Jon Anderson's Journey: From Yes to Solo Career and Beyond
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Almost Getting Back into the Band
- The Impact of Illness on Band Membership
- Proposal for an Acoustic Album
- Pursuing a Solo Career
- The Joy of Being in Control
- Thoughts on Bill Bruford
- Stories of Lost Tapes
- The Chaos of Mixing Sessions
- The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Experience
- Getty Lee's Appreciation for Yes
- Overcoming Stage Anxiety
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we delve into the life and experiences of John Anderson, a renowned musician and former member of the band Yes. We explore the ups and downs of his career, from his time with the band to his decision to pursue a solo career. Along the way, we discover the challenges he faced, the impact of illness on his journey, and the joy he found in taking control of his own musical destiny.
Almost Getting Back into the Band
Once Anderson was kicked out of the band, there were never any opportunities for him to make a full return despite his desire to rejoin. The band decided to move on and find a new singer. Anderson's illness played a significant role in this decision, as it was caused by the oil-based smoke used for the lighting during performances. The effects were severe, leaving him coughing up black substances and in a state of constant sickness.
The Impact of Illness on Band Membership
The illness Anderson faced due to the lighting smoke had a profound impact on his ability to continue performing with Yes. It was a difficult moment for him as he not only had to deal with the physical discomfort but also the disappointment of not being able to contribute to the band's music as he once had.
Proposal for an Acoustic Album
As Anderson's health deteriorated, he proposed to the band members that they take a break from touring and instead focus on creating an acoustic album. He believed this would be a unique and exciting direction for the band, surprising their fans. Anderson recalls a memorable acoustic performance they did in a studio in Los Angeles, which sparked his idea for an acoustic album.
Pursuing a Solo Career
When the band decided to continue without him, Anderson found himself at a crossroads. Unsure of what to do next, he turned to his lifelong dream of pursuing a solo career. Armed with his guitar, he began practicing and putting together a show. This decision allowed him to explore his creativity and perform on his own terms.
The Joy of Being in Control
Anderson quickly discovered the freedom and joy that came with being in control of his own musical career. The pressure of success fell solely on his shoulders, but he embraced it. He relished the feeling of knowing that his destiny was entirely in his hands and that his success depended on his own efforts.
Thoughts on Bill Bruford
Although Anderson never had the opportunity to have a conversation with Bill Bruford, former drummer of Yes, he holds a deep admiration for him. Anderson fondly recalls seeing Bruford and his wife during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite the sadness of Bruford leaving the band, Anderson recognizes him as a phenomenal musician and a kind-hearted person.
Stories of Lost Tapes
During the recording process for the album "Close to the Edge," the band encountered a memorable mishap involving the loss of tapes. Eddie Offer, the band's producer, had a unique method of recording and editing, which involved working with multiple sections of the song. However, during a studio cleaning session, tapes containing crucial sections of the song were mistakenly thrown away. Anderson vividly remembers the frantic search for those lost tapes, eventually finding them in a dustbin after a series of fortunate discoveries.
The Chaos of Mixing Sessions
Mixing sessions for "Close to the Edge" were both arduous and chaotic. The band would spend hours mixing different sections of the song, with each mix saved onto long strips of tape. As the tapes accumulated, the studio would become cluttered, requiring occasional cleaning sessions. These sessions, although necessary, sometimes resulted in accidental disposal of important tapes, leading the band to scavenge through dustbins in search of their lost work.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Experience
Anderson reflects on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Yes. The entire event was a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. As he stood on stage, he experienced a mix of nervousness and euphoria. Anderson struggled to find the right words, resorting to calling everyone "beautiful" as he gathered his thoughts. However, the presence of his fellow band members and the humorous interjections by Rick Wakeman helped calm his nerves and make the moment unforgettable.
Getty Lee's Appreciation for Yes
Anderson was unaware of Getty Lee's admiration for Yes until their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lee, a member of the band Rush, revealed that Yes was the only band he ever stood in line to see. This acknowledgment from another talented musician served as a testament to Yes's influence and impact on the world of music.
Overcoming Stage Anxiety
Despite his numerous experiences on stage, Anderson admits to occasionally struggling with stage anxiety. The pressure and anticipation leading up to a performance can leave him feeling unsettled and unsure. However, once he steps onto the stage and begins to sing, all worries melt away, and the joy of performing takes over.
Conclusion
John Anderson's journey through the music industry has been filled with ups and downs. From his time with Yes to his solo pursuits, he has faced challenges head-on and embraced the freedom that comes with being in control of his own destiny. Through illness, lost tapes, and moments of stage anxiety, Anderson's passion for music continues to drive him forward. His contributions to the world of music, both as a solo artist and as a member of Yes, are undeniably significant, and his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.
FAQ
Q: Did John Anderson ever rejoin Yes after being kicked out?
A: No, he never had a chance to make a full return to the band.
Q: What was the reason for Yes deciding to find a new singer?
A: Anderson's severe illness, caused by the oil-based smoke used in the band's lighting, played a significant role in the decision.
Q: Did John Anderson ever collaborate with Bill Bruford again?
A: No, but he holds a deep admiration for him as a musician and a person.
Q: What happened to the lost tapes during the recording of "Close to the Edge"?
A: Some tapes were accidentally disposed of during a studio cleaning session, leading to a frantic search to recover them.
Q: How did John Anderson feel during his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
A: He experienced a mix of nervousness and euphoria, but the presence of his band members and the humor of Rick Wakeman helped calm his nerves.
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