Episoder
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Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week we welcomed bass maestro Miguel Falcão back onto the YMP, this time to talk about the bass that appears in Barry Plummer’s photo set from Redan Recorders in February 1980. Chris shows off his new instrument to the camera so we have a great insight into his feelings, shortly after he received his customised Electra MPC bass. He seems rather pleased with it, as you can see in the photos I have included, appropriately watermarked, in the show notes for this week.I kick off the conversation by explaining what Yes were doing in Redan Recorders and why Barry Plummer’s visit was fortuitous, at least for those of us interested in the history of the world’s greatest progressive rock band.Miguel then takes us through all the details of the Electra bass, delving deeply into the weeds in the way we enjoy very much on the YMP.
What was special about this bass guitar?
Where and how did Chris use it?
What happened to the instrument in the end?
Please do add any other details you know about this remarkable bass in the comments below.
Chris plays the Electra on 9012Live in 1984
The Rickenbacker takes a back seat
Chris singing, playing and dancing, as always
Chris demonstrates the Electra on the Starlicks video in 1990
A good close-up of the bass
The internal setup with two slots for effects
The Tempus Fugit video
Uncredited, 1980 - Forgotten Yesterdays
Paul Stradley Saturday, October 18, 1980 Hampton, Virginia Hampton Coliseum - Forgotten Yesterdays
Paul Rogers Friday, July 22, 1994 Los Angeles, California Greek Theatre
Brian King Wednesday, December 1, 1999 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Forgotten Yesterdays
John Kuehne Sunday, May 2, 2004 Tampa, Florida - Forgotten Yesterdays
Eduardo Paulo Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada - Forgotten Yesterdays
https://youtu.be/m4VwF-dpMlA?si=m8V6mFpNA6KgfnQB
https://youtu.be/MeWn2oYyMFQ?si=9F2WNE_P3TSKOKwV
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanSteve LuziettiLindAl Dell'AngeloTerence SadlerLobate ScarpBarry GorskyJohn ThomsonMark BaggsBill WhittakerSteve PerryMark James LangBob MartilottaThomas DeVriesMark SlaterBrian HarrisJohn ViolaMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanSteve RodeMichael HanderhanChris BandiniTim StannardMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesSteve ScottMiguel FalcãoDave OwenChip PalmerPaul HailesDavidGuy DeRomePaul TomeiDavid HeydenSteve MossRachel HadawayDavid PannellGeoffrey MasonRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonHenrik AntonssonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueHogne Bø PettersenRonnie NeeleyDemSteven RoehrScott ColomboDoug CurranTodd DudleySimon BarrowFergus CubbageJohn HoldenStephen LambeFred BarringerDouglas CaldwellSteve DillGary BettsJohn CowanJamie McQuinnGeoff BailieRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, Mark and I had a very interesting chat about collecting Yes music - different pressings, different versions, different formats. I had come up with several categories of Yes collectors and here they are:
Musical completist
Artist/Band Supporter
Band historian
Audiophile
History fanatic
Tactile fanatic
Emotional collector
So which category do you think you fit into - or perhaps you consider yourself in several, all or none. Please do let us know in the show notes for this week.
This topic came up because I have just received several new (to me) Yes and Yes-related items. Here are some photos:
Kevin's newest purchases:
I explain what these are and why I fancied adding them to my collection in the episode and Mark talks about these samplers he has in his collection:
Mark's Samplers:
Other rather nice Yes things we talk about:
https://www.discogs.com/release/26366471-Yes-Lift-Me-Up
https://www.discogs.com/release/2409832-Yes-Lift-Me-Up
https://www.discogs.com/release/22226941-Yes-Live-in-Heerhugowaard
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanSteve LuziettiLindAl Dell'AngeloTerence SadlerLobate ScarpBarry GorskyJohn ThomsonMark BaggsBill WhittakerSteve PerryMark James LangBob MartilottaThomas DeVriesMark SlaterBrian HarrisJohn ViolaMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanSteve RodeMichael HanderhanChris BandiniTim StannardMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesSteve ScottMiguel FalcãoDave OwenChip PalmerPaul HailesDavidGuy DeRomePaul TomeiDavid HeydenSteve MossRachel HadawayDavid PannellGeoffrey MasonRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonHenrik AntonssonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueHogne Bø PettersenRonnie NeeleyDemSteven RoehrScott ColomboDoug CurranTodd DudleySimon BarrowFergus CubbageJohn HoldenStephen LambeFred BarringerDouglas CaldwellSteve DillGary BettsJohn CowanJamie McQuinnGeoff BailieRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Mangler du episoder?
