Circus of Heaven

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as we spin "Circus of Heaven" by Yes from their 1978 album Tormato here at THE ZOO! This track is a fantastical journey, penned by Jon Anderson, inspired by a Ray Bradbury novel he read a decade earlier. The song paints a vivid picture of a mystical circus visiting a Midwestern town, complete with unicorns, centaurs, elves, and fairies. It’s a quirky, utopian vision that some fans adore for its whimsical charm, while others find it a bit out of place on a Yes album. One Reddit user on the r/yesband subreddit called it “an incredibly strange song” that “continues to baffle listeners,” yet admitted it’s not outright terrible, highlighting its unique progression. Another fan on Progressive Ears praised its “fantastical story and quirky delivery,” noting it was a highlight when Jon’s son, Damion, joined him on stage during the 1978 tour in New York City.

The song’s production has sparked plenty of chatter. Circus of Heaven, a fan site, recounts how the album’s original title, Yes Tor, morphed into Tormato after Rick Wakeman, frustrated with the lackluster artwork by Hipgnosis, hurled a tomato at it. The band, in a moment of irony, kept the splattered image and renamed the album. Critics, like Steve Pond in the Los Angeles Times, compared “Circus of Heaven” to the fantasy film 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, but noted it was overwhelmed by “studio trickery and sound effects.” On Last.fm, fans debate the track’s reggae-like undertones, which some argue were a failed attempt at the genre. The song’s outro features Damion Anderson’s voice, which has polarized listeners—some find it endearing, while others, like a Progressive Ears poster, called it “incredibly annoying.”

Yes formed in London in 1968, a brainchild of Jon Anderson and Chris Squire. The band, rounded out by Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, and Bill Bruford, started as a cover act, blending rock, pop, blues, and jazz. Their early gigs at venues like the Marquee Club caught attention, and by 1969, they released their self-titled debut album. A shift toward progressive rock in 1970, with Steve Howe replacing Banks and Rick Wakeman joining later, led to iconic albums like The Yes Album and Fragile. Their elaborate live shows, featuring Roger Dean’s surreal artwork and complex compositions, cemented their status as prog rock pioneers. Despite lineup changes and internal strife, Yes’s innovative spirit kept them pushing boundaries, as seen in the experimental Tormato.

Stay connected with Yes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and tour updates. Fans can dive deeper at YesWorld, the official fan hub, or join discussions on the Yes Fans Facebook Group and r/yesband subreddit. For more on “Circus of Heaven,” check out Circus of Heaven, a dedicated fan site. Keep it groovy, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the cosmic vibes flowing!