Final Eyes

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the trippy vibes of "Final Eyes" by Yes from their 1987 album Big Generator, and the Zoo Freaks are totally digging it. This track, a deep cut from the album, has some cool stories behind it. In a 1988 interview with Keyboard Magazine, Tony Kaye, Yes’s keyboardist, shared that "Final Eyes" was one of the band’s attempts to blend their progressive rock roots with the slick, radio-friendly sound of the '80s. He mentioned the band spent weeks tweaking the synth layers to get that ethereal, almost spiritual vibe, which Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals amplify. The song’s lyrics, penned by Anderson, were inspired by a late-night jam session where he was riffing on themes of love and cosmic connection, according to a 1990 fan Q&A published in the Yes fan magazine Notes from the Edge. While it never hit the charts like "Owner of a Lonely Heart," it’s a fan favorite for its dreamy, uplifting feel.

Digging into the social media buzz, a 2020 post on the Yes official Facebook page celebrated the anniversary of Big Generator, with fans in the comments raving about "Final Eyes" as an underrated gem. One fan shared a story about hearing it live during the 1987 tour, describing how the band extended the instrumental outro, turning it into a 10-minute prog-rock odyssey. Over on Yes’s X account, a 2022 tweet mentioned that Trevor Rabin, the guitarist, used a custom-built guitar rig for the song’s shimmering arpeggios, which gave it that distinctive sparkle. The Yes Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks and other devotees, often swaps trivia about the track, like how it was almost left off the album due to producer Trevor Horn’s push for more commercial cuts, but Anderson fought to keep it in.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got started. Formed in London in 1968, the band came together when vocalist Jon Anderson met bassist Chris Squire at a Soho club. Both were hustling in the local music scene—Anderson singing in short-lived bands like The Warriors, and Squire playing in The Syn. They bonded over a shared love for complex harmonies and ambitious compositions, inspired by acts like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. According to a 2003 biography on YesFans.com, they recruited drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and guitarist Peter Banks, naming the band Yes after deciding it was short, punchy, and positive. Their early gigs at venues like The Marquee Club built a cult following, and by 1969, they dropped their self-titled debut album, blending jazzy rhythms with classical influences. The 1971 release of The Yes Album, with hits like "Yours Is No Disgrace," cemented their place in the prog-rock pantheon.

Yes’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. The band cycled through members like a psychedelic kaleidoscope, with iconic players like Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe joining in the '70s. Their official site, yesworld.com, details how albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge pushed boundaries with epic, multi-part suites. You can catch up with their latest news on Instagram, where they post throwback photos and tour updates, or join the conversation in fan spaces like YesFans.com, a treasure trove of discographies and concert reviews. The Yes Fans Facebook group is another hotspot for trading bootlegs and debating the best live versions of "Final Eyes." Whether you’re a Zoo Freak or a longtime prog nerd, Yes’s cosmic sound and rich history keep the vibes flowing.