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Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
I have been away on holiday this week but Mark and I managed to pre-record this episode all about Yes Rapture - although we may stray into a 'rupture' moment as well...
We each chose 3 moments that take us to a different dimension. There are many of these in Yes music, of course, but see if you can guess what we have chosen - I was certainly very surprised by more than one of Mark's choices!
Of course, we would be delighted to hear your choices for Yes Rapture moments - or even your rupture moments! - so please do add them to the show notes for this week's episode.
What did we choose?
How would you define a 'rapture' moment?
What on earth is Mark's 'rupture'?
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanSteve LuziettiLindAl Dell'AngeloTerence SadlerLobate ScarpBarry GorskyJohn ThomsonMark BaggsBill WhittakerSteve PerryMark James LangBob MartilottaThomas DeVriesMark SlaterBrian HarrisJohn ViolaMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanSteve RodeMichael HanderhanChris BandiniTim StannardMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesSteve ScottMiguel FalcãoDave OwenChip PalmerPaul HailesDavidGuy DeRomePaul TomeiDavid HeydenSteve MossRachel HadawayDavid PannellGeoffrey MasonRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonHenrik AntonssonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueHogne Bø PettersenRonnie NeeleyDemSteven RoehrScott ColomboDoug CurranTodd DudleySimon BarrowFergus CubbageJohn HoldenStephen LambeFred BarringerDouglas CaldwellSteve DillGary BettsJohn CowanJamie McQuinnGeoff BailieRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
What songs spring to mind when you think about Yes Positivity? Possibly the most positive band in history, there are plenty of obvious examples of songs but which would you choose? Mark and I had a great time choosing three songs each that encapsulate that essential Yes trait.
The current band looking very positive!
You might be surprised that our choices came from all sorts of eras of the band. Perhaps this means the basis of the band has been maintained throughout the decades.
Please do add your own choices to the comments here - and let us know why the songs you choose are imbued with such positivity for you.
Are our choices obvious or a bit more unexpected?
What is it about these songs that makes them come over as positive?
How do these songs make you feel?
https://youtu.be/6zrkMJlR98M?si=cz02BgVt_PspxCxs
https://youtu.be/0h6aJMsE32Y?si=Gr6In1AHSO98HdTI
https://youtu.be/XTZnqdAxn0w?si=5kKT-sNSpiS8HBK-
https://youtu.be/OZ5av777ANk?si=Lx5TVrcko4OKYB33
https://youtu.be/ndNueigEsUY?si=4FqSBDEdxrkuSASK
https://youtu.be/wDrXRufb8sE?si=YDz5bXIcKe6xKGl6
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanSteve LuziettiLindAl Dell'AngeloTerence SadlerLobate ScarpBarry GorskyJohn ThomsonMark BaggsBill WhittakerSteve PerryMark James LangBob MartilottaThomas DeVriesMark SlaterBrian HarrisJohn ViolaMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanSteve RodeMichael HanderhanChris BandiniTim StannardMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesSteve ScottMiguel FalcãoDave OwenChip PalmerPaul HailesDavidGuy DeRomePaul TomeiDavid HeydenSteve MossRachel HadawayDavid PannellGeoffrey MasonRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonHenrik AntonssonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueHogne Bø PettersenRonnie NeeleyDemSteven RoehrScott ColomboDoug CurranTodd DudleySimon BarrowFergus CubbageJohn HoldenStephen LambeFred BarringerDouglas CaldwellSteve DillGary BettsJohn CowanJamie McQuinnGeoff BailieRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, I was delighted to be able to speak to Yes' lead singer, Jon Davison, in detail about the new Yes album, Aurora. I learned many fascinating things about the record and how it was put together. Unfortunately, Mark was unable to join me for the interview but, as you will hear, we had a great conversation in response to Jon's answers to my questions.
