New Book Explores Yes Band History During Jon Anderson's Absence

Music historian and author Preston Frazier has released his latest work, Yes Indeed: Tales from Yes Without Jon Anderson, a comprehensive exploration of the iconic progressive rock band Yes during the pivotal periods when founding vocalist Jon Anderson was absent. Published independently, the book offers a detailed examination of the band's evolution during some of its most creatively challenging and transformative years.

The book focuses specifically on the albums Drama, Fly From Here, Heaven & Earth, The Quest, and Mirror to the Sky, diving deep into a lesser-celebrated chapter of Yes's legacy. Through thorough research, artist interviews, and insights from devoted fans, Yes Indeed provides a clear-eyed narrative of how the band continually reinvented itself amid shifting lineups and musical directions. This examination matters because it challenges conventional narratives about artistic continuity and demonstrates how established musical groups can maintain creative momentum despite significant personnel changes.

Frazier highlights the vital contributions of artists such as Trevor Horn, Benoît David, Jon Davison, and Billy Sherwood, while also honoring the enduring presence of long-time members like Steve Howe and the late Chris Squire. Beyond its analysis of studio work, Yes Indeed captures the essence of the band's touring legacy and chronicles the often-divided fan response to this era of experimentation and change. The book's approach provides valuable insights for music historians and fans alike about how artistic identity evolves when key founding members depart.

Enriched with personal anecdotes and rare photographs, the book brings an intimate, human perspective to the band's complex history. Frazier—well known for his work on the Slang of Ages podcast—delivers both a fan's tribute and an authoritative account of a band that continues to evolve decades after its formation. The publication demonstrates the ongoing academic and cultural interest in progressive rock's legacy and the mechanisms through which classic rock bands navigate artistic reinvention.

Yes Indeed: Tales from Yes Without Jon Anderson is now available in both print and digital editions through major online booksellers. The book's release contributes to the broader understanding of how musical groups sustain creative output and fan engagement across multiple generations and lineup changes, offering lessons that extend beyond the specific case of Yes to the music industry more broadly.