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This week Mark and I welcomed our longstanding friend, Preston Frazier, onto the show to talk about his (relatively) new book, ‘Yes Indeed – Yes without Jon Anderson’. It’s a fascinating and very different kind of Yes book, as you’ll discover. As always, Preston was full of fun, even when we posed him some of the most difficult questions we have ever asked on the YMP. He took these in his stride, of course and I’m sure you will enjoy the conversation as much as we did.
- Why did Preston write this book?
- What was his approach?
- Is this book similar to any other books about Yes?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
In “Yes Indeed: Tales from Yes Without Jon Anderson,” music journalist Preston M. Frazier delves into the transformative eras of the legendary progressive rock band Yes during the times when their iconic frontman, Jon Anderson, was absent.
Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Frazier chronicles the band’s resilience and evolution, shedding light on the albums, tours, and lineup changes that defined these pivotal periods. This compelling narrative offers readers a deeper understanding of Yes’s enduring legacy and their ability to innovate beyond expectations.
Amazon UK – https://amzn.eu/d/3JAepSr
Amazon US – https://a.co/d/8pQIRP9
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Enrich your Prog year with iconic images of Yes in the 1970s, taken by the legendary rock photographer, Barry Plummer.
Enjoy 12 beautiful colour and black and white photographs of Yes in the studio and live, capturing the essence of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. With this limited-edition calendar on your wall throughout 2026, you’ll agree that Barry Plummer is, indeed, the Master of Images!
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Yes – The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans – Yes Album Listening Guide
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4 replies on “Yes Indeed – Yes without Jon Anderson – with author, Preston Frazier – 704”
I for one would like to see Yes continue once Steve steps aside. Yes has been a big part of my life for over 50 years and I hope to have a living, breathing Yes at least as long as I am living and breathing. And while I think of Geoff Downe as one of the younger guys, since he was in 1980, he is only 5 years younger than Steve, and Jay is not that far behind at 65. Jon Davison is the youngest and it may come down to him to keep things running in the Yes universe.
And as a follow-up to his new book, maybe Preston Frazier’s next edition could be Jon Anderson Without Yes.
I’m waiting on my copy of Preston’s Yes book to arrive any day. I should have ordered it last year but sometimes life gets in the way, especially when a brother dies unexpectedly.
As a huge Yes fan since 1970, I hope the band continues if Steve retires or passes. Jimmy Haun is the best choice as guitarist.
Hi Mark and Kevin
Hope you are both well and having a great start to 2026.
Thanks for another great episode, challenging discussion and a really fascinating guest. Preston spoke knowledgeably and sensitively in response to your questions. His part-fantasy part-biography literary approach is certainly innovative, and I look forward to reading his book.
I’m going to confess to being a flat earther denialist.
I agree with Mark that the membership of the band Yes is not an issue if the music continues. But that is the point. To my ear, the music has not continued.
It sounds different to my ear, both recent studio recordings and live performances. I’m not saying it’s bad but to my ear it’s neither technically or creatively comparable to the majestic music of Jon, Chris, Rick and Alan with Steve.
One very obvious point. Yes was, like Genesis, a quintessentially British band, but now seems to be transitioning to an American band as members have been replaced. No surprise later products sound reminiscent of radio friendly rock like Toto or Asia. I believe four of the five current members have played in Asia, so maybe the current lineup is closer to Asia than Yes.
I wish Steve well and will certainly listen to the new ‘Yes’ album with interest. I will be delighted to revise my opinion if his team prove me wrong.
But my listening preference is Jon Andersons ‘True’ if I want to hear contemporary music arranged in the Yes style.
Thanks Preston, Kevin and Mark
I just downloaded Preston’s book onto my Kindle, and I love it; a really good book. I appreciate the time that you took to create this, Preston.
Can anyone recommend a book that covers the 90125 to Talk years?
Thanks.