Thank you to Jon for being so open and friendly and for answering my questions in great detail and to Sharon for allowing us to hear the new album early.
How did this album come together?
Is it the same as Mirror to the Sky?
How much of it will we hear live?
https://youtu.be/ETEGJTM6plw
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanSteve LuziettiLindAl Dell'AngeloTerence SadlerLobate ScarpBarry GorskyJohn ThomsonMark BaggsBill WhittakerSteve PerryMark James LangBob MartilottaThomas DeVriesMark SlaterBrian HarrisJohn ViolaMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanSteve RodeMichael HanderhanChris BandiniTim StannardMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesSteve ScottMiguel FalcãoDave OwenChip PalmerPaul HailesDavidGuy DeRomePaul TomeiDavid HeydenSteve MossRachel HadawayDavid PannellGeoffrey MasonRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonHenrik AntonssonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueHogne Bø PettersenRonnie NeeleyDemSteven RoehrScott ColomboDoug CurranTodd DudleySimon BarrowFergus CubbageJohn HoldenStephen LambeFred BarringerDouglas CaldwellSteve DillGary BettsJohn CowanJamie McQuinnGeoff BailieRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, we start a new series of episodes in preparation for the forthcoming book Master of Images - Barry Plummer’s Yes Legacy. One of the most intriguing sets of photos shared with me by Barry shows some kind of an event in 1981 with Rick Wakeman, shortly after he left Yes. I’ve added a couple of the shots (heavily watermarked) into the show notes for this week’s episode but the whole set will be available in what is shaping up to be a very interesting book.
Mark and I discuss the photos as well as the associated album. Let us know what you think of it via the comments on Yes Music Podcast.com
What is Rick doing underground?
Who is with him?
Most importantly - why?
Barry Plummer's photos:
Mark's copies of the album:
https://youtu.be/buGo4dm5xGI?si=AzftleRzOOBnHdZF
https://youtu.be/y9fbbMkYF8k?si=KuQC6wpmKu2SL0SN
Mark Lang's photos from Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks at The Lansdowne Theatre
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas CaldwellSteve MossRay Riethmeier
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week we spoke to Paul K Joyce who has contributed orchestrations to the new Yes album, Aurora. This is the third Yes album he has been involved with after helping the band create the wonderful aural landscapes of The Quest and Mirror to the Sky. He tells us about how the decisions came about, how many of the songs on Aurora feature orchestra and how the Czech National Symphony Orchestra went about recording the tracks, with him in the recording booth. As always, it was a fascinating conversation with someone who is both intimately connected with the newest Yes music and is also a huge Yes fan himself.
There is also time for Mark to give us some great feedback on the Record Store Day release of Tales From Topographic Tours.
How many songs on the forthcoming album have orchestral augmentation?
Who made the decisions on what to put where?
