Complete List Of Yes Band Members

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Emerging from the vibrant London music scene in 1968, Yes established themselves as giants of progressive rock. Their music, characterized by complex compositions, virtuosic musicianship, and philosophical lyricism, transcended the boundaries of conventional rock, captivating audiences with its intellectual and artistic depth.

Yes’ influence extends far beyond chart-topping hits and critical acclaim. They redefined the possibilities of rock music, pushing creative boundaries and inspiring countless artists to explore new sonic territories. Their innovative approach earned them five Grammy nominations, including one win, and a loyal following of dedicated fans, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of their generation. Yes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

The band’s story began with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1969. Throughout their career, they amassed an impressive discography, releasing 24 studio albums, numerous live recordings, and compilations. Their sound drew inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including The Beatles, The Moody Blues, and classical composers like Stravinsky and Debussy. In turn, Yes’ groundbreaking work paved the way for countless progressive rock and art rock bands, influencing artists like Rush and Dream Theater. The band’s 24th studio album, Aurora, was released in 2026.

Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes over the years, Yes continued to evolve and experiment, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. Their iconic album, Close to the Edge (1972), is considered a landmark work in the progressive rock genre, showcasing their musical virtuosity and commitment to artistic exploration.

From their early days as pioneers of progressive rock to their enduring influence on generations of musicians, Yes’ legacy remains one of innovation, artistic ambition, and lasting musical excellence. The current lineup consists of Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen.

Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson was a founding member of Yes and served as the lead vocalist from 1968 to 1980, 1983 to 1988, and 1990 to 2004, with a one-off reunion performance in 2017. His ethereal vocals and mystical lyrics became a hallmark of Yes’s sound. Anderson played guitar, percussion, harp, keyboards, and cuatro in addition to singing, appearing on the band’s earliest albums through Tormato (1978) and returning for albums including 90125 (1983), Big Generator (1987), Union (1991), and later releases through Magnification (2001).

Chris Squire

Chris Squire, a founding member of Yes, was the band’s bass guitarist from 1968 until his death in 2015. Known for his distinctive use of the Rickenbacker bass, Squire’s complex counter-melodies and harmonics underpinned Yes’s music. He also contributed backing and lead vocals, piano, harmonica, bass pedals, and timpani. Squire was the only member to appear on every Yes studio album from the band’s 1969 debut through Heaven & Earth (2014).

Tony Kaye

Tony Kaye was Yes’s original keyboardist from 1968 to 1971 and returned from 1983 to 1995, with later guest appearances. His organ and piano work featured on albums from Yes (1969) to The Yes Album (1971), and from 90125 (1983) to Talk (1994). Kaye’s style was rooted in blues and rock, providing a stark contrast to the more classical and complex styles of his successors.

Bill Bruford

Bill Bruford was Yes’s original drummer, playing from 1968 to 1972 and returning for the Union project and tour from 1990 to 1992. His innovative drumming can be heard on Yes’s early albums from their debut through Close to the Edge (1972), as well as portions of the live album Yessongs (1973). Bruford’s work is known for its technical proficiency and complex time signatures, contributing significantly to the band’s progressive sound.

Peter Banks

Peter Banks was Yes’s original guitarist from 1968 to 1970. His jazz- and rock-influenced guitar work featured on the first two Yes albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970). Banks’s style was foundational in developing Yes’s early sound, blending rock with symphonic elements.

Rick Wakeman

Rick Wakeman, renowned for his virtuosic keyboard work, joined Yes in 1971 and had multiple tenures with the band through 2004, including a one-off reunion performance in 2017. Wakeman’s classical training and flair for dramatic, complex arrangements were pivotal on albums from Fragile (1971) to Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973), and on subsequent albums like Going for the One (1977) and Tormato (1978).

Alan White

Alan White took over as Yes’s drummer in 1972 and remained with the band until his death in 2022. White’s powerful yet nuanced drumming is featured on Yes releases from Yessongs (1973) through The Quest (2021), contributing to the band’s evolving sound across five decades.

Patrick Moraz

Patrick Moraz was Yes’s keyboardist from 1974 to 1976, playing on Relayer (1974). Moraz brought a jazz fusion sensibility to the band’s sound, his only studio album with Yes showcasing a more avant-garde, complex style that expanded the band’s musical boundaries.

