MOVING THROUGH SOME Changes – How 90125 Saved Yes

The short-lived Drama era in 1980 was almost the death of Yes. Yet three years later, the heroes of British progressive rock had been completely reinvented with massive worldwide success. In 90125 they had their biggest-selling album and a worldwide hit single. On the record’s 40th anniversary, we look back on how a new band without a deal became an 80s success story.

Stephen Lambe

In January 1981, Yes met at Steve Howe’s house in Hampstead. The previous year had been a fraught one for the band: following the departure of Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman, the three remaining members – Chris Squire, Alan White and Howe – had recruited Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes from the new-wavers The Buggles. The resulting album, Drama, remains a fan favourite, but was created under extreme pressure with a US tour only months away. During the shows that followed, Horn frequently struggled to fill Anderson’s shoes. All was not well. “I told Chris that it sounded a bit like Yes. To which Chris said, ‘That’s why you’re here.’”Jon Anderson Horn was effectively fired after the tour, and Squire and White announced a plan to form a new project…

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Prog Italia (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 145

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