What was it like working with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra?
https://youtu.be/ETEGJTM6plw?si=5W21K63dk8qY2qTU
Paul at home recording demos of his new songs
The Czech National Symphony Orchestra recording Paul's orchestrations for Aurora
Paul featured at the 2026 Composers' Summit
https://youtu.be/RVkVcrxFCUE?si=v2Wg6ACVRvKS7Bas
Paul's website - https://www.pkjmusic.com
Record Store Day 2026
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas CaldwellSteve Moss
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey CreceliusKevin is back! He and Mark bang on at length about the recent Oliver Wakeman concert with his band at Worcester, the remastered and expanded From A Page album and the first single from the new Yes album, Aurora.My thanks to everyone who has wished me well, including Brian Breen, Chris Berry and Gary Betts and his wife and most importantly Mark, who has kept the wheels turning at YMP Towers brilliantly.There are also some thoughts from Daniel and Amanda about the new From A Page, especially the inclusion of the song, Aliens and do check out the show notes for a video of our own Geoff Bailie discussing the new Yes single with his Prog Report compatriots.How was the Oliver Wakeman band?What's new about the expanded From A Page?What do we think of the new Yes single?The back entrance to the venueFront entranceMerchandise stall being set upThe view from the soundboardOliver's keyboard rigDrums ready to rockOliver sighted before the showOliver in preparation modeHayley GriffithsOliver entertaining with storiesA raconteur - chip off the old blockThe set listl-r Scott Higham, Dan Nelson, Oliver Day, Hayley Griffiths, Oliver Wakeman and Arthur WakemanOliver signing items for fanshttps://youtu.be/AlUnYB3u7Nw?si=mpDtpFLwt68hcHgqYES announce 24th studio album ‘Aurora’;launch video for title track 10th April 2026: YES, who is Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen, are proud to announce their 24th studio album ‘Aurora’ will be released on the 12th June 2026 via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music. As Howe explains: “Making this record was joyful, a chance to play, explore and give everything to the music. It's always been about collaboration, somebody can write a song, but until everybody puts their contribution in it isn't really a Yes song. We’re not trying to echo the past; we’re carrying the spirit of Yes forward and turning it into something new”.The band are also launching the first single from the album, and you can watch the beautiful animated video for the title track, created by Matt Hutchings (Greg Lake, Oasis, Iron Maiden), here: https://youtu.be/ETEGJTM6plw‘Aurora’ will be available as a Limited Deluxe 180g Light Green 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook & Poster, as well as a Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, both featuring the stunning artwork of Roger Dean and Freya Dean, as well as a bonus disc of instrumentals, and a blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit stereo mixes (by Curtis Schwartz). The album is also available as a Gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet, Special Edition CD Digipak & as Digital Album. Pre-order now here: https://yes-band.lnk.to/AuroraThe track listing is as follows:1. Aurora 07:272. Turnaround Situation 05:503. Love Lies Dreaming 06:244. Countermovement 13:485. Ariadne 06:186. All Hands on Deck 03:047. Outside the Box 04:208. Emotional Intelligence 03:309. Jambustin’ (Bonus Track) 04:2410. Watching the River Roll (Bonus Track) 04:42When Yes first began sketching out ideas for what would become ‘Aurora’, the process was loose and exploratory. There was no preconceived concept at the start, just a collection of musical fragments that gradually began to find one another and take form. Among these early sketches was a piece titled “Aurora,” and it quickly became clear that the name carried certain gravity. It suggested light, emergence, and a sense of vastness, qualities that resonated deeply with the band. Jon Davison remembers how “the title immediately resonated with Steve Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project.”Work on ‘Aurora’ began almost as soon as the ‘Classic Tales of Yes’ tour ended in 2024. The idea of a new album surfaced quickly and with the label’s encouragement, the band had the time to develop material organically. Rather than gathering in a single studio for months, they embraced a modern workflow; ideas were born in home studios, shaped independently, and then woven together through constant collaboration. Downes and Howe often acted as the central creative axis, with Howe, as producer, serving as the point through which all ideas eventually flowed.Across ‘Aurora’, each track carries its own character. Some echo the classic Yes approach, others push into new territory, but together they form a cohesive whole that honours the band’s heritage while embracing forward motion. With their 24th studio album, Yes demonstrate not just longevity, but a sustained curiosity, a desire to keep exploring, keep refining and keep discovering their capacity to create. YES is:Steve HoweGeoff DowneJon DavisonBilly SherwoodJay SchellenYES ONLINE:www.yesworld.com www.facebook.com/yestheband www.x.com/yesofficialwww.youtube.com/user/yesofficial www.instagram.com/yesofficial INSIDEOUTMUSIC ONLINE:www.insideoutmusic.comwww.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTVwww.facebook.com/InsideOutMusicwww.instagram.com/insideoutmusic/https://insideoutmusic.bandcamp.comhttps://youtu.be/ETEGJTM6plw?si=5W21K63dk8qY2qTUBarry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!ORDER HEREApply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer. Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images! (A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)ORDER HEREYes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening GuideAvailable now! YesMusicBooks.comYMP Patrons:Producers:Joseph CottrellWayne HallKen FullerJeffrey CreceliusPatrons:Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas CaldwellBecome a Patron!
