On this day, October 25th, 2024, we gather around a cosmic campfire to celebrate the marvelous and mystical journey of Jon Anderson, the voice of Yes, the bard of boundless imaginations, as he turns 80. This is not merely a birthday but a grand celestial nod to a man who has gifted us worlds upon worlds of sound—an eternal traveler whose voice has always been our guide through galaxies of the unknown and the fantastical.

Yes's fourth album, Fragile, first reached the American Top 10 in February 1972. Reaching platinum in the U.K. and double platinum in the U.S., the record launched the group to new heights with hits like "Roundabout" and its beloved B-side, "Long Distance Runaround."

The legendary British prog-rock band YES started 1984 in a fine and busy mood, and they had every reason to celebrate. Thanks to strong radio play and follow-up rotation of video for “Owner of a Lonely Heart" on MTV, early 1984 sales of the album and featured singles came out of the sky and – if you’ll pardon the expression – they stood there. For example, “Owner” had become a #1 hit in the U.S. and ranked highly throughout the world in the early weeks of January.

YES, who are Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen, released their latest studio album MIRROR TO THE SKY in May 2023, and following an acclaimed US tour late last year, the band will return to the UK & Europe for ‘The Classic Tales of YES Tour 2024.’

Near the end of 1982 and into mid-1983, the working trio of Chris Squire, Trevor Rabin and Alan White – in time, the heart of the born-again British progressive rock pioneers YES – were a band with no name and no record contract. And the 90125 album was still over the next rainbow. But at least, with multi-instrumentalist Rabin now on frets and keys, they had a stronger mission plus a cluster of promising songs.

That first impression was a stunner. There were the grunge-y, arena-rock power chords, the cracking drum rolls and the glitzy, sampled horn accents at the ends of those hanging sustains. And then, the sudden appearance of Jon Anderson’s singular, near-angelic, alto tenor.

“Move yourself/You always live your life/Never thinking of the future. . .”, he sang, his voice spiking out of the radio.

What a joy to groove this with Steve Howe and Company in the current adaptation of YES. As alive as ever, and bringing our frequencies in tune this October Fall night starting with a laid-back presentation by Roger Dean of his work as he projected habitats and other worlds on the large screen. I begin to understand Dean taking me as a 13-year-old to another universe of possibilities is just one of many universes Dean travels to enlighten not just space, but how we live. In our homes and in our rooms. Dean was at ease at the mic and walked us through the way he allows his brain to find the images and solutions to space through meditation. It is a parable for the music to come inside the album cover.

Rhino takes a deep dive into Yes’ third studio album with an upcoming boxed set that presents a newly remastered version of The Yes Album expanded with rarities, two previously unreleased concerts, and fresh mixes by Steven Wilson, including an immersive Dolby Atmos Mix.

Following last year’s sold-out U.S. tour, YES—who are Steve Howe (guitars, vocals), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Jon Davison (vocals, acoustic guitar), Billy Sherwood (bass guitar, vocals), and Jay Schellen (drums)—have returned to America with a  career-spanning set list. The “Classic Tales Of Yes” tour launched September 21 in Bethlehem, PA and ends November 4 in Riverside, CA.

Since its inception in the late 1960s, Yes has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music, carving a path into new and uncharted sonic landscapes. Rhino is introducing a new collection that is the first to feature rare single versions of the band’s biggest hits on vinyl.