Yes

Yes Genesis finally got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, so many assumed Yes was next in line. The two groups have a lot in common. They released highly complex prog albums in the 1970s, and in the 1980s completely reinvented themselves as pop hit-makers. The crucial difference here might be that Genesis had Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. They also had a relatively stable lineup; Yes has had about 18 different members, and none of them are household names. It's beyond dispute that Bill Bruford, Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman are some of the most talented musicians on the planet and albums like Close to the Edge and Fragile represent some of the best prog ever recorded, but the Hall of Fame doesn't seem very interested in honoring that. It's a shame. The ceremony would be a rare chance for the group to reunite with estranged frontman Jon Anderson. The stage would nearly buckle under the weight of so many musicians, but it would be a truly amazing moment. Hopefully the HOF get... Read more

not sure what they are waiting for, this is the type of rock and roll band that would seem to be what rock music is all about.

Brilliant, let them in.

captain blue says yes to Yes

The most durable figureheads for progressive rock style from their late 60's beginnings that saw them gain a foothold in the British rock empire leading to their ascension to stardom in the 70's based almost entirely on album epics, and then in the 80's re-emerging as more radio friendly singles oriented hit makers. Whether or not that track record, along with their vaunted musicianship, will be enough to get them over the hump with prog-shy voters remains to be seen. It hasn't yet.

What about Yes, whose hits proliferate the radio and whose futuristic sound was totally unprecedented in the music world, unlike anything that had been heard before and quite a ways ahead of most of what is produced even today?

I know I'm not being horribly original here, but...

Yes has done so much to define a whole genre popular amidst its fans and not really outside of that but Yes brought the borders out and gained new followers who would perhaps never have been followers of Yes if they hadn't expanded their musical borders. Maybe they aren't in because the Hall can't house 18 members of the same band on the same stage. We'll know someday.

I wrestle with this one.  I own The Yes Album on vinyl and CD and may have actually listened to it as recently as 2008. It's good clean fun.  I even bought a few of Rick Wakeman's weird themed solo albums in the 70's, like 'Six Wives of Henry the Eighth', 'Criminal Record' and 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth', second hand, I swear.    They are arguably the standard bearers of their genre. And their type of prog-rock music I would assume is under-represented in the HOF because Jann Wenner and his cronies don't like it.  'Roundabout' is a stone classic single.  They loose points for sticking around way too long in a series of configurations that were a desperate commercial shadow of their classic line-up. They have become a wrinkled oldies act who trot out for an annual summer cash grab tour, which is just so sad, both for them and their audience.  There were probably more interesting prog rock bands musically, King Crimson for one, but they have paid dues.  A 3 or 4 in my b... Read more

Without question this band belongs in the RRHOF. Unfortunately the self-righteous morons (i.e. Jann Wenner) who run the voting, are too busy trying to seem hip and edgy, so they ignore a whole genre that clearly was an important part of rock history. Just a few facts...Yes have sold close to 50 million albums worldwide since their debut in 1968. Sold Out New York's Madison Square Garden a a record 16 consecutive times on various tours between 1973 and 1980. Their career spans multiple generations across 5 decades.

YES! YES! YES!

When a Hall says no, they really mean YES.

Deserving: YES Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets. No less than 16 musicians have been a part of the band's line-up, with its current form comprising singer Benoît David, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Yes have sold close to 50 million albums worldwide.[1] Formed in 1968 by Squire and singer Jon Anderson, the first line-up also included guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford, who released two albums together to lukewarm reception and sales. Yes began to enjoy success after the release of The Yes Album (1971) and Fragile (1971), which featured new arrivals Howe and Rick Wakeman. They achieved further success with Close to the Edge (1972) and Tales from ... Read more

Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, and elaborate album art and live stage sets. No less than 16 musicians have been a part of the group's line-up, with its current form comprising singer Benoît David, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, and keyboardist Geoff Downes. Yes have sold close to 50 million albums worldwide.[1] Formed in 1968 by Squire and singer Jon Anderson, the first line-up also included guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Bill Bruford, who released two albums together to lukewarm reception and sales. Yes began to enjoy success after the release of The Yes Album (1971) and Fragile (1971), which featured new arrivals Howe and Rick Wakeman. They achieved further success with Close to the Edge (1972) and Tales from Topographic ... Read more

Deserving: YES

I can't stress any louder about a band being worthy. Isn't YES what Rock & Roll is all about? Goin for the Hall.

the rrhof selection committee really ought to be ashamed of themselves for not getting out of their comfortable 4/4 time signature and listening to why this band held the record for most sellouts of madison square garden for many years. steve howe retired from winning "best overall guitarist" in guitar player mag after receiving the award 5 years in a row was yet another feat. not to mention one of the most unique voices on the planet in jon anderson. even if you're not a fan of their style of music, there's no denying the talent in this band. Yes didn't just go out on musical limbs, they planted their own tree and then went out on limbs.