-
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Mark shares news about the forthcoming Yes album, Aurora, and runs down his own top 5 Yes live albums. Tune in and compare your own favourites!
https://youtu.be/LYVdVxTVTkU?si=7jzLtIJd-epxFoGB
YES-Topographic Drama
Magnification Live on CD
9012Live on CD
Christmas @yesofficial haul part 3 Union Live #prog #progrock #yestheband
I wonder if Progeny will be as good as this fantastic collection of @yesofficial live rarities... #progrock #prog
CD set purchased 2014
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Another stellar (how topical) episode from Mark in Kevin's absence! This week, he covers a wide variety of topics including the weather(!), his own latest Projekt Gemineye release, Jon Davison and the new Yes album and the main topic - the record pressings you must have if you count yourself as a fanatical Yes collector!
https://projektgemineye.bandcamp.com/album/the-dark-days-of-yesterday
Mark recorded this episode shortly before the news broke that the Yes Fragile Tour has had to be postponed due to Steve Howe requiring an operation. Get well soon, Steve!
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Continuing his sterling work in Kevin's absense, Mark considers his picks for the Top 5 Yes albums since 1980. I wonder how his list will compare with yours. Let us know in the comments, as always.
What post-1980 album comes out top for Mark?
How does his top 5 compare with yours?
Do any of his picks seem odd to you?
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Mark considers the new version of Yes Symphonic Live, from the amazing combination of Anderson, White, Squire, Howe, Brislin and orchestra.
Is the new version significantly different to the original?
What are the added ingredients?
Is it worth the purchase price?
Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Mark continues his solo episodes in Kevin's absence. This week, he thinks about his memories associated with three Yes albums.
There's also time to reflect on the recent announcement of the deluxe and expanded version of the Oliver Wakeman-led Yes album, From a Page.
Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
Apply £11.00 off with the promo code wh4y4pk3
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
YES - FRAGILE UK TOUR 2026
YES Receive Stunning Reviews from USA leg of their FRAGILE tour, which they bring to the UK in April and May 2026.
The ‘Fragile’ UK Tour Dates 2026
Wed 22nd April Glasgow Royal Concert Hall glasgowlife.org.uk
Fri 24th April Sheffield City Hall sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Sat 25th April Liverpool Philharmonic Hall liverpoolphil.co.uk
Mon 27th April Birmingham Symphony Hall bmusic.co.uk
Tue 28th April Bournemouth Pavilion bournemouthpavillion.co.uk
Thur 30th April Bristol Beacon bristolbeacon.org
Fri 1st May Manchester Bridgewater Hall bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Sun 3rd May London Palladium lwtheatres.co.uk
Mon 4th May London Palladium lwtheatres.co.uk
Tickets (subject to booking fees) go on general sale on Friday 19th September at 10am from BookingsDirect.com
About YES
Steve Howe: guitars, backing vocals (1970 –1981, 1990–1992, 1995–present)
Geoff Downes: keyboards (1980–1981, 2011–present)
Jon Davison: lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2012–present)
Billy Sherwood: guitar, backing vocals ((1994, 1997–2000), bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
Jay Schellen: drums and percussion (2016-present)
Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late Chris Squire with guitarist Steve Howe joining in 1971 for ‘The Yes Album’, YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history. Their 1970s albums ‘The Yes Album’, ‘Fragile’, ‘Close To The Edge’, ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’, ‘Relayer’ and ‘Going For The One’ were ground-breaking in musical style and content.
