Birthright

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Birthright" by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe from their live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus. This track, pulled from their 1989 self-titled studio album, carries a heavy message wrapped in lush progressive rock vibes. According to songwriting credits, "Birthright" was inspired by the British nuclear tests at Maralinga, Australia, during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting on the impact on indigenous lands and people. The lyrics, like “This place is theirs, by their birthright,” speak to themes of colonial consequences and human connection to the earth, which totally resonates with our free-spirited Zoo Crew ethos. Fun fact: guitarist Steve Howe revealed in a 2021 interview that the song incorporates material he co-wrote with Max Bacon for their band Nerotrend, giving it a unique blend of influences that make it stand out in the ABWH catalog.

Another cool tidbit comes from the live performance captured on An Evening Of Yes Music Plus, recorded at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in California on September 9, 1989. Reviewers at Louder noted that "Birthright" shines in its live form, with a more pronounced acoustic feel compared to the studio version’s late '80s production. Bassist Jeff Berlin, who stepped in for Tony Levin due to illness, brought a fresh energy to the track, making it a highlight of the concert. Fans on ProgArchives have also praised the song’s seamless integration with Yes classics like "And You And I," showing how ABWH carried the spirit of their former band despite legal battles over the Yes name. The Zoo Crew loves how this song’s live energy feels like a cosmic jam session, perfect for our Zoo Freaks to vibe with.

Let’s dive into how Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe came to be. The band formed in 1988 when Jon Anderson, feeling creatively stifled by Yes’s pop-oriented direction in the '80s, decided to reconnect with his classic Yes bandmates from the early 1970s: Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford. Anderson, who’d been with Yes since its 1968 inception, sparked the idea while writing with Vangelis in Greece, according to band history. He met Howe in London, where they hashed out ideas, including the seeds of "Birthright" and "Brother of Mine." Bruford, fresh from King Crimson, brought along bassist Tony Levin, and the quartet recorded their album in Paris, Montserrat, and New York, aiming to recapture the progressive magic of Yes’s golden era. Despite being barred from using the Yes name due to bassist Chris Squire owning the rights, ABWH’s 1989 album and tour were a hit, proving their musical chemistry was still electric.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to follow the legacy of ABWH, check out their official presence through Yes’s channels, as the band was a side project of Yes members. Visit the official website at YesWorld for tour updates and history. You can also connect on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest Yes-related news, which often nods to ABWH’s contributions. Individual members have their own sites too: Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe, with their respective Facebook, Facebook, Facebook, and Facebook pages. For fan communities, ProgArchives is a great spot for ABWH discussions, and the Yes Fans Facebook group is buzzing with love for ABWH’s work. Join the conversation and keep the progressive spirit alive, Zoo Freaks!