500 CLUB!

Yes is the most original prog rock band with the best musicians. Because of the complex structures of the 70's songs they are not appreciated by everybody but for me this is by far the best of all symphonic rock bands. They have influenced a lot of bands throughout the world. There still are a lot of neo-prog bands active which make good music but they all lack the originality and virtuosity of Yes. Jon Andersons voice is unique, Steve Howe plays guitars with a very specific sound. Favourite keyboard player of the Yes period is Rick Wakeman; he is not only a show-man but it is simply unbelievable what he can do with his instruments.

Contrary to the facts expressed in the blurb for this article, the musicians in the first few editions of YES were NOT classically trained musicians. Chris Squire sang in a church choir, Jon does not read or write standard notation to this day, Alan White has the WORST stick control technique I have ever seen, and Steve Howe learned from recordings and performances, as did so many other musicians in the R n R Hall of Fame. Tony Kaye was musically literate, and Bill Bruford became so, as he went on to be a composer of instrumental music for his later groups. Rick Wakeman was the ONLY early member of YES to have a conservatory background. In fact, he was ousted from the Royal Conservatory for devoting more time to rock music and studio work than his lessons and course of training. Trevor Rabin came from a musical family and read and wrote music from an early age. Igor Koroshev was a classicaly-trained pianist from Russia. Peter Banks was a typical rock guitar player, with no form... Read more

Lame.

Oh my God! I had no idea these guys haven't been admitted yet! Selection committee for HOF definitely needs a frontal head-ectomy performed on their backsides!

I am actually surprised, that they are not in there already, along with Rush. It would be really sad , if Backstreet Boys gets in there long before Yes.

Alongside Rush, the HOF snub against Yes is a real shame... 40 years of recording and live performance excellence, scintilating musicianship (Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Alan White) and trademark vocal stylings (Jon Anderson) set Yes above and beyond so many other bands, progressive and otherwise. I can listen to "Close To The Edge" today and be inspired, be moved as no other recording can. Saw them perform in Seattle to open their 35th Anniversary tour, it was awe-inspiring with a Roger Dean designed stage and an adoring audience up on its feet for much of the show. Can't say the same for ABBA, can we?

That YES are not already in the RRHOF calls in to question the level of competence among the selection committee.

How Yes has still been passed over just shows how questionable the selection process really is. Their most recent tour was every bit as impressive as just about any other band in the HOF. Furthermore, their innovation throughout the years, contributions to musical diversity, and amazing musicianship trounces so many other bands that have been nominated and/or inducted over the years. When you look at the individual members, I feel compelled to point out two of the most innovative and talented artists on their instruments in the history of rock and roll: Steve Howe and Chris Squire. Howe is still a virtuoso on the guitar, and hearing him perform live is an emotional experience. Squire plas the Bass like no one else, his performance an amazing blend of the typical bass responsibility for supporting the undertone of a song, and active renditions of lead guitar-like activity that leave you questioning why others don't take a similar approach. These guys quite simply are among the b... Read more

Progressive rock needs a place in the Hall. But you can't have it without these guys.

This is a no-brainer. That they are not already inducted says more about the HOF than it does about Yes. Fortunately, history is what it is and Yes albums will be around for decades for people to discover and enjoy. I continue to listen to this band today and their music still blows me away. Although they're best known for their 70's prog-rock heyday, they've created brilliant music over the course of four decades. How many bands can say that? I don't know of ANY other band that has that longevity and originality. Each member of the group has a legacy, a fan base and is a virtuoso in his own right. Steve Howe was voted Best Overall Guitarist by Guitar Player magazine FIVE years in a row ('77-'81). Chris Squire reinvented the rock bass and inspired a generation of young bassists to go beyond just being part of the rhythm section. Jon Anderson has one of the most distinctive and instantly recognizable singing voices in the world. Bruford and White are legendary percussionists,... Read more

Yes!!!

Absolutely they should be in. In fact, if I become President I'll see to it this band is offered their rightful place in the HOF (then I'd hope they'd respectfully decline), then I'll go ahead and put the individuals who have kept them out of the hall for so long into Guantanamo where they can - and will - listen to their beloved RUN DMC all day and night. Silly committee.

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!

Mais Oui!

Yes, no?

I had written a letter to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame last year suggesting that their current absence be corrected in 2009, in addition to signing a petition on www.yesworld.com which is still available for anyone to add their thoughts. Chris Squire is one of the most influential bassists of all time and Jon Anderson has one of the most unique voices. Other great musicians to come out of this combo include versatile guitarists Steve Howe and Trevor Rabin, stellar keyboardists Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz, drummers Bill Bruford and Alan White and many others. From the hits "Roundabout," "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" and "I've Seen All Good People" to the epics "Close To The Edge," "Gates Of Dellerium" and the entire Topographic Oceans album, they have displayed energy and innovation. I don't see numerous personnel changes as a worthy excuse to exclude them. After all, when the Rolling Stones were inducted, nobody said "Mick, Keith, Woody and Charlie are inducted, but Brian Jones a... Read more

YES they should be in. If for nothing more than the opening line from CTTE. "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace, And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace."