Steve Howe

Steve Howe joined Yes in 1970, bringing a distinctive guitar style that became integral to the band’s sound. His tenure spans from 1970 to 1981, 1990 to 1992, and from 1995 to the present. Howe’s work is featured on albums beginning with The Yes Album (1971), as well as Union (1991) and the band’s later releases. Known for his versatility, Howe contributed not only guitars and backing vocals but also lap steel, pedal steel guitar, lead vocals, lute, mandolin, bass guitar, sitar, and banjo, showcasing his wide range of musical skills and influences. He remains a member of the current lineup and appears on Yes’s 2026 studio album Aurora.

Geoff Downes

Geoff Downes first became a member of Yes in 1980, contributing keyboards, vocoder, and programming. His initial stint was from 1980 to 1981, and he returned to the band in 2011 and continues to the present. Downes’s keyboard work is featured on Drama (1980) and all new Yes studio albums from Fly from Here (2011) through Aurora (2026). Downes, also known for his work with The Buggles and Asia, brought a modern electronic element to Yes’s sound, particularly during the band’s early 80s and post-2010 phases.

Trevor Horn

Trevor Horn served as Yes’s lead vocalist for Drama (1980) and later returned as a producer and studio guest. Known for his production work, Horn’s tenure as a vocalist marked a significant shift in Yes’s sound, incorporating more pop and new wave elements.

Trevor Rabin

Trevor Rabin joined the group that evolved into a new version of Yes in 1983, contributing guitar, keyboards, and vocals until 1994, with later reunion appearances. Rabin’s tenure coincided with a commercial resurgence for the band, his work on albums from 90125 (1983) to Talk (1994) introducing a more mainstream rock sound to Yes’s repertoire.

Igor Khoroshev

Igor Khoroshev was associated with Yes from 1997 to 2001, first as a touring keyboardist and then as a full member. His contributions are featured on Open Your Eyes (1997), The Ladder (1999), and House of Yes: Live from House of Blues (2000). Khoroshev’s tenure helped maintain Yes’s signature symphonic sound during the late 1990s.

Tom Brislin

Tom Brislin toured with Yes on keyboards in 2001 during the YesSymphonic tour, accompanying Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, and Alan White along with an orchestra. His time with the band came during the Magnification era, when Yes toured without a permanent keyboardist in the core lineup.

Benoît David

Benoît David was Yes’s lead vocalist from 2008 to 2011. His work is featured on Fly from Here (2011) and In the Present – Live from Lyon (2011). David’s tenure saw the band revisiting and expanding upon themes from their earlier work, maintaining the classic Yes sound.

Oliver Wakeman

Oliver Wakeman, son of Rick Wakeman, played keyboards for Yes from 2008 to 2011. His contributions can be heard on In the Present – Live from Lyon (2011) and From a Page (2019), continuing the band’s legacy of intricate keyboard work.

Billy Sherwood

Billy Sherwood’s association with Yes began in the early 1990s as a musician and collaborator. He became a full-time member from 1997 to 2000 and then again from 2015 to the present, taking over bass duties following Chris Squire’s death. Sherwood’s contributions to Yes span bass guitar, keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals, with additional roles in lead vocals, timpani, and harmonica. His work is featured on releases including Open Your Eyes (1997), The Ladder (1999), and the band’s later studio albums from The Quest (2021) through Aurora (2026). Sherwood’s versatility and multi-instrumental skills have made him a key figure in Yes’s later years, helping to carry forward the band’s legacy.

Jon Davison

Jon Davison joined Yes in 2012 as the lead vocalist, bringing additional talents on guitar, percussion, and keyboards. His tenure with the band has seen contributions to all new Yes studio releases from Heaven & Earth (2014) through Aurora (2026). Davison’s voice has been noted for its similarities to original Yes vocalist Jon Anderson, helping to maintain the band’s iconic sound while contributing to its ongoing evolution.

Jay Schellen

Jay Schellen began touring with Yes in 2016, initially standing in for Alan White and later sharing drumming duties with him. Following White’s death in 2022, Schellen became a permanent member of Yes in 2023. In addition to drums and percussion, he has provided backing vocals. Schellen’s work is featured on live albums such as Topographic Drama – Live Across America (2017) and 50 Live (2019), as well as studio albums including The Quest (2021), Mirror to the Sky (2023), and Aurora (2026). His dynamic drumming has contributed to the band’s live energy and studio recordings in recent years.

Updated August 11, 2026.