Exclusive: Jon Anderson Reveals Plans for His Upcoming Album
Jon Anderson enthusiasts eagerly anticipating a new album from the artist in collaboration with the Band Geeks will soon have their wishes granted. In an exclusive interview with UCR, Jon Anderson reveals that he is diligently working on his upcoming record, set for release in the latter part of 2026.
The celebrated former Yes frontman and songwriter, a pivotal founding member of the iconic progressive rock band, commenced touring with the Band Geeks back in 2023. Deftly named, the ensemble boasts Blue Oyster Cult’s Richie Castellano as its musical director, and Anderson quickly discovered that they possessed a profound knowledge and skill in performing Yes’s extensive repertoire, encompassing even the most intricate compositions from the group’s catalog.
Following suit in 2024, “True” materialized, serving as a beacon for Yes enthusiasts everywhere. Melding the finest elements from Yes’s storied discography, the album intertwined classic Yes motifs with nuances reminiscent of works from albums like “90125” and “Big Generator,” often weaving these influences within a single track.
This musical endeavor echoes sentiments shared by Anderson in a prior interview in 2018, where he articulated his aspirations to ascend to the proverbial mountaintop once more and craft a magnum opus akin to a transcendent Yes album. Reflecting upon his journey with the Band Geeks and the creation of “True,” Anderson expressed a sense of fulfillment in realizing his artistic vision, ushering him towards the zenith of his creative expression.
The genesis of Jon Anderson’s forthcoming album commenced with a serendipitous encounter with the Band Geeks. Recalling the first time he witnessed them perform “Heart of the Sunrise,” he was duly impressed by their musical prowess and camaraderie. Seizing the opportunity, Anderson reached out to Castellano, leading to the formation of a harmonious partnership that culminated in a transformative tour and the subsequent creation of their album.
Featuring more opulent Anderson compositions, “Counties and Countries” and the expansive “Once Upon a Dream,” exceeding the 16-minute mark, “True” epitomized a musical odyssey for Anderson. Delving into the intricate process of crafting “Once Upon a Dream,” Anderson expounds upon the creative journey of molding diverse musical motifs into a cohesive piece, evoking a sense of awe and wonder akin to witnessing a flower blossom.
As Anderson and the Band Geeks embark on the creation of their next musical offering, the anticipation for another masterpiece builds. Their collaborative synergy and shared musical passion promise to deliver an extraordinary album that will captivate audiences across the globe and solidify Anderson’s standing as a venerated musical maestro.