Jon Anderson was the original lead vocalist and creative force behind the progressive rock band YES. He was with the band from its inception in 1968 until 1980, when he left due to creative differences and tensions within the group. Anderson would rejoin YES on two separate occasions in the 1980s and 90s, but has not been a member since 2004. His absence from the current incarnation of YES, which contains no original members, has been a point of contention among fans over the years.
Jon Anderson’s Vital Role in Early YES
As a co-founding member, Anderson was instrumental in developing the band’s unique sound and approach during their classic 1970s period. His high-pitched vocals and mystical, poetic lyrics were a signature part of the band. He worked closely with guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman to create epic, complex songs like “Close to The Edge” and “The Gates of Delirium” that pushed progressive rock to new heights and solidified YES among the genre’s most ambitious bands.
Departure in 1980
After struggles with voice issues and band tension during the recording of their album Drama, Jon Anderson left YES in 1980. He was replaced by The Buggles members Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, who brought a more pop-oriented sound to YES on the album Drama. This new direction was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom missed Anderson’s unique vocal style and lyrical themes.
Reunions and Departures in the 1980s-1990s
Despite his initial departure, Anderson remained intertwined with the YES story in the following decades.
Rejoining in 1983
In 1983, Jon Anderson returned to YES alongside original keyboardist Rick Wakeman and guitarist Trevor Rabin for the mega-successful 90125 album. Propelled by the hit single “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” this version of YES adpopted a more streamlined, pop-friendly sound and enjoyed major commercial success. While different from their 70s albums, 90125 introduced YES to a new generation of fans.
Forming Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe
In the late 80s, tensions once again led to Jon Anderson leaving YES. In 1989, he formed the splinter group Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe with former YES members Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford, and Steve Howe. They released the album An Evening of Yes Music Plus in 1989, which led to a merger with YES for the 1991 album Union.
Leaving Again in 1995
Anderson remained with the reunified YES through their 1994 album Talk. But by 1995, he left once again due to renewed conflict over the band’s musical direction. YES replaced him again, this time with Buggles singer Trevor Horn again for the album Open Your Eyes in 1997.
Renewed Commitment and Final Split in 2000s
The early 2000s saw Jon Anderson’s last efforts at keeping his connection to YES intact before his final departure from the band.
Returning for Magnification
In 2001, Jon Anderson rejoined YES again for their first album without a keyboard player, Magnification. His renewed creative energy and vocals were praised by critics. It seemed like he was back for good and excited to write a new chapter with YES.
Leaving Due to Illness in 2008
Sadly, Anderson faced serious health issues in 2008 when he suffered an asthma attack and was diagnosed with respiratory failure. This prevented him from touring, so YES brought in replacement vocalist Benoit David and eventually continued on without Anderson. They argued the tour had to go on, while Jon felt betrayed they would move on so quickly without him.
Attempting the “Union” Approach Again
In 2010, Jon and Rick Wakeman wrote new music together with plans to reunite with YES members and tour together. But negotiations broke down over disagreements about how to organize the reunion. Rather than reaching a compromise, YES opted to continue touring as they were, marking Anderson’s final split from the band he cofounded.
Life After YES
While no longer involved with YES, Jon Anderson has continued writing, recording, and performing as a solo artist since 2004. Some highlights include:
Solo Albums
- Change We Must (2019)
- 1000 Hands (2018)
- Survival & Other Stories (2011)
Collaborations
- Anderson Ponty Band with Jean-Luc Ponty (2015)
- Anderson Wakeman Project with Rick Wakeman (2010)
He has toured regularly with both full bands and more intimate solo shows. His albums and live shows focus mainly on his extensive YES catalog along with new music in similar spiritual, philosophical styles.
Reasons for Jon Anderson’s Absence from YES
Why exactly isn’t the legendary voice of YES still in the band after all these years? A few key factors play into this complex situation:
Creative Differences
Jon Anderson’s vision for YES’ musical direction and live shows didn’t always align with that of guitarist Steve Howe and bassist Chris Squire prior to Squire’s passing in 2015. Anderson has said he feels recent YES music lacks ambition and mystery compared to their classic sound. But the remaining members stand by their 21st century albums and tours.
