Don’t Kill the Whale

The Zoo Crew is spinning Don't Kill the Whale by Yes from their 1978 album Tormato, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some wild vibes and stories! This song stands out as one of the band’s most direct messages, a funky protest anthem against whaling that hit No. 36 on the UK Singles Chart. According to Prog Archives, it was born from a bass line by Chris Squire and an acoustic guitar riff he shared with Jon Anderson, who wove in lyrics from a poem he’d written about protecting whales. Fans on Prog Archives rave about Steve Howe’s fluid guitar solo and Rick Wakeman’s Moog synth that mimics whale cries—pretty cosmic, right? But not everyone was on board; some fans felt the lyrics were a bit naive for Yes’s usual mystical style, and the song’s punky energy clashed with their prog roots. Still, it’s a bold eco-statement, and as one X post from @Keef_B_1 shared, it’s catchy enough to stick in your head all day after hearing it in a record shop!

Another cool tidbit comes from the album’s chaotic production. Tormato was recorded in 1978 when prog rock was losing steam, and Yes was caught between pleasing their old fans and chasing radio play. The band produced it themselves after their longtime engineer Eddy Offord bailed, leading to a rushed, sometimes muddy sound. Steve Howe later admitted in his memoir All My Yesterdays that the band struggled to perform many Tormato tracks live, with songs like this one rarely revisited after the tour. The single’s B-side, Abilene, was a Howe composition that some fans, per Prog Archives, thought could’ve fit the album better than other tracks. Plus, the song got a nod in a Finnish high school English lesson alongside a Steve Howe interview, as mentioned on Pienemmat Purot, turning some teens into instant Yes fans!

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got rolling. Formed in London in 1968, the band came together when singer Jon Anderson met bassist Chris Squire at a Soho club. Both were gigging in local bands, with Anderson in The Warriors and Squire in The Syn. They bonded over their love for harmony-heavy groups like Simon & Garfunkel and started jamming with drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks, and keyboardist Tony Kaye. Their early gigs at venues like The Marquee Club built a buzz, blending covers with original songs. By 1969, they’d signed with Atlantic Records and dropped their self-titled debut, kicking off their symphonic prog legacy. Over the years, Yes became known for epic tracks like Close to the Edge and lineup changes—17 musicians total, with Steve Howe and Alan White as long-time anchors. Their mystical lyrics and elaborate live shows made them prog rock pioneers, selling nearly 50 million albums worldwide.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Yes on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For fan communities, check out Prog Archives for deep dives and reviews, or join the Yes Fans Facebook Group to connect with other devotees. There’s also YesFans.com, a forum packed with tour news and album discussions. So, crank up Don’t Kill the Whale, dig those whale-saving grooves, and let’s keep the prog spirit alive!