Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album Fragile as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as Awaken, Gates of Delirium and especially Close to the Edge which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including I've Seen All Good People, Roundabout, and Owner Of A Lonely Heart. Anderson also had great success with a series of albums he did with Vangelis, and most recently released the critically-acclaimed solo album entitled Survival and Other Stories.
In March 1968, Anderson met bassist Chris Squire and joined him in a group called Mabel Greer's Toyshop, which included guitarist Peter Banks. Anderson, Squire, and Banks went on to form Yes, with drummer Bill Bruford and keyboardist Tony Kaye. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1969. Jon stayed with the group until 1980, and this period is now known as the classic period of Yes, which released 11 critically acclaimed albums. Jon was a major creative force and band leader throughout the period, describing himself as the 'team captain' and 'catalyst'; nicknamed by his band mates "Napoleon" for his diminutive stature and leadership of the band and is recognized as the main instigator of the series of epics produced by Yes at the time.
Jon rejoined a reformed Yes in 1983, which produced their most commercially successful album 90125 with newcomer Trevor Rabin. After a second album and several world tours, Jon departed again in 1988 over the band's continued pursuit of major commercial success and mainstream radio play.
In 1989, Anderson and other former Yes members formed the group Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe (ABWH), augmented by bassist Tony Levin. After their successful first album, ABWH reunited with the then-current members of Yes (Squire, Rabin, White, Kaye), who had been searching for a new lead singer. The resulting eight-man band assumed the name Yes, and the album Union was released in 1991 and a successful tour followed, but this lineup of Yes never recorded a complete album together before splintering in 1992. Although many more personnel changes followed, Anderson would remain with the band until 2004.
Over the years Anderson has worked extensively with Vangelis, was featured vocally on a King Crimson recording, and has also recorded with Jack Bruce, David Sancious, Kitaro, Mike Oldfield, Bela Fleck and Dream Theater, among others, appeared live with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, had songs included in soundtracks for hit films, composed the score for a ballet titled Ursprung and reunited with former Yes mates. Jon Anderson's exhilarating musical journey continues, recording solo albums and touring the US and UK.
Tickets for Jon Anderson are $59.00 for Premium seating, $49.00 for the Orchestra and $39.00 for the Balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County's premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it's rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey's Skylands region. More information about The Newton Theatre may be found by calling 973-383-3700 or by visiting its website at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com.