With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.
YES released their 23rd studio album in 2023, ‘Mirror To The Sky’, produced by Steve Howe and the first to feature current drummer Jay Schellen. A new album is in the works with a proposed release in 2026.
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week we were delighted to welcome Yes drummer Jay Schellen back on the YMP. Just like last time, we had a lovely conversation and Jay shared his thoughts about the forthcoming UK and European Fragile Tour as well as the new Yes album that is now being prepared for release in July (hopefully). It’s clear from our interview that Jay is totally committed to the future development of the band and believes that the new album will be warmly received. We look forward to that, of course.
What unexpected item does Jay take with him on tour?
How does his kit differ from Alan White’s
Has Jay been more involved in the writing of the forthcoming album than his previous Yes records?
Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Drama and Fragile Live - last time!
YES - FRAGILE UK TOUR 2026
YES Receive Stunning Reviews from USA leg of their FRAGILE tour, which they bring to the UK in April and May 2026.
“Yes, quite possibly the most important Prog Rock originators and granddaddies of the genre, delivered deep cuts and their groundbreaking classic album, “Fragile,” in its glorious, delightfully indulgent, layered, and ambitious grandiosity tonight.” Sonic Nation, 11/10/25
“Prog-rock stalwarts Yes took the stage...bringing new energy to their classic sound.”
--Danielle Modica, NYS Music, 10/9/25
“Truly prog rock at its finest, if I do say so myself. They’ve still got the groove, the intensity, and the mythicality that established them as such a unique act over 50 years ago.”
Rock DNA Magazine - 5 stars – 5/10/25
Progressive Rock legends, YES, recently returned from the USA where they performed 31 shows on their Fragile Tour across the country. They hit the road in the UK once more for a 9-date trek across the country starting on 22nd April at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and ending with a two-night run at the prestigious Palladium in London on 3rd and 4th May.
The tour will see YES performing their 1971 classic album, ‘Fragile’, in its entirety, including such timeless songs as ‘Heart of the Sunrise’, ‘South Side of the Sky’ and the much loved ‘Roundabout’ as well as a selection of songs from right across their illustrious catalogue from their legendary 70`s releases right up to their current album, ‘Mirror To the Sky.’
‘Fragile’ was the fourth album by YES cracking the Top 10 in the UK in 1971 achieving Platinum status along the way and was the first to feature keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The single, ‘Roundabout’ was a Top 20 hit in the States with the album breaking into the Top 5 on the Billboard chart receiving a Double Platinum certification in the process.
Steve Howe: “After The Yes Album, everything seemed to align. With Eddie Offord co-producing, and each of us contributing solo pieces, Fragile became a bold statement of creativity. It was Bill Bruford’s idea to include individual showcases—it was a bit oddball, but it captured the spirit of the time.”
Each show will feature a gallery of work by esteemed artist, Roger Dean, whose paintings have graced the covers of many of YES albums over the years. ‘Fragile’ was the first YES album to feature Dean`s iconic artwork.
The current line-up of YES features Steve Howe, whose association with Yes began in 1970, along with Geoff Downes, a member of the 1980 ‘Drama’ era line-up. Jon Davison has been lead vocalist in Yes since 2012 while bassist, Billy Sherwood, who was hand-picked by original bassist Chris Squire, has been involved with YES since 1990`s. Jay Schellen, who worked closely with Alan White on drums, completes the line-up.
