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Home , Alan Price, Alan White (Yes drummer), Big Generator, Billy Sherwood, Bill Bruford, Chris Squire

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It's easy to perceive the story of Yes in bare facts. They were formed in 1968, and recently celebrated (in 2018) a remarkable 50th anniversary, with their acclaimed and hugely successful #YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of YES tour. There have been 19 full-time members of the during this period. They have sold more than 30 million records worldwide. They have won a Grammy and received a further five nominations. They have released 21 studio , having two number one records in the UK and seven Top 10 successes in the US. And in 2017 they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Now, all of this is true. But it doesn't even begin to explain how Yes have become one of the most influential and vital bands of the past five decades, one that altered the parameters of music, and in the process invented, then reinvented .

It all began in June 1968, with the first line-up of vocalist , guitarist , , keyboard player and drummer . They made their live debut on August 4 the same year at a youth camp in Essex. And their potential was amply highlighted when offered the chance to support Cream at their farewell concert at the on November 26, '68.

The band signed to , releasing their self-titled first during August 1969. This immediately showcased 's musical credibility and virtuosity. This failed to chart, but second album 'Time And A Word', released in July 1970, reached number 45 in the UK. However, Banks left the band soon after this was recorded, being replaced by Tomorrow's . And 'The Yes Album', with Howe, issued in February '71, was a big breakthrough, making it to number four in Britain and number 40 in the States.

Kaye was subsequently replaced by , and the band entered a bright era of creativity and acclaim. The albums 'Fragile' (November, 1971), ' To The Edge' (September, 1972) and 'Tales From Topographic Oceans (December, 1973) were all artistically bold and visionary, in the process augmenting their growing commercial reputation. The last named not only was the band's first chart topper in the UK, but also introduced new drummer to fans; he replaced Bruford in time for the '' tour. And talking of this album, it reached number three in America, the band's highest chart position over there.

Wakeman left after the '...Topographic Oceans' tour, with coming in during August '74. The '' album came out in November the same year, introducing the new line-up and a more -fusion musical direction. The band took a brief break after this, with members recording solo records, before they reconvened for 'Going For The One'. This saw the return of Wakeman, and when released in July '77, it became their second number one album in the UK. The final Yes album of the decade was '', which came out in September '78, again accentuating as had its predecessor, a move towards shorter songs.

Anderson and Wakeman left as the band worked on a new album, with the surprise choice of Buggles pair and , who now had the same management as Yes, coming in for 'Drama' (August '80). The arrival of the new duo not only gave Yes a musical boost, but proved their commercial appeal was undimmed.

However, the band was to go through a massive upheaval soon afterwards, as Howe, Horn and Downes all left. Undaunted, Squire and White carried on with a renewed sense of purpose. Joined by guitarist , plus the returning Anderson and Kaye, Yes completely revamped their sound and style, making themselves a contemporary phenomenon with '90125'' (November '83). The single '' was a number one success in America. And 'Cinema' from the album got the band a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

'' (September '87) continued the momentum acquired on '90125', as Yes showed a deftness of melodic touch, allied to the expected deep thinking musicality. What happened next, though, was something of a surprise. Anderson left again at the end of 1988, teaming up with Bruford, Wakeman and Howe in ABWH. And in April 1991, these four joined forces with the remaining Yes quartet to release the 'Union' album, which proved a very successful foray, with the subsequent tour seeing all eight members performing on a revolving stage.

Anderson was back in the fold for 'Talk', released in March 1994. This featured the single 'Walls', co-written with , which reached number 24 in the States. The tour saw joining on additional /keyboards. But by the end of 1995, both Rabin and Kaye and departed.

In October '96, Yes released 'Keys To Ascension', featuring a combination of live and studio recordings with Wakeman and Howe on board. Sherwood became a full-time member, replacing Wakeman for 'Open Your Eyes', released in November 1996. But, by the time Yes put out 'The Ladder' in September 1999, the versatile Sherwood had moved to second guitar, with Russian keyboard player Igor Khoroshev being hired. However, 'Magnification' (September 2001) was recorded without both Sherwood and Khoroshev, but with a 60-piece orchestra.

Back came Wakeman for the 35th anniversary tour. And just to prove the band's universal appeal, in March 2003 minor planet (7707) Yes was named in their honour. Not many can claim such an accolade. As for Yes, themselves, they went on hiatus in September 2004, returning with Benoit David on vocals five years later. And Downes was back in the fold for '' (June 2011).

Jon Davison was recruited in February '12 to replace David; he was a crucial part of the 'Three Album Tour' from 2013-14, as they performed 'The Yes Album', 'Close To The Edge' and 'Going For The One' in full. Davison made his studio bow with 'Heaven & Earth', released in July 2014. However, in May 2015, Squire was diagnosed with acute erythroid leukaemia, and died on June 27. He wanted the band's legacy to continue, though, and personally chose Sherwood as his successor. And in April 2017, the band were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, a very long overdue recognition of their impact and longevity.

Coming off their #YES50: Celebrating 50 Years of YES tour in 2018, the band is headlining their “The Royal Affair Tour” in in 2019. This must-see best-of-British-rock show also features Asia with the return of founding member Steve Howe in a special performance, of , and ’s ELP Legacy with guest vocals by Arthur Brown. For Yes, it's been an amazing journey so far, and one thankfully set to carry on with vigour and passion for some while yet.

STEVE HOWE One of the greatest guitarists in rock history, Howe has not only been an invaluable member of Yes, but has also contributed to the success of Asia and GTR, as well as recording acclaimed solo albums. He has also worked with such artists as , Queen, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Fish.

JON DAVISON An American vocalist, not only has Davison become an inspired frontman for the band, but was also a member of Yes tribute band Roundabout, and for five years from 2009, he was the singer with US progressive band . Davison has also played bass with band since 1993.

ALAN WHITE A drummer who's been highly regarded since the '60s, White played with and , before joining The in 1969, at the personal request of . Subsequently, he worked with another Beatle in , as well as and , prior to joining Yes.

GEOFF DOWNES Downes has found considerable success as a core member of Asia. He's also released numerous solo albums, and as a producer has been involved with , GTR and Thompson Twins, and wrote a song for Agnetha Falktskog of ABBA. He also recorded albums with long-time friend .

BILLY SHERWOOD Nobody has filled more roles with Yes than Sherwood. As a mixing engineer, keyboard player, guitarist, vocalist and now bassist. He was also part of US prog band World Trade, has guested with Toto and and taken on the role of producer/engineer with Motörhead, and Paul Rogers.

Written by Malcolm Dome.

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