Arriving UFO

Zoo Freaks, get ready to blast off with the cosmic vibes of Arriving UFO by Yes from their 1978 album Tormato! This track is a wild ride, born from Jon Anderson’s fascination with extraterrestrial life after watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind twice. Anderson crafted the song’s core tune, aiming to capture a sci-fi essence, while Rick Wakeman layered in trippy keyboard effects, including those eerie “UFO sounds” that give the track its otherworldly pulse. In interviews, Wakeman admitted the song’s production was a bit of a mess, weighed down by his heavy Moog synthesizer chords, but he loved its quirky ambition. Critics, like those at Something Else!, have called it a polarizing piece—some fans dig its hippie-dream lyrics, while others find it overstays its welcome with a muddy vocal mix. Fun fact: the song’s ending features what some believe are sped-up vocals, adding to its bizarre charm, though Anderson’s never confirmed it!

Another tidbit from the Tormato sessions: the band was in a creative tug-of-war, with Anderson and Wakeman leaning toward dreamy, melodic vibes, while Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Alan White pushed for heavier, punchier sounds. Reddit fans on the r/yesband subreddit note that Arriving UFO embodies this awkward in-between, blending progressive rock with a quirky, almost pop-like energy. Despite mixed reviews, the song’s got a cult following among Zoo Freaks who vibe with its spacey narrative. Wakeman once shared on his X account that he’d love to remix Tormato, especially tracks like Arriving UFO, to polish its “unfulfilled potential.” The track’s live performances were rare, as Anderson struggled with its high notes, but bootlegs from the 1978–79 tour capture its raw, chaotic energy.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got their start. Formed in London in 1968, the band came together when vocalist Jon Anderson met bassist Chris Squire at a music club. Both were gigging with other groups but bonded over their love for complex harmonies and ambitious song structures. They recruited drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks, and keyboardist Tony Kaye, naming the band Yes after deciding it was short, snappy, and memorable. Their early gigs at venues like the Marquee Club built a buzz, blending covers with original prog-rock epics. By 1969, they released their self-titled debut album, but it was 1971’s The Yes Album and 1972’s Fragile that skyrocketed them to fame, with hits like Roundabout. Steve Howe replaced Banks, and Rick Wakeman joined, cementing their classic lineup. Despite lineup changes—Wakeman and Anderson left after Tormato but later returned—Yes became prog-rock legends, known for their intricate compositions and mystical lyrics.

Stay connected with Yes through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can dive deeper at Yesfans, a dedicated fan site with forums buzzing about everything from Tormato trivia to setlist predictions. Join the Yes Fans Facebook group to swap stories with fellow prog enthusiasts or check out ProgArchives for detailed discography breakdowns. Zoo Freaks, keep spinning those cosmic grooves and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more prog-rock magic!