Steve Howe: “We’re all looking forward to the UK dates and will be presenting an intriguing first set then all of ‘Fragile’, in its entirety then a slight diversion before our usual final encore. See you all then”
The ‘Fragile’ UK Tour Dates 2026
Wed 22nd April Glasgow Royal Concert Hall glasgowlife.org.uk
Fri 24th April Sheffield City Hall sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Sat 25th April Liverpool Philharmonic Hall liverpoolphil.co.uk
Mon 27th April Birmingham Symphony Hall bmusic.co.uk
Tue 28th April Bournemouth Pavilion bournemouthpavillion.co.uk
Thur 30th April Bristol Beacon bristolbeacon.org
Fri 1st May Manchester Bridgewater Hall bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Sun 3rd May London Palladium lwtheatres.co.uk
Mon 4th May London Palladium lwtheatres.co.uk
Tickets (subject to booking fees) go on general sale on Friday 19th September at 10am from BookingsDirect.com
About YES
Steve Howe: guitars, backing vocals (1970 –1981, 1990–1992, 1995–present)
Geoff Downes: keyboards (1980–1981, 2011–present)
Jon Davison: lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2012–present)
Billy Sherwood: guitar, backing vocals ((1994, 1997–2000), bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
Jay Schellen: drums and percussion (2016-present)
Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late Chris Squire with guitarist Steve Howe joining in 1971 for ‘The Yes Album’, YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history. Their 1970s albums ‘The Yes Album’, ‘Fragile’, ‘Close To The Edge’, ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’, ‘Relayer’ and ‘Going For The One’ were ground-breaking in musical style and content.
With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017.
YES released their 23rd studio album in 2023, ‘Mirror To The Sky’, produced by Steve Howe and the first to feature current drummer Jay Schellen. A new album is in the works with a proposed release in 2026.
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, Mark and I had a lot of fun on one of our Yes Guess Who quizzes. Also, as you’ll hear, we veered a little off-topic in both the answer section of the quiz and in a two pence segment that was supposed to be about Yes and Yes-related Record Store Day releases, but we enjoyed a little bit of less serious chat a couple of times there.
In the quiz, we each had five quotations from Yes men to try and fox each other with and, this time, I think they were quite a bit more difficult than the previous two outings of this game. Like last time, there were two points for attributing the quotation correctly and one for guessing the decade in which it was said. (That’s really the least reliable part of the quiz and just there to add a little extra spice, or whatever.) I also had a bonus point available for Mark on one question, so listen out for that.
Who said what?
When did they say it?
Who won the competition?
Do add your own scores to the comments below and tell us what you thought of the questions this time.
Who is featured in the quiz this time?
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, we had a great conversation with Glenn Williams, a rock writer based in Japan who I found via YMP Patron Paul Hailes. We picked Genn’s brains about the music scene in Japan today and over the decades to try and find out what makes the country ‘tick’ and why they seem to receive special treatment from record companies. I have several Yes records and CDs in Japanese import versions, as you probably do and they are always impressive.
We also discussed the conditions for live music in Japan and how different genres are viewed. Glenn shared some great insights.
Glenn (not always clowning about, I understand)
How have music listening trends changed in Japan over the decades?
Why has it always been seen as a great place to record live albums?
How popular is progressive rock nowadays?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
www.writerinjapan.comGuest house:www.mendipstachikawa.com
Japanese items from Doug Curran:
A gift from Mishiru many years ago:
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week, Mark and I continue our mini series about solo songs that could have been Yes songs and this time it’s Jon Anderson’s turn. As we did last week with Steve Howe, we listened to Jon’s first three solo albums - Olias of Sunhillow, Song of Seven and Animation. We chose just one song from each record that we think could have worked on a Yes album and discussed our reasons. It was very interesting, once again, to note the dramatic differences in approach that Jon went through from 1976 to 1982. In some ways, I think Anderson went the opposite direction to Howe, as you’ll hear.
How does Jon Anderson’s solo approach change over the years?
How easy is it to spot songs that could have been on yes albums?
