Heart of the Sunrise

The Zoo Crew is spinning the epic track Heart of the Sunrise by Yes, from their groundbreaking 1971 album Fragile, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This 10:34-minute progressive rock masterpiece, closing out Side B of the album, was crafted by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, and Chris Squire. In an interview with Songfacts, Jon Anderson highlighted it as one of his favorite Yes compositions, emphasizing its design for live performances. He noted that Yes aimed to create music that captivated audiences on stage, with Heart of the Sunrise embodying their ambition to push boundaries by 1971, crafting longer, theatrical pieces that stretched the limits of rock. The song’s dynamic shifts and intricate instrumentation, blending Squire’s driving basslines, Bruford’s complex rhythms, and Rick Wakeman’s soaring keyboards, made it a staple of their live shows, electrifying listeners.

Another layer of trivia comes from social media, where @yesofficial celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fragile on X in 2021, quoting guitarist Steve Howe: “What we were making was high-class new music.” This ethos shines through in Heart of the Sunrise, which Howe discussed in a 2024 Rolling Stone interview, reflecting on the band’s fearless experimentation. Fans on X, like user @Groove71749969, have also shared their love, calling Fragile their favorite Yes album for its playful spirit, with Heart of the Sunrise often cited for its dramatic intensity. The song’s creation was a bold step for Yes, aligning with their goal to merge classical influences with rock, making it a defining moment in their early career.

Yes began in London in 1968, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The two met at a Soho club, bonding over their love for harmony-driven bands like Simon & Garfunkel and a vision to fuse rock with classical and jazz elements. They recruited drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks, and keyboardist Tony Kaye, debuting with their self-titled album in 1969. Their sound evolved with 1970’s Time and a Word, but it was the addition of guitarist Steve Howe and later Rick Wakeman for Fragile that catapulted them to fame. According to their official biography, Yes’s commitment to intricate compositions and virtuosic performances set them apart in the progressive rock scene, earning them a global following. Their early gigs in small venues honed their theatrical style, laying the groundwork for iconic albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge.

Fans can stay connected with Yes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, archival content, and reflections on their legacy. The band’s official website, yesworld.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and detailed band history. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The YesFans Facebook group is a vibrant hub where enthusiasts discuss albums, share rare live recordings, and celebrate tracks like Heart of the Sunrise. Another fan site, yesfans.com, provides forums, news, and fan reviews, fostering a space for diehard supporters to connect. These platforms keep the spirit of Yes alive, echoing the passion of the Zoo Crew and their listeners.