Yes are still blowing minds in 2026: Tour dates, prog-rock epics & why the legends won’t quit
18.01.2026 - 09:47:49
Yes are the band your parents swore changed everything – and now they are proving it live all over again. If you think classic rock is just background noise, this is your wake-up call.
The prog legends are back with a fresh tour concept, deep-cut setlists, and a fanbase that’s loudly saying one thing: you have to see this live experience at least once in your life.
Whether you know them from "Roundabout" memes, anime edits using "Owner of a Lonely Heart", or your dad’s vinyl wall, Yes in 2026 are a must-see combo of nostalgia, insane musicianship, and fan-service for the ages.
On Repeat: The Latest Hits & Vibes
Yes aren’t a TikTok single-driven act, but their streaming hits tell you exactly where to start if you are new – or where to hit replay if you are already hooked.
- "Roundabout" – The unofficial gateway drug. That iconic bass intro, the swirling keys, the acoustic breakdowns… this is the track dominating playlists, anime edits, and "this is what real musicians sound like" threads. The vibe: epic road-trip energy with zero skips.
- "Owner of a Lonely Heart" – Their 80s viral hit that still crushes radio and YouTube numbers. Shorter, punchier, more pop-focused, with those instantly recognizable "whoomp" samples. The vibe: stadium-rock swagger meets synth-heavy MTV nostalgia.
- "Starship Trooper" / "And You and I" (live versions) – Among die-hards, the long-form epics are having a real moment again, especially in high-quality live uploads. The vibe: slow-build emotional journeys, huge payoffs, and goosebump finales that hit even harder on stage.
On Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, you will see these tracks dominating the monthly listener charts, surrounded by deep cuts like "Long Distance Runaround", "I’ve Seen All Good People", and "Heart of the Sunrise". It is pure prog flex – and the numbers prove there is still a massive appetite.
Social Media Pulse: Yes on TikTok
Old-school prog band on new-school platforms? Yes are quietly thriving there too. Live solos, crazy time-signature breakdowns, and emotional fan stories are all over your "For You" page if you know where to look.
Clips of monster drummer solos, laser-sharp guitar runs, and fans tearing up during "And You and I" are stacking likes. Younger users are discovering the band through memes and anime edits, then falling down the full-album rabbit hole.
Want to see what the fanbase is posting right now? Check out the hype here:
On Reddit, the mood is a mix of hype and heavy nostalgia. Long-time fans are ranking eras, debating line-ups, and posting deep-dive reviews of recent tours. New listeners are asking, "Where do I even start with Yes?" and getting detailed album roadmaps in response.
Overall sentiment: big respect for the legacy, surprise at how strong the current live band still sounds, and plenty of emotional posts from fans catching what might be their first – or last – Yes show.
Catch Yes Live: Tour & Tickets
This is where it gets real. Yes are not just a playlist band – they are a must-see live experience, and right now they are actively touring with a full-production show built for die-hards and curious new fans.
Recent and announced tours have focused on performing classic albums in full – especially the fan-worshipped "Fragile" and other 70s milestones – alongside a second set of greatest hits. Fans on forums and review sites call it "bucket list level" and "way more emotional than I expected".
The official hub for everything live – from fresh tour announcements to ticket links and VIP offers – is the band’s own site.
- Official live & tickets page: Get your tickets here on YesWorld.com
Line-ups can change over time – this is a band with a long, complex history – but the current live shows have been praised for tight arrangements, faithful recreations of the classics, and plenty of room for solos and extended sections. In other words: not a lazy nostalgia cash grab.
If there are no dates near you right now on the official page, that is it: there are currently no known upcoming concerts in your area. Do not trust random "leak" posters – always double-check with the official live section before you plan a trip.
Pro tip: join the band’s mailing list or follow them on official socials from the live page. Hardcore fans report presale links and early ticket drops landing there first.
How it Started: The Story Behind the Success
So how did Yes become one of the defining names in progressive rock?
Formed in London in the late 1960s, Yes originally built their reputation the hard way: relentless live gigs, wild musical ambition, and a refusal to keep songs under the radio-friendly three-minute mark. They mixed rock, classical, jazz, and psychedelic vibes into something that felt brand new.
The early 70s were the breakthrough era. Albums like "The Yes Album", "Fragile", and "Close to the Edge" turned them into arena-filling giants, with extended epics that pushed the limits of what a rock record could be. Tracks such as "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Heart of the Sunrise", and "Roundabout" became cult classics and then full-on rock standards.
Commercially, they scored multi–Gold and Platinum records across the US and UK. Critically, they became one of the core names linked with the word "prog" itself. Elaborate album covers, concept-heavy lyrics, and instrumental flexing became their signature.
In the 1980s, Yes pulled off one of rock’s most unexpected reinventions. With changes in the line-up and a modernized sound, they dropped "Owner of a Lonely Heart" – a sleek, hook-heavy single that slammed straight to the top of the US charts and gave them a new generation of fans through heavy MTV rotation.
Decades later, they are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and one of the few bands from that era that can still pack theaters and halls worldwide with multi-generational crowds: parents, kids, and even grandkids sharing one long prog-epic night out.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Hype?
If you are wondering whether Yes are still worth your time in 2026, the answer from fans, critics, and packed venues is the same: absolutely.
For new listeners, the move is simple: start with a playlist built around "Roundabout", "Owner of a Lonely Heart", "I’ve Seen All Good People", and "Starship Trooper". Then, when you are ready, dive into full albums like "Fragile" or "Close to the Edge" and let the long tracks do their thing.
For live music addicts, the real magic is still on stage. The current tours showcase decades of material, deep cuts for the obsessives, and big sing-along moments for casuals. Reviews highlight tight playing, emotional vocals, and that surreal feeling of watching songs older than you still bring a crowd to its feet.
And for long-time fans, every new tour feels a bit like a victory lap and a reunion rolled into one. The vibe in the fanbase right now is a mix of gratitude, nostalgia, and "you never know how many more tours we get, so go".
So if you have ever told yourself, "Yeah, I should probably see Yes once", this is your sign. Hit the official live page, check the dates, and lock it in:
Yes tickets – get them here before they are gone.
Because some bands you listen to. And some bands you experience. Yes are still very much the second kind.
