Grammy Award winning prog-rock group YES will perform in New Zealand for the first time in one show only on 1 April 2012 at Vector Arena, Auckland.
Formed in London in 1968 YES are regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre. They are known for their classically-influenced arrangements with extended song lengths, unusual time signatures, virtuoso musicianship, eclectic blend of musical styles, dramatic dynamic and metrical changes, abstract lyrics, elaborate album art and live stage performances.
YES have sold close to 50 million albums worldwide and their number one hit single Owner of a Lonely Heart, not only held the top spot on the main charts in 1983, it also become a hit on the R&B and disco charts! During the 1970’s they were one of the most successful bands in America, releasing seven albums of which four were certified Platinum and three reached Gold status.
No less than 16 musicians have been a part of the bands line-up and its current form is comprised of singer Benoît David, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White and keyboardist Geoff Downes.
Following a four-year hiatus YES re-started in 2008 and this year (2011) released a new album titled Fly From Here – produced by legendary musician and producer Trevor Horn (Horn was at one stage a singer for YES and went on to form avant-garde synth-pop group Art of Noise. His production credits include Jeff Beck, Paul McCartney, Cher, Grace Jones, Seal, Tina Turner, Pet Shop Boys, Simple Minds, Mike Oldfield, Marc Almond, and Belle & Sebastian).
More than 40 years since their inception and for the very first time, NZ audiences will be able to see YES perform tracks from their indelible catalogue of hugely successful hit albums, such as Fragile (1971), Close To The Edge (1972), Drama (1980), 90125 (named after the 1983 catalogue number) and Big Generator (1987).
