Former Yes drummer Bill Bruford recently shared his candid thoughts on his return to the band for the 1991 album Union. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he described the experience as ?no good,? highlighting the challenges faced during that period. Bruford, who co-founded Yes and was a key member from 1968 to 1972, departed after the release of their iconic album Close to the Edge. This classic album is set for a deluxe reissue next month, reigniting interest in the band’s rich history. After his initial tenure with Yes, he went on to play with renowned bands such as King Crimson and Genesis, and in 1986, he established the innovative jazz group Earthworks.

In the late ’80s, Bruford reunited with some former Yes members to form Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe. This collaboration merged with the current Yes lineup, which included musicians like Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Trevor Rabin, and Alan White, to create the album Union. The ensemble was quite large, prompting Bruford to comment on the overwhelming number of contributors. He remarked, “Too many people. Too artificial,” indicating that the project felt more like a Hollywood concept than a genuine musical endeavor. Despite the chaos, he acknowledged that being well-compensated for minimal effort allowed him to invest in his Earthworks project, which he managed for two decades.

Bruford participated in the subsequent Union tour, where he shared drumming responsibilities with Alan White. When asked about how they divided their parts, Bruford humorously stated, “Pretty badly, I think.” He primarily played electronic drums and percussion, complementing White?s robust rock drumming. Bruford recalled a critic’s clever analogy, stating, “Bill Bruford was Hollandaise sauce to Alan White?s meat and potatoes,” which he felt accurately captured their unique collaboration and contrasting styles.

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Bill Bruford Expresses No Interest in Future Yes Collaborations

After leaving Yes for the second and final time in 1992, Bruford briefly rejoined King Crimson before reforming Earthworks. He officially announced his retirement from drumming in 2009, but he made a return to the stage in 2022 with the Pete Roth Trio, demonstrating his enduring passion for music. However, despite this revival, Bruford has no intention of reuniting with Yes. “I think I?m asked that twice a week, and have been for about 15 years,” he shared, firmly stating, “No, thanks. I?m fine. I?m not going to do that.”

Bruford also expressed skepticism about potential reconciliations between Yes guitarist Steve Howe and former singer Jon Anderson, who is currently performing with the Band Geeks. He noted, “No, I don?t hope for those things at all,” emphasizing that he admires Anderson’s recent creative endeavors. “Funnily enough, Jon and I have something in common. I think we?ve both returned in a way,” he explained. Anderson has embraced a fresh approach with a new album, which Bruford finds commendable, reflecting his own feelings of rejuvenation in his musical journey.