explores their music, aesthetics and cultural impact within The Great Rock and Roll History, a large-scale illustrated timeline of modern music.

Color illustration depicting the rock band Yes from the drawing "The Great Rock and Roll History"

Rock Icons: Yes

British progressive rock band built around virtuosity, cosmic harmonies and monumental sonic architecture.

By combining symphonic rock, vocal harmonies, jazz improvisation and classical influences, Yes helped define progressive rock during the 1970s.

Founded: London, England — 1968
Status: Active

Classic Core: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford, Alan White
Genres: progressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock

ARTIST OFFICIAL SITE: yesworld.com

LISTEN

Roundabout

Close To The Edge

Starship Trooper

Owner Of A Lonely Heart

Heart Of The Sunrise

Progressive rock transformed into a sonic cathedral

Yes pushed progressive rock toward an almost architectural dimension. Their compositions functioned less like ordinary songs and more like complex structures built around shifting rhythms, layered harmonies and instrumental transitions. Unlike darker or heavier progressive bands, Yes developed an identity that often sounded luminous and spiritual. Jon Anderson’s ethereal voice, Chris Squire’s melodic bass playing and Steve Howe’s extraordinary guitar work created an instantly recognizable sound. Albums such as Fragile and Close To The Edge became absolute landmarks of progressive rock.

Albums such as Close To The Edge and Fragile remain defining landmarks of symphonic progressive rock.

Their music occupies a central position within the visual narrative of  The Great Rock and Roll History.

Influenced by

Influent For

  • Dream Theater
  • Marillion
  • Porcupine Tree
  • Rush
  • Neo-progressive rock

Table of Contents:

Jon Anderson: the singer who sounded like a cosmic mystic
Chris Squire and the bass that dominated everything
Rick Wakeman and the wizard capes
Close To The Edge: twenty minutes of impossible balance
Bill Bruford leaves at the worst possible moment
Roger Dean and the visual universe of Yes
Owner Of A Lonely Heart and survival in the 1980s
Endless internal wars
Steve Howe: the impossible guitarist to categorize
Yes as the symbol of monumental progressive rock
Original black and white ink drawing depicting the rock band Yes from the drawing "The Great Rock and Roll History"
Poster depicting the rock band Yes, colored and based on the original drawing "The Great Rock and Roll History"

There are currently no prints available for this artist. If you would still like a copy, I can arrange a print upon request at the Fine Art lab where I usually make prints. The cost for a single piece (50×50 cm) is €50 plus shipping. If you are interested, please contact me by email so I can provide you with the final price including shipping.

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SOURCES

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Prog Archives

Within the broader history of progressive rock, Yes represent one of the most influential and visionary bands of British progressive music. Their work permanently reshaped the relationship between rock music, classical influences and technical experimentation.

Rock Icons
Rock History
The Making of
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