Business Disputes
There were complicated business disagreements related to the YES brand and how potential reunions would be organized and compensated that hindered reconciliation efforts. There were also touring commitments that made coordination difficult.
Health Issues
The asthma attack Jon suffered in 2008 made rigorous touring impossible for a time, so YES opted to continue with a new singer rather than wait for Anderson’s recovery, causing major tension.
Lack of Compromise
Both sides share responsibility for the impasse. Anderson has said he can be “stubborn” while YES seemed impatient regarding his health issues. More compromise and understanding may have found a middle ground.
What Fans Think
Opinions vary among YES fans about the band moving on without Jon Anderson these past 15+ years:
They Should Have Waited for Anderson
Many feel YES betrayed Jon by hastily replacing him in 2008 when he got sick and that all reunification efforts should have been made to restore Anderson to his rightful place. His spiritual lyrics and distinctive voice ARE YES, and it’s just not the same without him.
The Band Had to Go On
Others argue that YES made reasonable choices to keep touring and recording. Given Anderson’s recurring departures decades earlier with the band surviving, they justified moving on amidst the uncertainty over his health issues at the time. Fans still get to hear the classic songs live.
It’s Complicated
Some adopt a middle view understanding both sides’ perspectives and frustrations over the years. Jon and the band allowed tensions to fester rather than communicating openly. It’s sad, but the complex history makes this a difficult situation with blame on both sides.
Could Jon Anderson Ever Rejoin YES?
Is there hope of a reconciliation that could see Jon Anderson back with YES? Possibly, but it seems unlikely at this point for a few reasons:
Steve Howe’s Resistance
As the last original member, Steve Howe holds the power over personnel decisions. He has been reluctant to seriously consider a reunion with Anderson.
Rigors of Touring
At age 75, can Jon Anderson handle the demands of full-time touring and recording? His health issues make it uncertain.
Proud Identities
Both Jon Anderson and the current YES members have established successful identities independent of one another now. They may prefer to focus energies on separate projects rather than deal with past baggage.
The Future of YES Without Anderson
Unless a dramatic reconciliation happens, YES appears poised to continue indefinitely without Anderson:
Continued Touring
They continue touring regularly featuring their 70s classics along with some later material. As long as there is fan demand, the touring likely continues with Howe and White at the core.
More New Music Possible
YES released the album Heaven & Earth in 2014. Another album of new material could happen, though likely not soon.
Personnel Rotations Likely
To maintain the touring, YES will probably experience ongoing rotation of musicians around Howe and White, since replacing Anderson opened the door to less static membership.
Jon Anderson’s Legacy in YES
Regardless of the current situation, Jon Anderson’s irreplaceable contributions to YES’ history and classic albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One cannot be denied. He was the defining voice of the band at their pinnacle and his cofounding role along with bassist Chris Squire will always be integral to the YES story and sound.
Influential Vocals
Anderson set a new bar for lead vocals in prog rock with his ethereal, uplifting, unique voice.
Spiritual Lyrics
Lyrics with mysticism, fantasy, philosophy, and positivity defined the Yes sound thematically.
Musical Boundary Pushing
The long-form epics, complex textures, and technically demanding arrangements with musicians like Howe, Squire, Wakeman and Bruford reached new progressive heights.
Live Show Visuals
Visually captivating shows with unique staging and effects were key to their success.
Conclusion
Jon Anderson’s split from YES after 35 years of integral influence was an unfortunate, messy ending to one of most celebrated partnerships in rock history. Yet Anderson’s profound impact on YES’ legacy remains undisputed. For diehard fans, his continuing work and the band’s perseverance offers some consolation, though hopes for one last reunion tour featuring Anderson still lingers for many. Ultimately, the brilliant music created together in YES’ peak era is what lasts. In those transcendent songs and performances, Jon Anderson’s spirit lives on eternally.