Yes are back in the spotlight: tour, classics and why the prog legends still hit hard in 2026
10.01.2026 - 20:16:27
Yes are having a serious moment again – and if you think prog rock is just for your parents, you might be about to change your mind.
The legendary band behind some of rock's most epic tracks is back on the road, firing up hardcore fans and curious newcomers with a live experience that feels part stadium show, part time machine.
With fresh tour dates, remixed classics and social media clips going wild, this is the perfect time to dive into the world of Yes – or finally see them live if you've only ever streamed the hits.
On Repeat: The Latest Hits & Vibes
If you only know "Owner of a Lonely Heart", you’re just scratching the surface. Yes have a catalog built for deep dives – but a few tracks are definitely dominating playlists, classic rock radio and fan-made edits right now.
- "Owner of a Lonely Heart" – The band’s most famous hit, still huge on rock playlists and algorithm-driven mixes. Slick, punchy and way more pop-leaning than their early work, it’s the gateway song pulling new listeners into the Yes universe.
- "Roundabout" – An all-time prog rock anthem. That iconic bass intro, swirling keys and long build-ups make it a favorite for reaction videos and TikTok edits. It’s dramatic, trippy and somehow never feels old.
- "Starship Trooper" / "And You and I" – These fan-beloved epics keep trending in live clips and full-concert uploads. They’re the songs people talk about after a show: big emotional peaks, long instrumental journeys and huge sing-along moments.
Right now the vibe around Yes is a mix of nostalgia and discovery. Long-time fans are revisiting the classic albums in remastered form, while younger listeners are stumbling across the band through playlists, anime edits, guitar covers and deep-dive YouTube essays about prog rock.
The sound? Think massive, cinematic rock with soaring vocals, dramatic key changes, strange but catchy riffs and lyrics that feel like sci?fi, fantasy and philosophy all rolled into one. It’s not background music – it’s headphones-on, journey-mode music.
Social Media Pulse: Yes on TikTok
Yes don’t need to do TikTok dances themselves – the fanbase is doing the work. Clips from recent tours, wild drum solos and emotional crowd sing-alongs keep popping up across social feeds.
On Reddit and forums, the mood is very clear: a lot of "I brought my dad and now I’m a fan" stories, people ranking their favorite live line-ups, and plenty of debate over which era of Yes is the "true" peak. But overall, the sentiment is surprisingly wholesome – a lot of respect, a lot of gratitude that the band is still playing, and a lot of "you NEED to see them live at least once" energy.
Want to see what the fanbase is posting right now? Check out the hype here:
Scroll a bit and you’ll find:
- Side?stage videos of the band locking into ridiculous instrumental sections.
- POV clips from the crowd right as the band hits the big chorus in "Owner of a Lonely Heart" or the huge climax of "Roundabout".
- Side?by?side comparisons of classic 70s performances versus the modern live line?up.
The overall mood: respectful hype. People know they’re watching legends, and they’re not taking it for granted.
Catch Yes Live: Tour & Tickets
Here’s the news you actually care about: Yes are on the road, and fans are calling the current tour a must-see for anyone who loves big, theatrical rock shows.
The band are promoting their latest era of live shows with a setlist that blends the classic anthems you expect with deeper cuts for the longtime fans. The result is a night that feels like a full history lesson in one concert, but still totally accessible if you only know a few songs going in.
Expect:
- Epic visuals and lighting that match the band’s spacey, cosmic vibes.
- Extended instrumental sections where the band really stretch out and show why they’re legends.
- Plenty of moments where the entire crowd sings every word to the big choruses.
If you want the latest, official tour info – cities, venues, tickets, VIP options – don’t guess and don’t trust random resellers first. Go straight to the source:
Get your tickets and see all upcoming Yes live dates here.
Ticket availability can move fast in some cities, especially where classic rock and prog still fill arenas, so if Yes are hitting your area and you even think you might want to go, it’s smart to lock in tickets early.
How it Started: The Story Behind the Success
Long before viral videos and streaming numbers, Yes were already building a cult around ambitious, fearless rock music.
The band launched in London in the late 1960s, when rock was starting to stretch beyond simple verse?chorus songs. Yes leaned all the way in – longer tracks, complex arrangements, harmonies stacked sky?high and lyrics that felt more like poetry than pop.
Through the 1970s, albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge turned them into one of the flagship bands of progressive rock. These records went Gold and Platinum in multiple territories, and songs such as "Roundabout" became essential listening for rock fans, musicians and audio nerds alike.
One of their big strengths has always been their live reputation. Even back then, Yes shows were known for being long, immersive and technically jaw?dropping – a kind of rock theatre that pushed what concerts could be.
Then came the 1980s shift. Instead of fading away, Yes pulled off something few classic prog bands ever managed: a full?on mainstream crossover. The album 90125 and its single "Owner of a Lonely Heart" exploded worldwide, topping charts in the US and beyond and scoring heavy MTV rotation. The band suddenly had a brand?new generation of fans and major pop success on top of their prog legacy.
Over the decades, Yes have gone through multiple line?ups, reunions and evolutions. Some members came and went, new musicians stepped in, and the sound shifted with each era. But the core DNA stayed the same: big ideas, big songs, and a commitment to making rock that feels like an adventure rather than just a background playlist.
Today, they sit in that rare category of bands who are both heritage icons and still an active touring act. Classic albums continue to be reissued, live recordings keep dropping for collectors, and every new round of tour dates pulls in a mix of lifelong fans and first?timers.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Hype?
If you’re wondering whether Yes are just another "dad rock" band living on past glory, the fan reactions and live reviews say otherwise.
Here’s the reality:
- If you love huge, cinematic rock with long builds, emotional payoffs and wild musicianship, Yes are absolutely worth your time.
- If you’re more into short, two?minute TikTok?friendly songs, they might feel intense at first – but that’s also why they stand out.
- If you’re a musician or a gear nerd, seeing them live is like a masterclass in what a rock band can do on stage.
On social media, the consensus is clear: the current Yes live experience is a must?see while you still can. Fans talk about these shows like bucket?list events – the kind of concert you remember years later, not just another night out.
If you’re new, start with the obvious: "Owner of a Lonely Heart", "Roundabout" and a few live clips from recent tours. If those hit you, go deeper into full albums and then make the jump to seeing them in person.
And if you’re already a fan? You don’t need convincing. You just need a reminder to actually grab those tickets before they disappear.
Check the latest Yes tour dates and secure your seats now – because some bands you stream, and some bands you experience live. Yes firmly belong in the second category.
