Roundabout

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the psychedelic classic "Roundabout" by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe from their live album An Evening Of Yes Music Plus. This track, originally by Yes, was reimagined by ABWH during their 1989 performance at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, captured for a pay-per-view special. According to a 2018 post by @yesofficial, guitarist Steve Howe shared that the song’s creation began in a hotel room in Scotland, where he and Jon Anderson pieced together “tentative moments” of music. The band then fleshed out these ideas, with Howe noting significant input from the group to shape the iconic track. Its swirling, progressive energy and cryptic lyrics, like “Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there,” make it a perfect fit for our far-out Zoo Crew vibes.

Another juicy tidbit about "Roundabout" comes from its lyrical inspiration. Written by Jon Anderson and Steve Howe, the song was inspired by a drive through Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, with Anderson reflecting on circular road junctions—hence the title—and the mystical feeling of nature’s grandeur. The ABWH version, clocking in at 8:38 on the live album, showcases Rick Wakeman’s dazzling keyboard flourishes and Bill Bruford’s dynamic drumming, giving it a fresh, live intensity. Fans on the Progressive Ears forum have praised this performance, though some note the electronic drums add an ‘80s flavor that’s both nostalgic and divisive. It’s a track that transports you, Zoo Freaks, straight to the heart of prog rock’s golden era.

Now, let’s rewind to how Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe came to be. Formed in 1988, ABWH was a reunion of four Yes alumni—vocalist Jon Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford—joined by bassist Tony Levin. Anderson, feeling creatively stifled by Yes’s pop-oriented direction in the ‘80s, sparked the project after leaving the band. He spent the summer of 1988 on the Greek island of Hydra, writing with Vangelis, before reconnecting with Howe in London. Howe brought ideas like the chorus of “Brother of Mine,” and soon Wakeman and Bruford were on board. They recorded their self-titled album in Montserrat, unable to use the Yes name due to legal issues with bassist Chris Squire, who owned the rights. Their 1989 album hit No. 14 in the UK and No. 30 in the US, proving their prog prowess was still alive.

ABWH’s journey wasn’t without drama. A 1989 lawsuit from Yes tried to block them from referencing their Yes heritage, but a U.S. court ruled in their favor, allowing them to promote their tour as An Evening of Yes Music, Plus. The tour, featuring epic performances like the one on the live album, was a hit with fans, spawning two live records. By 1991, ABWH merged back into Yes for the Union album, but their brief run left a lasting mark. Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into their legacy on the official Yes website, which covers ABWH’s history, or follow Yes on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.

For more fan-fueled fun, check out individual member pages like Jon Anderson’s website, Facebook, and Instagram, or Bill Bruford’s website and Facebook. Rick Wakeman’s site and Facebook, plus Steve Howe’s website and Facebook, are goldmines for prog nerds. Zoo Freaks can also join the Yes Fans Facebook group or browse Progressive Ears for lively discussions about ABWH and Yes. Keep spinning those cosmic vibes, Zoo Crew!