An evening with the voice of Yes

NEWTOWN - Jon Anderson, the voice of super-group Yes, will perform at the Newton Theatre on Thursday, March 27, 2014.

Jon Anderson is one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock, as the lead vocalist and creative force behind Yes. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album "Fragile," as well as a series of epic, complex pieces such as "Awaken," "Gates of Delirium" and "Close to the Edge." all 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 had great success with a series of albums 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 self-titled debut album was released in 1969. Anderson stayed with the group until 1980. This period is now known as the classic period of Yes, which released 11 critically acclaimed albums. Anderson was a major creative force and band leader throughout the period, describing himself as the "team captain" and "catalyst." He was nicknamed "Napoleon" by his bandmates for his diminutive stature and leadership of the band.

Anderson rejoined a reformed Yes in 1983, and produced their most commercially successful album 90125 with newcomer Trevor Rabin. After a second album and several world tours, Anderson departed again in 1988, due to 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 the ballet "Ursprung" and reunited with former Yes mates.

Tickets for Jon Anderson are $59 for premium seating, $49 for orchestra and $39 for balcony seating. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.