The best band (musically) of all time!

It's unbelieveable that Yes has not been iducted into the RockNRoll Hall of Fame. They are masters of their art. This is a long overdue oversight that should be corrected immediately. They were one of the leaders of the prog rock era in the 70's and created so much fanstastic music. I've had enough of this political bullsh-t...come on people, let's fix this and make it right!

The seminal prog band of the 70's and 80's. Outstanding musicianship, amazing vocals by Jon Anderson, no better keyboardist than Rick Wakeman.This band belongs in the rock and roll hall of fame. Just the Yes Album, Fragile and Close to the Edge should shoo these guys in.

And... ONE HIT WONDER!?  Maybe that's the way you see it... but have you actually taken more then two seconds to scope out all Yes has to offer.  It isn't necessarily mainstream, no.  So that might have been difficult for you to do.  You hear chaos because you can't detect what they're doing.  ABAB rhyme schemes, even timing, and two instruments maximum is NOT better.... it's just simpler.  So stick with what you like.

They have a few really solid albums, but I think there a ton of bands from the same genre that belong for they do.

Who gives a damn.The whole concept of a "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" is specious nonsense at best.  Arguing who should or shouldn't go in it, is like Reformation theologians discussing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Pretty good; Always enjoyed 'Roundabout.'

Djahuti's got it right. If you wanta listen to virtuoso widdling, get out your Vivaldi and Bach where it actually serves a purpose. Anyway, a so-called friend subjected me to some Yes over the weekend. I did not thank him for the experience. Pouring arsenic into my ears might've been more pleasureable.Since then I've heard more of their stuff on Planet Rock. Their 'music' is  over-complicated, soulless, meandering, bombastic, self-indulgent, preposterous, overblown bunch of w@nk for weirdy beardy engineering students. Yes are even worse for having spawned  the joyless dross that followed in their wake, everything from Marillion to Dream Theater. I couldnt give a flying f*ck that they might be really good on their instruments. Yes are THE classic example to illustrate that great musicians do not necessarily make great music. In a word, they're c***s

Unfair to rate what I don't really know - and when we talk over-the-top prog rock, how much do I really want to find out? But I'm willing to admit that "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" is a dead-set 80's guilty pleasure. Is that wrong of me?

Yes is arguably the greatest progressive rock group of all time. The complexity and spirituality of their music is unsurpassed, and Jon Anderson is a genius. As with any rock group, there are varying reactions to their music but it cannot be denied that they are brilliant musicians and make interesting music.

One of the best prog-rock bands ever, if not THE best. Yes set a standard with "Fragile", "The Yes Album", and "Close to the Edge" that has rarely been met by other bands.

Eh, they're a one-hit wonder to me. One of their more famous songs (Owner of A Lonely Heart) can be heard while playing Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

I take a middle of the road position on this band. I can't take the vocals of Jon Anderson for very long, and a lot of their music is dull or pompous. On the other hand, the rest of them were certainly very talented on their respective instruments, and they did have the occasional good tune, some of the stuff on the early albums, the first 4, is pretty good. Like a lot of groups, they outlasted their natural time frame and are one of those bands, like Chicago, Moody Blues, Santana, Jethro Tull, etc. that might be remembered a lot more fondly (at least by me) had they broken up in, say, 1972, as I believe that that 60's early 70's era was the peak of rock, and virtually every group around had something going for it in my view. There are a lot of groups that started out from quite decent to great that hung around way too long.

Yes defined progressive rock in the 1970s and kept all of their peers gunning for them. Nobody did it the way Yes did. They managed to maintain a high level of musical integrity and artistic brilliance and balance it with an accessibility that made them the most popular of their kind, not to mention the best at their craft. Give them a genre, and they not only excel at it; they redefine it. They tear down walls and take rock to places it was never supposed to go. And they do it with flash and the utmost originality. There's never been a band like this before, and there never will be again. The twin pillars of Jon Anderson's one-of-a-kind voice and spiritually inflected lyrical universe and Chris Squire's revolutionary, Bach-like bass playing will never be replicated.

Isn't it possible to chew gum and walk at the same time. I loved the Talking Heads, enjoyed the angst of The Sex Pistols, rocked out to The Ramones, skanked to Steel Pulse boogied to Grand Master Flash and funked to Prince. I also reached nirvana listening to YES. Are most of us today so narrow and simplistic that we can't enjoy both Jazz, Prog Rock, ballads and dance music at the same time. Maybe so! but I think it's ashame. Personally I CAN appreciate both apples AND oranges. YES were like a giant Mango