Jon Davison on Singing YES Classics, Fragile at 50, and the Future of Progressive Rock
There are very few bands in rock history that can truly be described as pioneers — artists who didn’t just follow a genre but helped create it. Yes are undoubtedly one of those rare groups.
For more than five decades their music has pushed the boundaries of progressive rock, blending virtuosity, imagination and a willingness to evolve.
In a recent episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I spoke with the current YES vocalist Jon Davison, who joined the band in 2012. What makes Jon’s position particularly fascinating is this: he was born in 1971 — the same year YES released the landmark album Fragile.
Now, decades later, he finds himself performing that very album live on stage in its entirety.
Our conversation explored what it feels like to sing these legendary songs, how he first discovered the band, and why YES continue to look forward creatively rather than simply living in the past.
Discovering YES: An Unexpected Gateway
Jon’s first exposure to YES wasn’t through their early progressive masterpieces, but through the band’s 1980s era.
As a teenager in California, he discovered the band through the hit single “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”
From there, curiosity led him backwards through their catalogue.
“I knew that side of YES that I really dug, but I wanted to go back and explore what influenced the artists who influenced me.”
Articles in music magazines mentioning the band’s earlier work — particularly Fragile — encouraged him to dive deeper into their 1970s material.
At first, he admits the music sounded almost alien compared to the contemporary rock he was listening to at the time.
But its power and originality quickly won him over.
From Fan to Centre Stage
At the time, Jon could never have imagined where that discovery would lead.
“Not for this California kid living on the west coast of the United States… England felt very far away.”
And yet today he finds himself sharing stages with progressive rock legends including Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White during his time with the band.
Stepping into the role once held by Jon Anderson could have been daunting. But Davison says the support from the band — and his deep knowledge of the catalogue — helped him settle in quickly.
“I was the nerd reminding them how great they were… I knew the music inside out.”
Performing Fragile Live
One of the highlights of the current tour is the band performing Fragile in full.
The album opens with one of YES’s most recognisable songs — “Roundabout.” Traditionally an encore moment, its placement at the start of the album set creates a powerful moment on stage.
Jon describes the reaction when those opening harmonics begin:
“You hear a pin drop. Everyone recognises it instantly. It’s a really dramatic moment.”
Despite having performed the song many times, Davison still goes back to the original album recording before shows.
“I want to reference that original feeling… the goosebumps I had when I first heard it.”
Interpreting the Music of Jon Anderson
Taking on songs originally sung by Jon Anderson requires a delicate balance.
Davison explains that he tries to honour the spirit of the original performances while still bringing his own voice and passion to the music.
“It’s important not to just be a copycat. You bring your own passion to it, but you also respect what he originally created.”
This blend of reverence and individuality is key to keeping the music alive.
Singing the Classics vs Writing New Music
Alongside performing the band’s classic catalogue, Davison has also contributed to new YES material.
When performing songs he helped write — such as “Circles of Time” — the experience feels different.
“There’s something thrilling about leading a song that’s your own creation on stage.”
Yet he admits the audience’s love for the classic material remains undeniable.
And he embraces that connection wholeheartedly.
A Band Still Moving Forward
Despite the weight of their legacy, YES are far from a nostalgia act.
According to Davison, the driving force behind the band’s creativity remains guitarist Steve Howe.
“Steve is incredibly driven… he’s like someone half his age.”
The band have already completed a new studio album, scheduled for release soon, and Davison promises that it will explore new musical directions while maintaining continuity with recent releases.
“I don’t want to just be the guy who replaced Jon Anderson. I want to keep developing as an artist.”
The Spirit of Progressive Rock
For me, progressive rock has always been about the unknown — about allowing music to surprise you.
And YES continue to embody that spirit.
Yes, their history is extraordinary. But what makes them special is their refusal to stand still.
New members, new music, new interpretations — all part of the continuing journey.
As Jon Davison himself put it, progressive music should always push boundaries.
And YES are still doing exactly that.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
