Yes Producer Responsible for Jon Anderson’s 1979 Disasters
After the tumultuous experience of trying to record their ninth album, founding frontman Jon Anderson made the difficult decision to leave Yes for the first time. This marked a significant turning point, as he had originally founded the band alongside bassist Chris Squire back in 1968, leading to a decade filled with groundbreaking progress in the prog-rock genre. Following this pivotal moment, Anderson began collaborating with renowned producer Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with legendary bands such as Queen and Journey.
Anderson reflects on this period, stating, “We were trying to make an album in Paris with a producer who had hit records galore.” However, he admits that Baker’s influence proved to be more detrimental than beneficial, saying, “He was worse than anybody else for wanting to be a party rock n’ roll star. He ruined the whole thing.” This experience highlights the challenges artists often face when navigating creative processes with a producer.
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Nevertheless, the struggles faced by Yes extended beyond the producer’s influence. A significant setback occurred when drummer Alan White suffered a serious injury. The excessive hedonism typical of the era also contributed to the band’s difficulties. Compounding these issues was an ongoing debate about the band’s musical direction, which created internal tensions. Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman were advocating for lighter, theatrical music, while Squire and the other members leaned towards a heavier sound.
Anderson recalls, “Alan, who was there with his girlfriend, he went roller-skating and broke his ankle.” This injury came at a time when Yes was struggling to unify their vision. The discord within the band was palpable: “It was as though this big collision was waiting to happen,” Anderson noted, indicating that the tension had been building over time. In the end, the members collectively decided to part ways, saying, “Okay, I’m going home,” which led to a temporary disbandment.
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Jon Anderson Reflects on Achieving the ‘Yes’ Vision He Always Desired
Looking back, Anderson believes that Yes was simply in need of a break. “It’s impossible to change people when they’re partying and the music’s the last thing they’re thinking about,” he explained. He felt that after a decade with Yes, an explosion of sorts was necessary—a moment for each member to pursue their individual paths: “I’m going this way; you’re going that way.”
After his departure, Anderson rejoined Yes for two additional stints, leading the group from 1983 to 1988 and again from 1990 to 2004. During this time, he also formed two spin-off bands: Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1988-1990) and Yes Featuring Anderson Rabin Wakeman (2016-2019), showcasing his versatility and passion for music.
In the years since, Anderson has shifted his focus towards solo projects, while Yes has continued its legacy with Jon Davidson taking over vocal duties. His most recent solo album, True, was released in August, marking another milestone in his creative journey.
When asked about his feelings regarding being replaced in Yes, Anderson responded candidly: “No, because I’ve got my new band together now,” emphasizing his satisfaction with his current direction. “I’ve got the Yes that I wanted,” he added, reflecting his commitment to realizing his artistic vision.
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