Who collaborated with Jon on these three records?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
https://youtu.be/AzntlOM_SfY?si=PrURqgPUFvxVrjnA
https://youtu.be/Q2MhIq5cpJQ?si=zmkiTDPNr6IfgSxb
https://youtu.be/v5uT9_9CXZw?si=g9p-u9rZnO8-0Sr5
The episode featuring Jeremy North that we mention contains recollections of seeing Jon Anderson and the New Life Band in 1980
From the Discogs page for the 2006 double CD, Jon Anderson With The New Life Band – Live In Sheffield 1980:
Barry De Souza
Christopher Rainbow
Dick Morrissey
Joe Partridge
John Giblin
Lee Davidson
Morris Pert
Ronnie Leahy
https://youtu.be/jqUuk8RiFKY?si=8Y82rSQ-pa4yQGyl
https://youtu.be/r2Gq71X_AZ0?si=tIqJ8WVrYcASRuEg
https://youtu.be/h6E0utor4G0?si=5a-RcYwoGofF-lOl
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
Become a Patron! -
Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
This week Mark and I began a mini series on songs that appear on Yes members' solo albums but could have been re-worked as effective Yes songs. It was interesting to listen to our first subject, Steve Howe's first 3 solo albums, Beginnings, The Steve Howe Album and Turbulence back-to-back. There are plenty of differences to enjoy, plus some singing from Steve.
We compared notes on several songs and also assigned what we called a 'Yesability score' to each song. All will be revealed in our conversation.
Which Howe solo songs did we choose?
Is it easy to tell what could have been Yes songs instead of solo numbers?
How does Steve's music change over the years?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
https://youtu.be/pNtR6mcpFH0?si=jf9bSPzIFwLL1Adn
https://youtu.be/DpDmIHtzelE?si=Onz9N7P2EhOyYzPS
https://youtu.be/qOc1Xwvf-yQ?si=FoPewql756P-Wws0
https://youtu.be/80Tx7gwyzPQ?si=5cdawZagSS18pJev
https://youtu.be/i6gRBPqgIww?si=ON6fum60PySZ9HWf
https://youtu.be/tHSviBTPrw4?si=KCofe5WmR2PrwrBF
https://youtu.be/Pr55HrSJ5lI?si=B0jgWR1PSfzcyDcB
https://youtu.be/-yRR-2oYH4Y?si=-rmgRl2u_lTpp2pe
https://youtu.be/OoWz63StBOo?si=WHE9s_uEy92r0s7s
https://youtu.be/SyBYRlB6VW4?si=vHSS1ScuVL7jIp9K
Barry Plummer 2026 Calendar is still available!
ORDER HERE
YMP Listener discount code - KVKBKC8Z
Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
(A flat shipping fee will be added at checkout depending on your location.)
ORDER HERE
Yes - The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans - Yes Album Listening Guide
Available now!
YesMusicBooks.com
YMP Patrons:
Producers:
Joseph Cottrell
Wayne Hall
Ken Fuller
Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
Aaron SteelmanLindAl Dell'AngeloLobate ScarpBarry GorskyMark BaggsBill WhittakerMark James LangBob MartilottaMark SlaterBrian HarrisMartin KjellbergBrian SullivanMichael HanderhanChris BandiniMichael O'ConnorCraig EstenesMiguel FalcãoDave OwenPaul HailesDavidPaul TomeiDavid HeydenRachel HadawayDavid PannellRobert NasirDavid WatkinsonRobert VandiverDeclan LogueRonnie NeeleyDemScott ColomboDoug CurranSimon BarrowFergus CubbageStephen LambeFred BarringerSteve DillGary BettsSteve LuziettiGeoff BailieSteve PerryGeoffrey MasonSteve RodeGuy DeRomeSteve ScottHenrik AntonssonSteven RoehrHogne Bø PettersenTerence SadlerTodd DudleyThomas DeVriesJohn CowanJohn ThomsonJohn HoldenJohn ViolaJamie McQuinnTim StannardDouglas Caldwell
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