For fans of progressive rock, the idea of a reunion between Jon Anderson and his former Yes bandmates has long been a dream. However, in a recent interview, Anderson has expressed doubts about the possibility of rekindling those collaborations, citing resistance from key members of the iconic group.
Anderson, the founding vocalist of Yes, last performed with the band in 2004 and officially parted ways in 2008 after a severe respiratory illness. Since then, he has pursued solo projects and collaborations, most recently working with the Band Geeks to reinterpret classic Yes material. Yet, the longing for a reunion with Yes guitarist Steve Howe and others remains a recurring theme in fan discussions. In a candid conversation, Anderson revealed that he had reached out to Howe but received little response, describing their current relationship as distant. “Eventually, you say, ‘OK, I’ve got to move on,’” Anderson shared, noting that while their creative history remains cherished, it feels increasingly unlikely they will work together again.
The estrangement between Anderson and his former bandmates stems partly from the circumstances of his exit. After his illness, Yes replaced him with Canadian singer Benoît David, a decision Anderson has described as painful but ultimately freeing. He admitted that while he no longer feels “hurt” about being replaced, the emotional scars of that period linger. “I didn’t leave the band—they got a new singer,” Anderson said. He has since dedicated himself to new creative ventures, including his latest solo album, *True*, which features reflective lyrics about his journey.
The resistance to a reunion also appears to be mutual. Steve Howe, who has continued to lead Yes through multiple lineups, has been openly critical of the idea. In a previous interview, Howe described the band’s 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction performance, where Anderson joined Yes onstage for the first time in over a decade, as “hellish.” His reluctance to revisit past collaborations underscores the widening gulf between the bandmates.
Despite these challenges, Anderson maintains a hopeful outlook. In interviews, he has repeatedly emphasized the spiritual and emotional bonds that tie him to his former collaborators. “We went through so much together,” he reflected, adding that his contributions to Yes, including co-writing classics like *Close to the Edge*, remain an integral part of his identity as an artist.
For now, Anderson’s focus lies on his evolving solo career and connecting with fans through intimate performances. While a Yes reunion may seem unlikely, Anderson’s legacy as one of the genre’s most enduring voices remains untarnished. His ongoing work continues to celebrate the music that made him a progressive rock icon.
As the years pass, the dream of a full Yes reunion might fade, but Anderson’s commitment to his craft ensures that the spirit of their groundbreaking music lives on. For many, the memories of their shared creations are enough to keep the magic alive.